Universal photo viewer. Photo Viewers: Which is Better?

What is the best photo viewer? Built-in Windows tool– not an option if you have tried at least something more interesting. But among the numerous alternatives, it is difficult to choose the ideal one for yourself, unless, of course, you spend time testing everything. Therefore, we offer you a description best programs to view photos.

We decided in principle to consider only free software. The programs offered are, of course, not ideal, but neither are commercial ones. All applications in question have general set of advantages:

• Compatible with Windows 10 and other current versions, up to Windows 7
• A richer set of functions than the standard “peeper” offers
• Individual “superpower” for every decision

FastStone Image Viewer

At the end of the 2010s, this program’s popularity can only be compared with ACDSee in the early 2000s. The difference is that ACDSee was mostly hacked among post-Soviet users, but there is no need to hack FastStone. If you believe user reviews and the ratio of positive and negative, FastStone is best viewer photos of our days.

The program works quickly, has a built-in editor, and can convert photos in batch mode. Note the unusual interface design: full screen mode Simply move the cursor over the edge of the display to access various menu sections.

FastStone supports a variety of image formats, from mainstream to professional. The only thing missing is built-in support for .webp, but soon this format, invented by Google programmers, will be supported in Windows at the system level.

Advantages:

• Decent Russification
• Contains a built-in editor with a wide range of functions

Flaws:

• Unusual editor logic
• Minor bugs in the batch conversion function

Another super hit of the market of free photo viewing programs. From the very beginning of the installation, a rich history is visible: in the list of plugins that are proposed to be installed, there is even a plugin for writing pictures to disk in Nero (who remembers this dinosaur?)

The interface of the program resembles the classic approach of ACDSee or the same FastStone: a browser with photo thumbnails, more detailed view selected image in the same window and full screen - by double click.

However, there is interesting feature– working with tabs. On each tab, you can open a separate folder or photo and switch between them.

Advantages:

• Small size
• Fast work
• Supports a wide range of formats
• Good Russification

Flaws:

• Slightly outdated style
• Inconvenient keyboard controls

A classic program that Bosnian developer Irfan Skilyan created back in 1996 and named after himself. The program is in demand even more than two decades after its creation. Installers for 32- and 64-bit versions are available separately. This way you can choose the one that is more suitable for your system.

The program is loved because there is nothing superfluous in it - only viewing and basic photo editing. For other needs, the photo can be sent to third-party editors directly from full-screen viewing.

Advantages:

• Supports multiple image formats
• Required Editing Capabilities
• Integration with external editors
• Support Adobe plugins BF8
• Ability to create panoramic photos
• Batch Converter

Flaws:

• No own file manager
• Outdated interface (for example, it is impossible to download additional language pack through the program itself)

A relatively little-known player on the market, DIMIN View has its trump cards. Probably the most interesting feature compared to analogues is the ability to create playlists from photos, a sort of simplified analogue of presentations. The playlist can be organized, made up of pictures located in different folders, and play in slide show mode.

DIMIN View is a kind of attempt to bring the logic of the iTunes library into the photo viewer. You do not need to transfer image files to organize them into a group: just add them to a special playlist.

Advantages:

• Supports plugins
• Allows you to create photo collections that can be viewed like a music playlist

Flaws:

• Unusual interface logic
• Incorrect Russification (there is a translation, but we haven’t seen such problems with displaying the Cyrillic alphabet since the days of Windows XP, so it’s better to use English, please!)

By the standards of its simple and small analogues, this program is a corroded giant. WildBit has a wild appetite and requires more than 100 MB for installation. However, these megabytes are not wasted: the program has something to show.

Advantages:

• Many formats supported
• Beautiful slideshow with a variety of effects
• Separate implementation for 32- and 64-bit systems
• Working with multiple monitors simultaneously
• Built-in powerful editor

Flaws:

• Large size
• Redundancy of functions if you just need to view

The program with the sweetest name suggests that viewing photos through it is like eating honey - you will stick and will not come off. Indeed, the developers succeeded good product, rightfully taking its place on the list.

