TGA to PDB Converter

Simple TGA to PDB converter — use your browser

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Works Everywhere

Phone, tablet, laptop, desktop — the TGA to PDB converter runs on any device with a modern browser. No platform restrictions.

Compact Results

TGA files are often uncompressed and large. Converting to PDB typically produces a much smaller file while preserving quality.

Format Versatility

Beyond PDB, Convertio supports dozens of output formats for your TGA files. One tool handles all your conversion needs.

How to convert TGA to PDB

1

Select files from Computer, Google Drive, Dropbox, URL or by dragging it on the page.

2

Choose pdb or any other format you need as a result (more than 200 formats supported)

3

Let the file convert and you can download your pdb file right afterwards

About formats

TGA (Truevision Graphics Adapter, also known as TARGA) is a raster image format created by Truevision in 1984 for their line of display adapter cards designed for IBM PC compatibles. The format stores pixel data in a straightforward structure: an 18-byte header specifying dimensions, color depth, and image descriptor flags, optional color map data, and the pixel array in either uncompressed or RLE-compressed form. TGA supports indexed color (8-bit with palette), true color (15-bit, 16-bit, 24-bit), and true color with alpha channel (32-bit), and was one of the first PC image formats to include per-pixel alpha transparency. The format became a staple of the professional graphics industry, widely adopted by video editing suites, 3D rendering software, and game development pipelines throughout the 1990s and 2000s. One advantage is native alpha channel support — TGA was one of the earliest formats offering full 8-bit alpha transparency per pixel, making it the standard output format for 3D renderers and compositing software where layered transparency is essential. The simple, well-documented structure is another strength: TGA files are quick to parse and write, with no complex metadata or container overhead, valued in real-time applications and game engines where loading speed matters. While PNG has largely replaced TGA for general use, the format persists in game development, texture pipelines, and 3D rendering workflows where its simplicity and alpha support remain advantageous.
Developer: Truevision
Initial release: 1984
PDB (Palm Database) is a generic database container format created by Palm, Inc. for the Palm OS platform, first appearing with the original PalmPilot in March 1996. In the ebook context, PDB files most commonly use the PalmDOC or Plucker encoding to store readable text with basic formatting. The format consists of a 78-byte header identifying the database name, creation date, and record count, followed by a record index table and the data records themselves. PalmDOC-encoded PDB files use a simple LZ77-based compression scheme to pack plain text efficiently, while Plucker extends this with HTML rendering, image support, and hyperlink navigation. PDB ebooks powered a thriving mobile reading ecosystem years before dedicated e-readers existed — millions of Palm OS users carried entire libraries on devices like the Palm V, Tungsten, and Treo handhelds. A primary advantage is extreme simplicity: the flat record structure and minimal overhead mean PDB files parse instantly even on severely constrained hardware with limited memory and processing power. The open, well-documented structure is another strength, having spawned numerous reader applications across Palm OS, Windows, and later mobile platforms. Though the Palm platform is long discontinued, PDB ebooks remain accessible through conversion tools and readers like Calibre, and the format holds historical significance as one of the earliest practical mobile ebook solutions.
Developer: Palm, Inc.
Initial release: March 1996

Frequently Asked Questions

Why convert TGA to PDB?

TGA preserves alpha channels well, but for web delivery you need PDB, which offers broader compatibility.

What programs open PDB files?

Palm device software, ImageMagick, and PDB document readers open Palm bitmap images

Are colors preserved in the TGA to PDB conversion?

Color information transfers accurately to PDB. The converter maintains the original color profile as closely as the target format allows.

What platforms support the TGA to PDB converter?

Any device with a web browser — Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS, iOS, and Android. No app installation is needed.

Is TGA to PDB conversion free on Convertio?

Standard TGA to PDB conversions are free. Premium plans add batch processing, larger uploads, and priority conversion speed for heavy workflows.

Are uploaded TGA files stored permanently?

No. Source files are deleted immediately after processing, and converted outputs are purged from servers within 24 hours automatically.