Justin Ellenwood asks:
XnView, Irfan View, FastStone? I am looking for a good photo viewer to replace the default Windows one. I would prefer that it opens the images fast like the default viewer.
I do not need it to have lots of extra features and image editing of any type. Which is the best for me?
19 Answers - Write an Answer
ha14
January 1, 2013there are pro and cons for each one for instance FastStone allows Compare images side-by-side (up to 4 at a time) to easily cull those forgettable shots
http://www.faststone.org/FSViewerDetail.htm
Pictomio
http://www.pictomio.com/Default.aspx
Rob Hindle
January 1, 2013Irfan is super fast to load, definitely one of my “must have” programs.
Just as a viewer it’s fine but the basic editing functions (crop, resize etc) are great too.
That said, have you tried the 3 in your short-list and found any advantages/disadvantages? is there something you need that none of those do well?
It may be worthwhile checking the version history (are they all under active development?) and maybe look for independent reviews online.
What’s the documentation/help file like on each?
What support is available?
Those are good indicators of developer committment.
Nikhil Chandak
January 1, 2013Why dont u try out Google’s Picasa photo viewer , and u can edit pics also in Picasa !!
U can upload your pics to Google Plus using Picasa ……
It’s very much amazing and better than the Windows Photo Viewer !!
Here’s the download link of Picasa (latest version) : http://picasa.google.co.in/
Enjoy …
I use Picasa for organization and face recognition. I do not like it as a simple image viewer though
January 2, 2013Then , from my opinion – Irfan View !!
January 2, 2013Patrick Jackson
January 1, 2013Trust me, Irfan View could be the best for you. It is also available in portable version.
As far as general editing is concered, Irfan View can handle it, but for advanced ones, better use apps like GIMP or buy PhotoShop.
Rajaa Chowdhury
January 1, 2013I personally prefer IrfanView since ages, must I guess a image viewer is more of personal choice and liking. Do try a few and the trial and error method is what I suggest to find your personal best fit. Then you can always uninstall the others that you do not like
Fawad Mirzad0
January 1, 2013I have found picassa the fastest way to view and organize photos in windows. you can download it for free on
http://picasa.google.com/
I use it for organization but do not like it for viewing
January 2, 2013Ashwin Ramesh
January 1, 2013I’ve been using Google’s picasa viewer. Its pretty darn good I should say. Not only for sharing, but also for editing! Give that a try I would say.
Alex Schnapps
January 1, 2013I use Irfan View, long time ago, for me it’s the best. IMO the fastest.
Âdil Farôôq
January 1, 2013Irfan View will be the best choice if you need that speed to look images like windows default viewer has.
That is really what I was looking for
January 2, 2013RG
January 1, 2013XnView has many strengths and features and deserves a mention here.
Paul Pruitt
January 2, 2013I agree with Fawad, if you just want viewing, Picasa is great intuitive and automatic, although sometimes it’s dicey about how to add photos to its purview.
However for speed, I think you can’t beat IrfanView. Use the IrfanView Thumbnails viewer or use the blue arrows in the middle of the toolbar of the regular interface, to cycle through a folder.
Jim Chambers
January 2, 2013How about Microsoft Office Picture Manager.
Yuck
January 2, 2013Junil Maharjan
January 2, 2013The windows default viewer is great. I would prefer to use Picasa as well which has a great interface.
Lisa Santika Onggrid
January 2, 2013IrfanView is generally considered the best, although Picasa works perfectly fine for me as well. Both load image in a click. Can’t say for the other because I never use them.
Saurabh Kumar
January 3, 2013I would recommend Google Picassa……..
Achraf Almouloudi
January 8, 2013If you want it to be as simple and as fast as the default viewer, why you just don’t want to stick with it.
There is just something about it that I don’t like. I can’t really explain it
January 8, 2013If you can’t explain it then there would be no useful feedback from your position and their developers can’t improve it.
January 8, 2013I think it has to do with the “look” of the windows image viewer. It just looks and feels outdated and clunky to me
January 12, 2013salim benhouhou
January 17, 2013i tried FastStone and find it good enough but i believe that the default viewer is better .
Yashodhan Bhatt
January 25, 2013The fastest is faststone from http://www.faststone.org
Rakesh Pal
January 28, 2013i think picasa is one of the best windows image viever