One of the most interesting features of HoneyView that competitors do not have is integration with Google maps. If the EXIF ​​data of a photo contains the coordinates of the place where it was taken, then you can go to this place in one click Google Maps, view the street panorama (if available) and use all other functions of the service.

Just click on the “GPS” button, and the program opens the coordinates from the photo data using the web version of Google Maps.

Among other things, it is a simple and easy way to view photos on your computer. Convenient navigation using keys, a built-in browser with thumbnail display, basic editing and conversion functions - perhaps this is the best choice for lovers of travel.

Advantages:

• Easy viewing of EXIF ​​data and its integration with Google Maps
• Support for rare formats (for example, .webp)
• Successful integration into context menu Windows
• Menu in Russian

Flaws:

• Somewhat overloaded interface

An absolute masterpiece of minimalism. The program does not require installation and is distributed in the form of a single executable file xlideit.exe. When launched, the application is integrated into the system automatically and generates configuration files, so it is better to immediately create a separate folder for it.

Since installation is not necessary, the program can be kept on a flash drive. This is convenient in many respects: for example, it allows you to view photos without launching the main program on the PC (you never know what the owner used it to look at last time).

For a file smaller than 3MB, Xlideit's capabilities are astounding. Opens different formats files, contains a built-in file manager and a set of tools for basic processing - what more could you want from such a midget?

Advantages:

• Minimum size
• Works from anywhere on your computer, including removable media
• Rich options

Flaws:

• Interface is in English only
• Stutters when opening uncompressed photos
• Sometimes it works unstably

Which of the proposed viewers is considered the best is a matter of taste. Each one has some kind of unique “trick” - perhaps you will find room on your computer for two or three at once. Thus, the author of the review believes that FastStone (as a universal viewer and editor) and HoneyView (as a tool for working with metadata) will make a good combination. There is always room for Xlideit on a flash drive with photos. However, each user has different needs, so you may choose a different program or set of them.

Hello.

Today, in order to view photographs and pictures, it is far from necessary to use it at all. third party programs(in modern Windows 7/8 operating systems, Explorer also copes with this quite well). But its capabilities are not always enough and not for everyone. Well, for example, can you quickly change the resolution of a picture in it, or view all the properties of the picture at once, trim the edges, change the extension?

Not long ago I had to face a similar problem: the pictures were archived in an archive and in order to view them, I had to extract it. Everything would be fine, but there were hundreds of archives and packing and unpacking was a very tedious task. It turns out that there are programs for viewing pictures and photographs that can show you images directly in the archives without extracting them!

In general, this is how this idea for this post was born - to talk about such user “helpers” for working with photos and pictures (by the way, such programs are often called viewers, from the English Viewers). And so, let's begin...

1. ACDSee

One of the most famous and popular programs for viewing and editing photographs and images (by the way, there is both paid version programs, both free).

The program's capabilities are simply colossal:

Support for RAW images (professional photographers save images in them);

All kinds of file editing: changing photo size, trimming edges, rotating, captioning pictures, etc.;

Support for popular cameras and images from them (Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Olympus);

Convenient presentation: you immediately see all the pictures in the folder, their properties, extension, etc.;

Russian language support;

A huge number of supported formats (you can open almost any image: jpg, bmp, raw, png, gif, etc.).

Result: If you often work with photos, you should definitely be familiar with this program!

This program combines minimalism with great functionality. The program window is divided (by default) into three areas: on the left is a column with your drives and folders, in the top center are thumbnails for the files in a given folder, and at the bottom is an enlarged view of the image. Very convenient, by the way!

It should be noted that this program has a large number of options: multi-converting pictures, editing images, changing the extension, resolution, etc.

By the way, there are a couple of interesting notes on the blog with the participation of this program:

Converting photos from one format to another:

Creating a PDF file from pictures:

XnView programs support more than 500 formats! This alone deserves to have this “software” on your PC.

