How to view images. Photo Viewers: Which is Best? Multifunctional image viewers

Now let's see what to use to view images on a computer, and choose the best photo viewers for Windows. The best photo viewer is a subjective concept, so in this article I will offer several applications that can be used to open popular graphic formats for viewing and processing images.

Any user, when working on a computer, inevitably encounters pictures, images, photographs. In any case, graphic format files will end up on your computer, so you will need a program to open and view them. Therefore, you need a photo viewer on your computer to easily view digital images.

Windows 10 has a built-in Photos application, with which you can open a graphic file, create an album, make the necessary changes to photos, etc. In previous versions of Windows, the Windows Image Viewer application was used. The user can install Windows Picture Viewer in Windows 10, in addition to the Photos program, read more about this.

There is a free Photo Gallery application included with the core components of Windows Live. The photo album supports opening and editing photos. The program must be installed on your computer (it is not included in the OS). Read more about Windows Live Photo Album in this article.

In addition to Microsoft applications, a large number of third-party programs have been created for viewing and editing images. In this article we will look at the best free image viewer programs that have many additional built-in tools for working with graphic file formats.

Third-party photo viewers (viewers) can be used on your computer as an alternative to standard Windows tools. As the best free image viewer programs, I recommend paying attention to the following programs: FastStone Image Viewer, XnView, IrfanView, Ashampoo Photo Commander Free, Honeyview. These programs run in Russian on the Windows operating system.

These applications, in addition to basic functions, have tools for image editing. For more serious picture editing, you will need another program - an image editor (photo).

The best photo viewers, in addition to the viewing function, have additional features necessary for working with images on a computer. The programs have built-in tools to perform various operations with digital photographs or any other images: rotate, resize, remove red-eye, swatch, color correction, convert to other formats, send for printing, etc.

The free Picasa program (which would have been included in this review) was left out of the scope of this review due to the fact that Google stopped developing and supporting the application in 2016.

FastStone Image Viewer

FastStone Image Viewer is a powerful free program for viewing and processing images with a simple, intuitive interface. Built-in tools will help the user solve certain problems with photography: remove red-eye, change image size, apply color correction, convert files, etc.

A regular version of FastStone Image Viewer or a portable version of the program that does not require installation on a computer is available for download.

Key features of FastStone Image Viewer:

Opening graphic files of major formats.
Editing digital photos and graphic files.
A large number of built-in tools for working with images.
Batch file processing.
Batch conversion to another format.
Creating a slide show with transitions and effects.
Preview function.

XnView

XnView is a free program (for non-commercial use) for viewing images, multimedia files, and converting files to other formats. This is a high-quality program for managing photos on your computer. Thanks to the support of a large number of formats, in XnView, in addition to working with graphic files, for example, you can watch movies or listen to music.

The program has a simple interface, a large number of built-in tools, XnView will do an excellent job of processing and editing photos on a computer.

The user can download the regular or portable version of the application to the computer from the official XnView website.

Features of the XnView program:

Supports more than 500 formats.
Photo editing.
Applying filters and effects.
Screen capture.
Batch conversion.
Editing metadata.
Convert files to 70 file formats.
Supports viewing video and audio files, archives, documents.
Creating a slideshow.
Plugins are supported to expand the program's capabilities.

Details about the XnView program are written on my website.

IrfanView

IrfanView is a fast, free image viewer that consumes minimal computer resources. The program is one of the leaders in the number of downloads in the world for programs of this class. This indirect information tells us about the quality of the application, which is rated by users.

Download the IrfanView program from the official website. You can download the regular installation version of the application or the portable version of the program to your computer. To Russify the application, you will need to additionally download the Russian language file.

Main features of the IrfanView program:

Basic image editing functions.
Play audio and video files (using plugins).
Opening some text formats.
Taking screenshots (screenshots).
Batch renaming and converting files.
Creating a slideshow.
Support for plugins that significantly expand the functionality of the application.
Supports keyboard and command line operation.

Read a detailed article about the program on my website.

Ashampoo Photo Commander Free

Ashampoo Photo Commander Free is a free version of the Ashampoo Photo Commander program for viewing, editing and organizing photo storage on your computer. This is a powerful photo application with good functionality. With Ashampoo Photo Commander Free you can bring order to your digital photo collection.

Download Ashampoo Photo Commander Free from the official website to install on your computer.

Key features of Ashampoo Photo Commander Free:

Supports a large number of formats.
Organizing photo collections.
Creation of virtual photo albums.
Create slideshows with effects and transitions.
Record slide shows or photos to CD/DVD/Blu-ray disc.
Batch image processing.
Creation of collages, calendars, postcards.
Play video and audio files using the built-in player.

