top 5 alternatives to the Photos app in Windows 10.For seasoned Mac users, Preview is the default option, but for the fresh converts from Windows often feel stifled and frustrated. Keeping that into consideration, I aim to strike a balance with the shortlisted apps. Also, I wouldn't recommend the ones that annoy you with 'Buy the Pro Plan' prompts as soon as you launch the app. If it irks me, I can only imagine how much it would bother you. So let's check out the options.To use any of the options as a default viewer, you will have to select different image files (PNG, JPG, BMP, and other). Right-click on them and select Get Info. From the Info window, you need to click on the drop-down below Open With and choose a relevant app from the list. After that, click on Change All to apply the tweaks to relevant files across the system.So let's take a look at the top Image Viewer apps for Mac.

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FastStone Image Viewer is not available for Mac but there are plenty of alternatives that runs on macOS with similar functionality. The most popular Mac alternative is XnView MP.It's not free, so if you're looking for a free alternative, you could try Photoscape or Adobe Bridge.If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 50 alternatives to FastStone Image Viewer and many of them. Which are some of the best DICOM image viewers for Mac? PostDICOM: One of the best free DICOM viewers for Mac out there. It is also compatible with Windows and Linux and provides advanced tools and features. Image manipulation, 3D reconstruction, MIP, MRP and image fusion are all available in. Phiewer is a pretty standard image viewer app for Mac. In addition to allowing you to view images, the app also gives you the option to view audio and video files as well. OS X doesn't have this functionality built in, but here are a couple of ways to get similar functionality: Method 1: Use Finder's preview window Open the preview window: CMD+SHIFT+P This allows you to view the images on the right side of the Fin. The photo viewer for Mac supports 35 photo files and RAW formats, including the Nikon, Canon and other most popular formats. The program is available in 16 languages. Key functions: 1. Superb fast speed to view photos, only add one image to view all images files.

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1. Xee

Xee is quite a straightforward replacement of Preview. Despite the similarities, Xee steps ahead with a few unique features. As expected, the Previews and Next buttons for browsing between images are placed at the top left corner. The other options appear neatly placed next to them at the top.Xee's status bar shows additional details about the image, such as its dimensions, file type, file size, color details, and more. The only thing I found odd that Xee did not pick up the Dark them of my macOS. I had to navigate to Xee's Preferences > Style and then pick Black.Xee is simply an Image Viewer. That means if you are looking for an Image Viewer with editing options, you are out of luck here. This app is streamlined, fast, and quite responsive.

Best Image Viewer For Mac Free

Unfortunately, Xee isn't free, and you will have to pay $3.99 to buy it from the App Store on your Mac.Download Xee

2. XnView MP

The XnView is more than an image viewer. It's a popular cross-platform media management software, and Windows users love it so much that many want to set XnView as the default image viewer on Windows 10. With support for over 500 image formats, the developers lock quite a bunch of handy features behind the paywall. However, the app lets you customize the layout of the app.When the app is open, navigate to View>Layout and select Free from the subsequent menu. After that, you can click on the x-shaped icon irrelevant windows. In short, you get enough viewing and sorting modes that you can keep changing between them to suit your requirements. The app's performance setting allows you to squeeze out the maximum from your on-board GPU chip. That means, the processing and caching will be faster on beefed-up MacBook Pros.Download XnView MP

3. Phiewer

The free version of Phiewer lets you view one image at a time. When you open a photo, it shows the main image with a collection of thumbnails on the left side. While being one of the fastest image viewers to open a photo, Phiewer shows the thumbnails on the left with an option to start a slideshow directly. However, the blurring effect offering backdrop might just steal your attention for a bit.Phiewer stands out by displaying the basic details about a photo distinctly on its interface. Besides photos, it also supports a variety of media formats. That will become apparent as soon as you sync your media folders with the app. You might enjoy the readymade bouquet of options, such as different effects, to try out on photos. You can pay for the Pro version to unlock alignment, cropping controls, applying filters, adjusting granular aspects, and more.You may call it a simpler version of the XnView MP and use it accordingly.Get Phiewer

4. Lyn

Lyn is like a proper replacement of the Photos app with the Image Viewer capabilities built-in. The interface of Lyn app is quite familiar so that you won't feel out of place at all. When you launch it initially, you will notice the basic adjustment options at the top — they will remind you of Preview.Apart from viewing options, you can also link other cloud-based services such as Flickr, Facebook, Dropbox, and more. The i-shaped button is the hidden information panel that will present you with details of the image ranging from resolution to metering mode. If you check the photos clicked using your digital camera, DSLR, or Mirrorless, then Lyn is a suitable image viewer app. Of course, you can always customize the layout from the preferences for quick access to the frequently used folders. Lyn supports a variety of picture formats, and you can quickly share photos with your friends over email, Flickr, or even Smugmug. The basic version comes with a 15-day trial, which is decent enough to try it out. Otherwise, you will have to cough out $20 as a one-time payment to get rid of the trial period limitation.Get Lyn App

