Convert TGA to POTM in C# .NET

What is TGA file format?

TGA (Targa) is an image file format created as a raster graphics language for use with computers and other electronic devices. It was first developed in 1984 byTruevision Inc. (then called Truevision, Inc.). TGA files are defined by the Truevision TGA file specification and support both uncompressed and compressed (RLE) versions of the TGA format. The format supports color depths of 8, 16, 24, or 32 bits and is most commonly used in non-animated images such as digital photos, textures, backgrounds, and screen captures. TGA files can also be used to store animations. TGA files are often used in 3D graphics applications such as 3D Studio Max, Lightwave, and Blender. They are also popular for archiving and transferring textures between graphics programs and are used in games and commercial design applications. TGA files are often used in video editing and post-production. TGA is also useful for storing data in a file structure, as it allows for well-defined color palettes and transparency. Its lack of compression makes it more suitable for textures and other applications where pixel-by-pixel accuracy is important. It can also be used in applications where true color is needed with minimal file size, for example for uses in the printing industry.

What is POTM file format?

A POTM file refers to a macro-enabled presentation template created using Microsoft PowerPoint, a software program used for creating slide show presentations. It includes default images, slide templates, macros, and formatting. POTM files are commonly used by PowerPoint users to create multiple .PPTM files with consistent designs and macro settings.

POTM files offer additional functionality compared to typical presentation files, as they support macros. Macros are script-like functions that automate repetitive tasks within PowerPoint. Users can record macros that can be replayed to perform specific actions and assign them to buttons or keystrokes for convenient execution. To record a macro, users can select View → Macros in PowerPoint.

For general presentation creation, users can save their files as .PPTX or .POTX files. However, if they want to create a template that incorporates macros, they can save their presentation as a POTM file.

It’s worth noting that POTM files were introduced by Microsoft when they released Microsoft Office 2007.

To open a POTM file, Microsoft PowerPoint (2007 or later) is the recommended application for full support of presentation formatting and embedded macros on both Windows and macOS. Alternative applications like Apache OpenOffice Impress, Kingsoft Presentation, and Apple Keynote can also open POTM files, but some formatting and macros may not be fully preserved. For Mac users looking to view a POTM file without editing, Apple Preview (bundled with macOS) or Google Drive, a free cloud storage service, can be used.

Online platforms like Google Slides allow users to upload POTM files for viewing, editing, and conversion. However, it’s important to note that Google Slides does not support macros.

To convert a POTM file, various presentation applications including Microsoft PowerPoint, Apple Keynote, and OpenOffice Impress offer conversion capabilities. In Microsoft PowerPoint for Windows and Mac, users can select File → Save As and choose from formats such as .PPTX, .PPT, .PDF, .ODP, .XPS, .MP4, .WMV, .JPEG, and .PNG to convert the POTM file to their desired format.