Honeyview is a free image viewer with a simple and intuitive interface. The program quickly opens graphic files, the application has tools for photo editing.

You can download it from the official website of the developer, as an installation file or as a portable version.

Honeyview program features:

Supports a large number of graphic formats.
RAW format support.
View images in archives.
View photos in slideshow mode.
Bookmark for favorite photos.
Support for GPS data on photos.

Conclusions of the article

The user can choose the best photo viewer running on Windows for their computer. Free programs: FastStone Image Viewer, XnView, IrfanView, Ashampoo Photo Commander Free, Honeyview, are among the best image viewers in this class of programs, they cope well with tasks for viewing and processing images.

The program for viewing images in Windows 7 is installed along with the system and does not require additional configuration. To start viewing an image, you just double-click the left mouse button on the photo icon. An application window will open in front of you and the desired picture will be shown.

The program window contains basic tools that allow you to manage settings and set basic parameters for the image.

If you wish, you can enlarge or reduce the size of the photo using the mouse wheel or the magnifying glass icon at the bottom left of the screen. Click on the zoom icon and left-click the area you want to zoom in on. To reduce, click on the arrow next to the magnifying glass icon and select “Reduce”, then select the desired area in the same way with the left mouse button.

To move to the next picture in the images folder, click on the right arrow. To view the previous picture, click on the left arrow. The central button allows you to start playing a slideshow from the images available in the catalog in full screen. To print a picture, use the “Print” button at the top of the program window. If you want to delete a picture, use the cross button in the lower right part of the program window. Confirm the deletion operation by clicking on the “Yes” button in the dialog box that appears.

Opening through alternative programs

You can view Windows 7 photos through alternative photo viewing apps. Their advantage is the ability to use a wider range of tools when viewing and editing. Among the most multifunctional programs are Picasa, ACDSee, FastStone Image Viewer, XnView, IrfanView.

The programs can scan the file system for photos, and then sort them into categories, apply filters, change colors and create small slideshows.

Study the proposed programs and download them to your computer by visiting the developer’s official website. Run the file received for installation. Complete the installation by following the application instructions. After completing the procedure, right-click on the photo you want to view, and then click “Open with”. Select the program you installed from the list, and then click “Ok.” You can start viewing and editing the image.

Download programs for viewing images and photos.
The best free image viewers for Windows XP, 7, 8, 10.
Download photo, image and graphic file viewing programs on your computer.

version: 7.3 from June 24, 2019

FastStone Image Viewer is a fast, stable and user-friendly viewer, editor and converter. FastStone Image Viewer has a nice set of features, including viewing, comparing and resizing images, red-eye removal, and color management (reduction and adjustment).

FastStone Image Viewer features an innovative yet intuitive full-screen viewing mode, a convenient thumbnail browser, and quick access to essential tools through hidden toolbars that pop up when the mouse touches the four edges of the screen.

version: 4.53 from May 16, 2019

A free application for viewing images with the ability to edit them, which allows you to take screenshots, view photos in slideshow mode, and open video and audio files.

Initially, IrfanView was conceived as a regular photo viewer. But then the creators decided to add some functionality to it, thereby increasing the popularity of the product. Let's take the latest version of IrfanView and take a closer look at what they came up with.

version: 2.48 from March 05, 2019

XnView is a powerful photo viewer that includes some editing tools. With its help, you can organize convenient viewing of pictures, change the format of selected files, improve sharpness and brightness, add a watermark, and also create a photo gallery for a web page.

If you are planning to show your friends photos from your trip to Thailand or prepare a photo gallery for your website, it is best to do this with XnView - downloading this multifunctional application will be very useful in such cases. Indeed, in addition to creating conditions for comfortable viewing, the program will also allow you to edit images in just a couple of clicks.

version: 3.9.14.259 from November 06, 2015

A smart application from Google that will allow you not only to find and organize images on your computer, but also to improve them. At your service is a chic set of popular photo editing tools, as well as several basic tools for video processing.

First of all, Picasa is known as an advanced graphics file organizer. You don't have to search all over your computer for a specific photo. Add tags to images or entire folders and sort them the way you want, not just by date. In addition, you will provide yourself with quick access to pictures - thanks to a kind of library located on the left side of the interface and search tools.

Tools for working with graphic files help organize your home or office media libraries and sort out the media content of IOS or Android devices.