3. IrfanView

One of oldest programs to view pictures and photographs, its history dates back to 2003. Purely in my opinion, this utility was more popular before than it is now. At the dawn of the advent of Windows XP, there was nothing to remember except it and ACDSee...

Irfan View is characterized by minimalism: there is nothing superfluous here at all. Nevertheless, the program provides high-quality viewing of all kinds of graphic files (and it supports several hundred different formats), allowing you to scale them from very large to small.

It should be noted that there is excellent support for plugins (and there are quite a lot of them for this program). You can add, for example, support for viewing videos, viewing PDF files and DJVU (many books and magazines on the Internet are distributed in this format).

The program does a good job of converting files. I'm especially pleased with the multi-conversion (in my opinion, Irfan View implements this option better than many other programs). If there are a lot of photos that need to be compressed, then Irfan View will do it quickly and efficiently! I recommend you check it out!

4. FastStone Image Viewer

According to many independent estimates, this free program one of the best for viewing and working with pictures. Its interface is somewhat reminiscent of ACDSee: convenient, concise, everything is at hand.

FastStone Image Viewer supports all major graphic files, as well as some RAW files. There is also a slideshow function, image editing: cropping, changing resolution, expanding, hiding red-eye (especially useful when editing photos).

It is impossible not to note the support for the Russian language right out of the box (i.e. automatically after the first launch you will have Russian selected by default, no third-party plugins, such as, for example, need to be installed on Irfan View).

And a couple more features that are not available in other similar programs:

Effects (the program implements more than a hundred unique effects, a whole visual library);

Color correction and anti-aliasing (many people note that pictures can look much more attractive when viewing them in FastStone Image Viewer).

5. Picasa

This is not only a viewer of various images (and the program supports a large number of them, more than a hundred), but also an editor, and not a bad one at that!

First of all, the program is distinguished by the ability to create albums from various images, and then record them on various types media: disks, flash drives, etc. Very convenient if you need to make several collections from different photos!

There is also a chronology function: all photos can be viewed as they were created (not to be confused with the date of copying to the computer, by which other utilities sort).

It should also be noted that it is possible to restore old photographs (even black and white): you can remove scratches from them, color correction, clean from “noise”.

The program allows you to add watermarks to pictures: this is a small inscription or picture (logo) that protects your photo from being copied (or, at least, if it is copied, everyone will know that it is yours). This function will be especially useful for owners of sites where they have to post photos in large quantities.

I think that the presented programs are enough for most tasks of the “average” user. And if not, then most likely, except Adobe Photoshop nothing to recommend...

By the way, many may be interested in how to do online frame for photo or beautiful text:

That's all, happy viewing of the photos!

In our review we decided to consider free apps for viewing digital images with high-quality functionality, extensive editing capabilities and good performance. A selection of the best programs for viewing photos will help you get to know the viewers in more detail and choose the one that will meet your requirements.

Rating of programs for viewing photos on a computer

Free image viewers

High-quality utility with over 100 editing functions graphic formats and conversion into convenient formats. Allows you to print images, create photo albums, burn photos to disk, protect photos in a directory with a password, batch rename and apply a large set of effects and tools.

The viewer is convenient and functional, has all the options for convenient viewing And high-quality processing. The user has access to settings for sepia, blur corners, rotate, resave, reduce, enlarge, etc. Modified pictures can be saved, printed or burned to discs. The functions of slide show, cataloging, setting up “hot keys” and adjusting the position of the material on the sheet are available. The only disadvantages of the editor are the English-language menu and a sufficient load on system resources.

The software allows you to conveniently view and edit images with high quality. Supports popular graphics formats, performs conversion, has RGB settings and batch processing. In the application, the user can create a business card and manipulate the image using a variety of effects.

Functions available for auto color enhancement, watermark installation, red-eye removal, create slideshows using more than a hundred transitions, music and effects. When editing a picture, you can change its name and size, delete fragments, adjust or change color, use a magnifying glass, and remove shadows. Also available are histogram building, tag processing, drag-and-drop file transfer, and JPEG file annotation.

