Convert JPG to TGA Online & Free

Use our fast and secure JPG to TGA converter to effortlessly convert JPG to TGA online for free, preserving color depth and transparency with high-quality results and no software needed, perfect for designers, gamers, and anyone who needs reliable TGA images in seconds.

More online JPG converters to transform your images

Want more ways to convert your images beyond our JPG to TGA converter? Explore our fast, free tools to change JPG into PNG, WEBP, PDF, and more—quick, simple, and high quality.

Frequently Asked Questions about converting JPG to TGA

Find quick answers to common questions about converting JPG to TGA. Below, we cover what the formats are, how to convert them safely, tips for best quality, and how to fix frequent issues. Use this guide to convert your images fast and with confidence.

What’s the difference between JPG and TGA files?

JPG (or JPEG) is a widely used image format that applies lossy compression, which significantly reduces file size but can introduce compression artifacts. It supports 24-bit color and is ideal for photos and web use where small files and broad compatibility matter. JPG does not support transparency and repeated saves can degrade quality.

TGA (TARGA) is a format favored in graphics, game development, and VFX because it supports lossless storage and an alpha channel for transparency (32-bit). Files are typically much larger than JPG and less common for everyday use, but they preserve exact pixel data, making TGA better for workflows that require high fidelity and transparency.

Will converting JPG to TGA preserve image quality or introduce artifacts?

Converting a JPG to TGA will not restore lost quality; any compression artifacts already present in the JPG (like blockiness or banding) will remain. The TGA itself is typically lossless, so it won’t add new compression artifacts during the conversion.

However, if you change settings (e.g., color depth, alpha channel handling) during export, you could introduce differences such as color shifts or banding from reduced bit depth. For best results, keep the highest available color depth and avoid unnecessary processing to prevent additional visible issues.

Can I keep transparency when converting JPG to TGA?

Short answer: No. A JPG file never contains an alpha channel, so there’s no transparency data to preserve when converting to TGA. If your source is JPG, the converted TGA will be fully opaque unless you manually add transparency afterward.

If you need transparency in a TGA, start from a format that supports an alpha channel—like PNG, HEIF/HEIC, or WebP—then convert to a 32-bit TGA to keep the alpha. Otherwise, you’ll have to recreate transparency by masking or editing after conversion.

What color depth options are available for TGA output (8-bit, 24-bit, 32-bit with alpha)?

We support TGA exports in three color depths: 8-bit (typically paletted or grayscale), 24-bit (true color, RGB), and 32-bit with alpha (RGBA). Choose 8-bit for small file sizes, 24-bit for full-color images without transparency, and 32-bit when you need transparency.

When selecting 32-bit, the alpha channel is preserved if present; otherwise it’s set to fully opaque. If your source lacks an alpha channel and you don’t need transparency, use 24-bit to save space; for simple grayscale or palette-based images, pick 8-bit for maximum efficiency.

How large will my TGA file be compared to the original JPG?

A TGA file is typically much larger than a JPG because JPG uses heavy lossy compression while TGA is usually uncompressed or only lightly compressed; expect increases of roughly 5× to 20× (e.g., a 1 MB JPG might become 5–20 MB TGA), depending on image dimensions, color depth (24-bit vs 32-bit with alpha), and JPG compression level—larger images and alpha channels make TGAs even bigger.

Are metadata and ICC color profiles retained in the TGA output?

Short answer: no. The TGA format does not natively support standard image metadata fields (EXIF, XMP) or embedded ICC color profiles. As a result, when exporting to TGA, those data are typically not retained.

If color management matters, be aware that TGA will usually be treated as device-agnostic RGB without an embedded ICC profile. Colors may appear slightly different across apps or displays because there’s no profile to guide interpretation.

Workarounds: keep a sidecar copy of your metadata/ICC, or choose a format that preserves them (e.g., PNG, TIFF, or JPEG with embedded profiles). If you must use TGA, convert your image to the desired working space first to minimize color shifts.

Does the converter support batch conversion of multiple JPGs to TGA?

Yes, the converter supports batch conversion of multiple JPG files to TGA; simply upload several images at once, adjust any desired settings, and start the process to convert them all in a single run.

Which programs or game engines are best for opening and using TGA files after conversion?

For general editing and viewing of converted TGA files, try Adobe Photoshop, GIMP (free), Krita (free), and Paint.NET (with TGA plugin). For 3D texturing and lookdev, Substance 3D Painter, Blender, and Marmoset Toolbag handle TGA well, including alpha channels and color management.

For game development, major engines natively support TGA: Unity, Unreal Engine, Godot, and CryEngine. Use them for sprites, UI, and textures; they preserve transparency and compress to runtime formats (e.g., DXT/BC, ASTC) on import. If you need lightweight viewers or batch tools, consider IrfanView or XnView MP.

Other file converters

Convert HEIFConvert IPYNB