The photo viewer is designed to create photo catalogs, view images, and share files with friends. The cost is 250 rubles.

The application can offer:

Creation albums;
viewing photos in the calendar;
sorting by geodata (GPS coordinates);
built-in filters color correction;
exchange photos on social networks.

easy to understand interface;
technical support developer;
small price.

restrictions trial version;
instability assemblies.

A lightweight application for viewing and easily processing images. Free for non-commercial use.

Possibilities:

viewing images, video playback;
Creation screenshots;
editing images;
application filters;
works with a lot of formats images (more than 100);
Creation screenshots

intuitive interface;
speed work (quick image search and sketching);
with a small program size rich functional;
extraction images from *.exe, *.dll files;
supports plugins.

no built-in Russian localization;
minimalistic design.

Free program for viewing and working with digital images. But unfortunately, Google decided to close and continue working with Google Photos.

Application features:

viewing and editing pictures and photos;
there is a version of the program for mobile devices;
powerful photo search on devices in directories (scans “everything and everywhere”);
Creation collages.

Russian language;
good speed work;
simple but functional built-in editor;
automatic creating a library images.

No undo actions when editing;
no operation group compression photo.

Multifunctional utility for working with pictures and photographs. Everything you need for simple work or home use is included. You can download the photo viewer for free from the official website.

Main functionality:

mode miniatures in the conductor;
slide show;
batch processing files;
editing and photo processing;
works with scanners, digital devices.

built-in Russifier;
availability applications;
supports a large number formats files (more than 400);
cross-platform;
there is a version of the product for mobile devices.

meager filters;
unoptimized code when streaming photos.

A commercial project for working with collections of photographic material. The product is paid and is available in several versions - Ultimate, Professional, Standard. Standard version costs $59.99

Application features:

cataloging and sorting of the graphic library;
organization multimedia libraries by category;
advanced creation options presentations;
working with documents in formatPDF;
synchronization with mobile devices;
group processing files;
work with metadata.

powerful built-in photo editor;
can burn discs;
work with archive files– lha, zip.

big size programs;
high price;
instability assemblies;
no built-in Russian-speaking interface.

It is a fast, convenient and stable photo viewer for working with digital content. For commercial use it will cost $34.95. For personal use and educational purposes - free.

Main functions:

slide show(many transition options);
creating an executable (exe) presentations;
batch processing photographs;
supports formatRAW leading digital camera manufacturers;
creating wallpaper for desktop;
comparison photo.

interface on Russian language;
simple and convenient interface;
rich functional;
small size programs;
stability work;
availability for home use;
operating speed applications, incl. group processing of photographs.

only forWindows platforms;
no support mobile devices;
slow work with RAW files.

Positioned as a tool for viewing documents and photos in Windows 7/8/10, it supports a large number of graphic file formats. free for home use.

Possibilities:

viewing mode several documents.

availability;
functionality;
compactness;
Russian language.

no possibility photo editing.

Included in the complete set of Nero programs.

Possibilities:

cataloging media content;
recording slide show and presentations;
editing photo (simple functions - red-eye removal, cropping, image enhancement);
recording compact discs;
recognition persons in the photo.

nice interface;
Russian localization.

very heavy", will slow down on regular office PCs;
separate utility not installed, only from the main Ahead Nero distribution.

Universal Viewer (ATViewer)

Supports viewing jpeg, gif, png, jpg graphic files, as well as documents. For home use - free. There is a paid version with more advanced functionality - the cost of a personal license is $26, for business $150.

Possibilities:

viewing documents and graphics.

simplicity and versatility;
installation plugins;
opens formatsRAW digital cameras;
supports about 40 graphic formats.

No built-in editor.

The main function is viewing graphics in slide show mode. supplied free of charge.

Possibilities:

slide show graphic files;

low resource consumption PC;
simplicity;
availability;
filtration low-quality files.

lack of Russification;
minimum set of settings;
no possibility accompanying presentations with sound.

This is a program for viewing and editing photos in Windows 7, 8, 10. Distributed on the basis of voluntary donations. available for use even for commercial purposes.

Possibilities:

batch editing(renaming, applying effects);
Creation screenshots.

convenient switching between directories in thumbnail view;
flexible interface settings;
fast work, not demanding on PC resources;
availability;
Russian-speaking interface;
support multi-page documents(TIFF);
integration with Windows Explorer.

small opportunities built-in editor;
do not support formats (NEF, RAW) of professional cameras.

A complete program for working with photos and viewing pictures. The application is paid, a 30-day trial version is available to the user. The cost of the license is 11,888 rubles per year.