5. qView

If you are looking for a no-nonsense image viewer for all your photos and screenshot, then this is the best option. Without mincing words, qView is one of the minimalist photo viewer that looks amazing with the dark theme on the macOS.qView is also available on Windows, which makes it a perfect cross-platform tool to use for viewing photos on both the platforms. It works best as the no-nonsense photo viewer on your Mac. Of course, it doesn't offer editing or tweaking options.Download qView

Bonus Recommendation: ApolloOne

The ApolloOne is one of the rare apps that utilize the Core Image graphics and hardware features such as multi-threading to deliver the best photo gallery and organization experience.
It can also handle RAW photos and support over 1000 digital cameras. Also, it lets you tinker around with the EXIF details. You can always try out its Slideshow to view a series of photos. This feature-rich image viewer can be purchased to unlock support and other helpful settings.Get ApolloOne

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Change Is Good

While Apple's Preview gets the basic job done, it does leave a lot to be desired. Specifically for folks who move from or use macOS alongside Windows 10. My favorite is ApolloOne since it supports a variety of cameras for importing images directly, and I often use qView just for browsing photos on my Mac. So which one will you pick?

Next up:Wondering what photo backup service to use with iPhone? Check our list of top 5 iCloud Photo backup alternatives for iPhone.

The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.Read NextTop 5 iCloud Photo Backup Alternatives for iPhoneAlso See#apple #macos

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You can see the remaining charge of your Apple AirPods on the battery widget of your iPhone.

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Everyone needs the best photo viewer since people tend to photograph and post everything happening in their life, so we need a reliable method to review the images. Usually, the built-in programs don’t have enough features or mat lag. That’s why, I've compiled the list of top 10 image viewers to replace your default program.

10 Best Photo Viewers

If you want to view and edit your images, an image viewer will definitely come in handy. Each option listed below has different features and capabilities. Some programs are extendable with the help of additional plug-ins.

Whether you are going to improve your shots, perform batch photo editing or work with various file formats, you will find the best image viewer that will meet all your requirements in this post.

1. Windows Photo Viewer

Best photo viewer for Windows

• Intuitive interface
• Works with GIF images
• Supports different file formats

• Reduces file size

Those who have been using Windows since the times of the XP version might know Windows Photo Viewer. Previously, it was called Windows Picture and Fax Viewer, but later, the developers renamed it to Windows Photo Viewer.

With the release of Windows 10, Microsoft didn’t pre-install this software and provided users with other options for viewing and editing images. Windows Photo Viewer is replaced with Windows 10 Photos. However, Microsoft didn’t completely remove this program and you can activate it using the register key.

Photo Viewer allows you to view and rotate images as well as display a slideshow. Also, it is possible to share pictures using printing options, send the images via email or burn them to a disc. The program works with such image formats as BMP, JPEG, JPEG XR, PNG, ICO, GIF and TIFF.

The only drawback of Windows Photo Viewer is that it reduces the file size during photo editing.

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2. ACDSee Ultimate

View photos inside ZIPs without extracting them

• Excellent photo editing capabilities
• Fast performance
• The ability to zoom in

• Mouse wheel is too sensitive

With ACDSee Free, you can easily view your images and quickly access the necessary functions to edit them. It is possible to use a mouse or keyboard controls to scroll through the pictures, rotate and zoom them in and out. Also, this program simplifies the printing process and setting an image as the desktop wallpaper.

It is rather convenient to use a mouse scroll wheel to navigate in a folder. However, it is a bit sensitive and you may skip some files without even noticing it.

The distinguishing feature of ACDSee Free that makes it the best Windows photo viewer is that it allows you to view files inside ZIP archives without extracting them. In addition, you can use ACDSee to perform basic picture editing. It is possible to correct exposure, colors, contrast and even fix red-eye effect to enhance the overall look of an image. Sometimes photo viewers can work a bit slowly, but ACDSee allows you to quickly browse and edit your pictures.

• Check out this ACDSee Review.

3. FastStone Image Viewer

Perfect program for comparing and sorting multiple images

• Different tools for basic picture editing
• Excellent keyboard controls
• Rather fast

• Some operations may cause lags
• Lack of photo rating

If you are looking for the best photos viewer, pay attention to FastStone. This program is very user-oriented and you will be amazed by its interface in a full-screen mode. Once you move a mouse to any side of the workspace, there will appear a hidden toolbar. Move the mouse away to make the pop-up panel disappear.

Another great feature of FastStone is batch photo editing. In addition, the latest release of the program can boast several useful functions. Now it is possible to work with curves, levels, lighting as well as use Unsharp Mask and Clone & Heal tools. FastStone supports different file formats including RAW.

