Almost every computer user with images (photographs , pictures) in their work faces everyday. Naturally, graphic file formats need to be viewed. But which photo viewers to use, because today there are a lot of such programs developed, not counting the own tools of the Windows operating systems themselves. We’ll talk about this later. I would like to note right away that the ratings and recommendations given below are very conditional in nature, since each user in this regard may have his own opinion and his own preferences.
Standard Windows Photo Viewer
First, let's dwell on the built-in tools. Many users openly dislike them.
If the photo viewer in Windows 7 does not cause any particular complaints, then a similar tool in the tenth modification of the operating system does not look the best, although you can return to the standard viewer in the form in which it was used to be seen on Windows 7 and below through editing system registry. The operation is quite complicated, therefore, based on practical images, it will not be considered. If there is such a need, you can find a ready-made REG-file, download it and integrate its parameters with the registry.
But what users do not like the standard Windows photo viewer? The tool, presented in Windows 7 and below, really only allows you to view images (and then, by no means of all known formats) or to scale them. There is no talk of any simple editing like taking red-eye effect from a photo.
Windows 10 Photo Viewer looks a little better. It is already possible to edit a little photo in it, and do drawing, and create on its basis a whole video presentation or slide show with the addition of music, text and visual special effects. You can organize a collection based on albums, save the time spent in OneDrive cloud storage, send the project by mail or Skype. Be that as it may, all the same, users are not in a hurry to especially use this program for their needs, preferring other, as they think, more powerful applications with great capabilities.
Of course, it would be possible to use a standard photo viewer as a photo manager, presented in the Office tools, as a regular tool. Unfortunately, its capabilities are far from perfect, although it also has the function of automatic correction of some parameters to improve the color gamut, color saturation, contrast, etc.
Photo viewers: main types of programs
If we are talking about third-party applications, first we’ll look at their common features. The vast majority of such programs are created not only for comfortable viewing of images, but also for the quick organization of user collections and albums. Such tools are in all applications.
Another thing is how many formats a particular application supports and what can be in terms of applying some additional features.
These toolkits will be discussed separately, but for now, let's look at the list that lists the most popular and popular image viewers among users. It is impossible to consider everything, so we will dwell on several of them, among which we can separately distinguish the following:
- ACDSee
- FastStone Image Viewer;
- XnView
- Irfan View
- Picasa;
- Carambis PhotoTrip.
ACDSee
Before us is the once most popular application, which with its appearance in the computer world caused a real revolution. This program is still present in all ratings and supports the maximum number of well-known graphic formats.
The tools for viewing and editing graphics, not to mention organizing custom photo albums, are very interesting. For example, the program can preview archived images (ZIP, LHA, etc.), supports RAW format recognition, allows batch processing of files both in terms of editing and in terms of converting the original format, creating presentations, recording the necessary information directly on optical media and much more. What is upsetting is the fact that the application is shareware, and the standard version has some functional limitations compared to the fully paid PRO version.
FastStone Image Viewer
This application is believed to be of interest to all those users who previously preferred to use ACDSee, since it adds several more modern features to the main set of tools of this program. According to users, the functionality of this package could look very good even in paid professional applications for viewing and processing graphics. But this program is completely free!
The similarity with the progenitor is noticeable in some elements of the interface. As for the capabilities, they are mainly related to the recognition of a large number of graphic formats, the quick creation of slide shows with music, batch processing of files based on specified user settings, image comparison tools, as well as the possibility of superimposing effects, which are about 150 , and even watermarks.
Xnview
Speaking about photo viewers, one cannot fail to note the XnView software package, which is focused on the quick creation of collections, which can be done by “scattering” photos into albums from the built-in file manager by dragging them to the desired folder (this is Drag & Drop technology known for its simplicity).
It goes without saying that there are tons of possibilities for editing graphics, not to mention support for EXIF and IPTC formats. Separately, it is worth saying that the program allows you to create entire HTML pages containing graphics, which can be quite an interesting tool for web designers who do preliminary drafts. In addition, with its help you can not only work with images, but also watch videos, and even listen to music.
Irfan view
This application is almost the most unique among all presented, because with its weight of about 1 MB, it shows exceptional performance and does not consume system resources, occupying them with unnecessary processes.
Of course, the user will not find all sorts of designer bells and whistles here, however, just as a quick and convenient viewer is one of the best. To add some features (such as inserting video or audio into a slide show), you can use additional freely distributed plugins. Despite its apparent simplicity, the application generally looks pretty good.
Picasa
Before us is one of the most unusual applications, which can be referred to photo viewers very conditionally. It is familiar to many by its mobile systems, and sometimes the program is embedded in the shell of internal IPTV portals. What is interesting about this program? And the fact that for the most part it is used to create collages and, so to speak, graphic parodies of original photos or pictures.
Another interesting feature of the application is the ability to set protection albums in the form of user passwords. To quickly search for graphic files on all drives and in logical partitions of the computer, the intelligent scanning function is used, and organizing images in this application is one of the easiest.
Carambis PhotoTrip
In the end, it’s worth saying a few words about the Carambis PhotoTrip program, despite the fact that it is paid. The application combines the best features inherent in all the above packages.
The key features of this application include expanded sets of color correction filters, the ability to set GPS tags on images, add images to maps and create GPS routes, plus the ability to quickly send materials by email or post them on the most popular social networks (Facebook, VK, Flickr et al.).
What's better?
Let's see which photo viewer is the best. Frankly, to choose one of all the programs described and say that it is the best, somehow the language does not turn, because each application has many unique features in its arsenal. You can prefer the classics (ACDSee), but many users prefer programs with more features (for example, watching a video). To choose the most convenient package for yourself, you need to try it at work.