Options for this multifunctional utility allow you to view and edit images, import various files, convert objects into graphics formats and print the finished work. The user has at his disposal more than 80 viewer actions, the use of high-quality tools and effects, import into hundreds of formats and conversion to various formats graphics.

The user can scan and print material without loss of quality, configure the desired appearance of the resulting picture, organize a slide show, screenshot a picture, create a web page and use search. The program can be integrated into the shell Total Commander using special plugins.

This Google utility was created for editing, organizing and processing images available on your PC. Picasa has tools for editing photos in comparison, using retouching and other tools to improve pictures.

Using the photo organizer, you can quickly find, view, improve and print material, create collages and slide shows using adjustments and effects. The photo editor scans a specific area of ​​the system or hard drive, indexes found video files and images for further sorting into visual albums ordered by date. In addition, you can send photos and clips to Google+.

Multifunctional image viewers

A convenient application for structuring and organizing images according to various parameters, applying filters and effects, removing duplicates and downloading GPS tracks.

The viewer catalogs images according to selected parameters (location of shooting, date of photo creation, unsorted, marked, etc.), so the user can view the material in chronological order, distribute the image by geotags and create his own travel map. Sharing on social networks and smart search are available in Karambis.

The software works with images of most known formats and has functions for editing and conversion. Able to quickly open a file in different modes viewing, recognize audio and video content and expand capabilities by adding plugins.

The user has access to built-in editor options, opening little-known video and audio, batch conversion, inserting text, resizing a picture, extracting an image from an icon, and more. You can work in the utility via the keyboard, enable thumbnail preview and create screenshots.

The utility converts graphic images in the required format and size, supports popular and RAW formats digital camera, integrates into Windows and has a batch mode.

The converter allows you to quickly change the size of a photo, compress files, manage and process images, publish on the Web, send by mail, change expansion and compression, import from memory cards, set up templates for renaming and apply watermarks. There are versions for 32 and 64 different OS.

Developed by Nero for playing, burning to discs or searching for files in a media catalog. Allows you to edit pictures, create images in ISO and NRG formats, play Blu-Ray and HD movies, and record mp3 files.

Nero Quick Media works with most known formats and provides the ability to share material in social networks and on video hosting sites. In the utility, the user can create a video presentation and slide show, as well as use a face recognition algorithm.

The multifunctional application allows you to view, organize and edit your photos. It has batch processing, an advanced editor, synchronizes photos with the Android version of the program, uploads material to online galleries and social networks.

The built-in editor is not inferior in functionality to professionals in this industry; it intelligently sorts collections, quickly displays them, and edits efficiently with a wide range of options. The user can adjust the color depth and palette, overlay captions, open RAW images, create 3D buttons, layouts and collages.

A free program that combines the functions of an editor and a practical means of viewing graphic content. Contains a large set of tools for processing and modifying images, file export is conveniently implemented.

An easy-to-use image viewer with a wide range of modes. Images can be viewed in full screen, opening and adding new content is conveniently implemented, and it is possible to view metadata.

Complex software solution for a computer, making it easier to work with graphic files. Allows you to organize photos, create albums, collections, it is possible to edit pictures, and there are flexible printing settings.

Powerful software for viewing images and photographs, equipped with an advanced editor. Contains in its arsenal many effects, filters, there are tools that will help improve overall quality photo, get rid of red eyes.

Useful application for a laptop, simplifying interaction with graphic content. Supports all current formats, can open videos, has a convenient manager for quick add files to the library. No viruses.

Current version proprietary software from Nikon, designed for convenient control, converting and editing pictures taken with a digital camera. It is possible to compare photographs and contains a large list of effects.

Useful program for PC, which can open any digital image, display detailed information about it and help place it in a separate album or folder. Has a nice appearance, convenient to use.

