XPM to TGA Converter

Migrate XPM bitmaps to TGA format online and for free

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Modern Format Output

TGA provides lossless format popular in game development and video editing — a significant upgrade over the legacy XPM format for everyday image use and sharing.

Any Device Works

Convert XPM to TGA from Windows, macOS, Linux, or mobile — the browser-based tool adapts to any screen size and operating system.

Simple Interface

Three steps to convert: upload your XPM, select TGA, and download. The clean interface makes the process intuitive even for first-time users.

How to convert XPM to TGA

1

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

2

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

3

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

About formats

XPM (X PixMap) is a color image format for the X Window System, developed by Arnaud Le Hors at GROUPE BULL beginning in 1989 as the color successor to the monochrome XBM format. Like XBM, XPM files are valid C source code — each file defines the image as a static array of character strings, where the header strings specify width, height, number of colors, and characters per pixel, the color definition strings map character codes to color values (supporting X11 color names, hexadecimal RGB, and symbolic color types like 'background' and 'foreground'), and the pixel strings encode each row as a sequence of character codes that index the color palette. This ASCII art representation makes XPM images human-readable: one can often see the image content directly in the text of the source file. The format went through three revisions: XPM1 (1989, compatible with X10), XPM2 (simplified syntax), and XPM3 (1991, the current version with the static char* syntax and extended color specification). XPM was the standard format for X Window application icons, splash screens, pixmap buttons, and themed UI elements throughout the 1990s and 2000s. One advantage is the combined benefits of being a valid C source file and a color image: XPM files can be compiled into applications, edited in any text editor, processed by text tools, and version-controlled, while supporting up to 256 colors with transparency (using the 'None' color keyword). The X11 ecosystem's reliance on XPM ensures broad tool support. XPM files are handled by all X11 toolkits, ImageMagick, GIMP, and web browsers (legacy support).
Initial release: 1989
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

Frequently Asked Questions

Why convert XPM to TGA?

XPM is tied to X11/Linux desktops. Switching to TGA gives you lossless format popular in game development and video editing and broad support across platforms, browsers, and devices.

How do I open a TGA file?

Software that handles TGA includes Photoshop, GIMP, IrfanView, game development tools — giving you options on every major operating system.

How long does XPM to TGA conversion take?

Most XPM to TGA conversions complete within a few seconds. The lightweight nature of XPM images means fast processing times.

Are my uploaded files kept private?

Yes — your XPM files are deleted immediately after processing. The resulting TGA files are also removed from servers within 24 hours.

Is XPM to TGA conversion free?

Standard conversions are available for free on Convertio. Larger volumes or higher usage may benefit from a premium plan for additional capacity.

Can I convert multiple XPM files to TGA at once?

Yes — upload several XPM files in one session and Convertio processes them all into TGA simultaneously, saving you time.