Possibilities:

manager graphic files;
support creating albums;
format support digital cameras, image import;
batch processing, filtering and renaming;
converter with support for various formats;
integration with social networks and cloud drives;
Creation calendars, photo books, collages, postcards, videos.

comfortable interface;
powerful built-in photo editor;
speed work;
functionality;
flexibility program settings.

price programs;
enough big size programs.

This is a fairly functional graphic file manager, which also includes a photo editor and organizer. The full version is available to users without any restrictions.

Possibilities:

organization photo libraries;
Creation albums, collages, slide shows, panoramas, photo mixes;
recording CD/DVD;
batch processing and renaming images;
support many formats (more than 60);

big selection of tools for working with content;
functional photo editor;
a bunch of built-in special effects;
support Russian language"from the box";
nice interface;

size programs;
slow work on regular office PCs;
only for WednesdayWindows.

A lightweight, free image viewer.

Possibilities :

viewing comics, images, pictures;
simple functions filtering and effects;
viewing graphics in archives;
opens graphic formats digital cameras.

simplicity;
small size;
speed work;
support Russian language.

strange view implementation in thumbnail mode.

An application for viewing photos and applying various effects to them. available to all users for free.

Possibilities:

playback playlists made from photographs;
caching images to increase productivity;
application automation through the use of scripts;
video support;
work with extended metadata(EXIF, IPTC, GeoTIFF, GeoJPEG-2000, Fluoview TIFF);
read/write multi-page documents;
support multiple monitors;
batch transformation and renaming;
special tools for viewing large graphic documents and panoramic viewing of photographs;
Creation Webpages.

cross-platform(Windows, Linux, Mac);
support plugins and scripts;
available Russian localization.

unwonted interface;
absence context menu when selecting a photo;
not correct russification.

Designed mainly for creating slideshows. For home use and educational institutions - free.

Possibilities:

Creation slide show;

majority support popular formats graphics (BMP, JPEG, JPEG 2000, GIF, PNG, PCX, TIFF, WMF, TGA, more than 70 in total);
support multiple monitors;
a large number of slideshow effects(more than 170);
powerful built-in editor;

takes lots of space on disk;
no support Russian language.

A viewer with an unusual interface design and photo processing functions. distributed free of charge.

Possibilities:

launch slide show;
simple functions for image adjustments(rotate, skew, crop, resize, etc.).

integration with the Windows Explorer context menu.

used for editing external editor;
No Russian localization;
inconvenient interface.

Photo Viewer Windows 7, 10

The standard Windows application, despite the huge number of alternatives, can compete with third-party viewers. The program comes as a standard tool in Windows 7 and Windows 10. In the latter case, it is disabled during initial installation and to enable it you will need to edit the registry or using PowerShell commands.

Possibilities:

viewing graphic files;
recording photos on CD/DVD media;
launch slide show;
change background Windows desktop.

speed work;
simple interface;
standard remedy Windows operating system;
stability work.

no built-in editor images.

The best photo viewer

The table shows the best programs for viewing photos, images and pictures.

Application	License	Peculiarities	Advantages	Flaws
280 rubles, trial version available	built-in color correction filters	Low cost	Trial Limitations
	Supports over 100 image formats	Performance	No Russian localization
Free	Making collages	Automatic creation of libraries	Support stopped
Free for non-commercial use	Batch Processing	Supports more than 400 image formats	Unstable when streaming
$6.90/69 per month or year, 30 day trial available	Creating presentations	Very powerful built-in photo editor	High price
$34.95, free for non-commercial use	RAW format support	Performance	Windows only
Free for home use		There is Russian localization	No photo editor
Included in Nero Suit	Photo editor	Available in Russian	Not installed separately
Universal Viewer (ATViewer)	Free for home use. $26/$150 for personal/commercial use	View not only photos, but also documents	Opens RAW formats	No photo editor
Free	Creating a Slideshow	Low requirements	No Russian support
Free	Batch editing	Performance	Does not support RAW and NEF
Trial version 30 days, price RUB 11,888/year	Batch Processing	Powerful photo editor	High price
Free	Burn to CD/DVD	Built-in special effects	Slow work
Free	Viewing graphics in archives	Performance	"Glitches" in thumbnail mode
DIMIN View	Distributed free of charge	Video support	Plugins and scripts	Incorrect Russification
Free	Creating a slide show	Multiple monitor support	No Russian language
Free	Built-in photo correction	Explorer integration	No Russian localization
Built into Windows	Burn to CD/DVD	Stability	No photo editor