A universal software tool aimed at users who often work with graphic files. Represents convenient viewer with a built-in editor and a large set of tools, has a nice design.

This application has high rating among users due to support large quantity graphic formats and the availability of convenient tools for creating slide shows from open images. It is possible to add a watermark to the saved image.

Functional graphics viewer with a simple editor in its composition. The function of searching images in PC memory is well implemented, there is useful opportunity export to the Internet or cloud storage.

Popular program helps to view electronic images in jpg, gif, png, bmp, psd extensions. Switching between windows in full-screen mode is instant and precise.

Batch editor opens media files in raw format, jpeg, ico, changes and improves their quality. Additional tools help you configure scaling and visual effects.

Software for viewing graphic files is necessary for every user. Such programs often allow you not only to open required file, but also edit it, change the format, process it with effects, make color correction or remove unnecessary elements from the image. We offer you to download photo viewing programs for Windows 7 in Russian without registration and SMS. Presented latest versions 2019 (32/64 bit).

It goes without saying that after saving photos to the hard drive of a computer or laptop, you want to look at them on the screen (we are not talking about editing now). This is where the legitimate question arises about which photo viewers to use. It is clear that each program has its own flavor.

Types of Photo Viewers

In general, if you initially ask the question of what kind of photo viewers there are, you can note that applications of this type are conditionally divided into two main types: ordinary “viewers” ​​(from English viewer) and viewers with the ability to edit photos, create special effects, and view in slideshow, etc.

It's probably clear that looking at photographs of, say, automatic change frame, and even accompanied by your favorite music, is much more pleasant than just looking at a photo, and constantly clicking somewhere to select the next frame.

Standard Windows photo viewer

There is no need to explain that all Windows operating systems have their own graphics viewing tools. For example, as in some younger versions, the standard viewer Windows photos 7 is available either when called from the main menu, or from the context menu by right-clicking on a graphic file, or when called directly from double click(by the way, this option is enabled by default).

In the standard version, it turns out that double clicking on a file opens it standard means viewing images. Some users don't like this. This is understandable, because the possibilities here are the bare minimum. The maximum that can be done is to rotate the photo or scale it. However, this program was not initially designed for anything else.

You can, of course, use the “Picture Manager”, which is available in established means Microsoft Office, but this is not a solution either. Still, you can't get anything special out of this application. It is much more interesting to use third-party photo viewers, which have many more features and functions.

The most popular utilities for viewing photos

If we talk about the most interesting and most popular programs among users, it is worth noting utilities such as ACDSee, FastStone Image Viewer, Picasa, Irfan View, XnView, etc.

Each utility has a fairly interesting set of functions for working with photographs or any other graphic files. As a rule, their main set of utilities differs insignificantly. But it has its own specific features.

For example, FastStone Image Viewer is suitable not only for viewing photos, but also for reducing their size, as well as for subsequent archiving into one file and sending by email.

Picasa is best suited for creating all sorts of humorous collages and parodies, especially since there is a fairly extensive database of templates for this, which can even be downloaded from the Internet in the user community.

Two latest programs from the list are created in the image and likeness of the ACDSee application, which supports the maximum possible number of multimedia formats. In addition, when viewing, say, graphic content, you can set the image size to automatically fit the screen. It is also worth noting that there is even support for Adobe Photoshop filters.

The XnView application looks interesting. Its main feature is that it can not only show photos, but also view documents of other formats, video and even audio. And everything is completely free.

Which is better?

It is really very difficult to talk about which photo viewers are better. If you take at least the applications described above, it becomes clear that each of them has its own unique capabilities. But in general, if we take graphics exclusively, many professional users computer systems and photographers believe that the best photo viewer currently is ACDSee.

In terms of processing graphic material, this program has maximum potential. Moreover, there is even support for accessing the ACDSee Online online storage (though only in Pro versions, which you will have to buy). But that's not the point. What exactly to use, the user decides for himself. It’s best to try working with several utilities and then conclude which is better, more convenient, and more functional in each specific case.