In general, I am impressed with the numerous functions FastStone Image Viewer includes in a simple package. This program will be suitable for those, who are looking for user-friendly but an effective photo editor.

4. Movavi Photo Viewer

Best image manager

• Supports 60 file formats
• Fast and reliable software
• Batch resize photos
• Easy to navigate

• Can lag working with large images

Among numerous image viewers available on the market, Movavi Photo Manager deserves special attention. Being fast and reliable, it is an excellent alternative to the built-in programs on Windows and Mac OS. Movavi works with numerous image formats, including RAW, JPEG, and PNG. With this image management software, it is easy to organize and enhance your photos. You can even view geotagged images with a single click.

Movavi photo manager software allows you to significantly speed up your workflow. Now you can forget about sitting in front of the computer for hours and arranging your pictures. Don't waste your time searching through numerous folders to find the necessary file. The program allows you to divide your work based on subject, client, or model using tags. With Movavi, you can also crop, flip and rotate multiple images or work with each photo individually.

• Check out this Movavi Photo Editor Review.

5. Apowersoft Photo Viewer

Provides batch image edit

• Supports numerous image formats
• Works as a PDF reader
• Has a built-in photo editor
• User-oriented interface

• Doesn’t include a photo management feature

Apowersoft is a Hong Kong-based software company that produces utilities for Windows. Apowersoft Photo Viewer is not only a universal and easy-to-use program, but it also has a comprehensible interface. The menu bar is hidden.

To activate it, you need to hover the mouse over the side and bottom part of the workspace. With Apowersoft, you can quickly create slideshows. It is possible to set the speed and size of the pictures as well as pause the slideshow at any time to manually zoom in the image if you need to show some details.

Being rather efficient, Apowersoft is considered to be not only the best photo viewer for Windows but a universal image editing tool. You can perform basic photo editing, add text to your images, use a drawing tool and apply various filters. Also, the program features a useful screenshot tool.

Apowersoft has very basic photo editing features. It is very similar to Microsoft Paint but Apowersoft comes with several additional functions. Nevertheless, there is an image format conversion option within the program which is rather convenient.

6. 123 Photo Viewer

Fast magnification feature

• Easy navigation
• Includes various filters and effects
• Batch image format conversion
• Fast magnification

• Unappealing interface
• Sometimes may lag

123 Photo Viewer definitely deserves to be on my best images viewer list. It is a fast and user-friendly program that works with different image formats and has powerful features. You can easily manage photos on your computer.

It is very convenient to look through the images using a mouse wheel. Just move a mouse pointer on the image and scroll the wheel to zoom in and out. If you want to view the next or previous file, move the mouse to the sides of an image. Also, the program offers an immediate magnification option. Just click on the photo and magnify it; click on the image again to come back to its original size.

123 Photo Viewer supports batch operations for many purposes. For example, you can convert files format, change the size of the multiple images and even rename them.

123 Photo Viewer works with animated file types such as WebP, APNG, and GIF, etc. You can switch to the full-screen mode, pause and continue displaying animation as well as go backward and forward frame by frame. It is also possible to save animation frames as individual files.

7. IrfanView

Packed with features

• Batch image editing
• Opens almost all image formats
• Numerous plug-ins 
• Super-fast

• Works only on Windows
• The interface may seem confusing

IrfanView (named after its creator Irfan Skiljan) is a well-designed image viewer software. It has been available on the market for over 15 years and still remains one of the most useful programs you can install on your computer. It would be wrong to call it just a photo viewing software because it is capable of a lot more.

IrfanView allows you to quickly look through the pictures on your computer or create a slideshow. The program also offers a well-featured image editor, batch file conversion function and a scanner interface. If you feel like you need more features, you can expand the software with plug-ins.

It is easy to learn all IrfanView features, as the program has a bit outdated but still practical interface. You can use various keyboard shortcuts to speed up your workflow. In addition, the directory view makes it easy to navigate through folders and find the necessary file.

IrfanView is more than just a basic photo viewer. It is considered to be the perfect tool for managing and editing media files. If you need to organize, convert and retouch photos, IrfanView will help you effectively handle these tasks.

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8. HoneyView

Best interface

• Amazingly fast
• Supports different image formats
• Slideshow supports numerous transition effects
• Sleek and uncluttered interface

• Few editing options

Honeyview is a very fast, and convenient photo viewer that works with numerous popular image formats. It provides the ability to view files within ZIP or RAR folders without having to unzip them. Also, the program features a user-oriented and sleek interface. Photo management becomes a breeze using Honeyview. It allows you to quickly copy or move photos to the necessary folder. If your pictures contain geotags, you can view the location on Google Maps just clicking on the toolbar button. There are other no less useful features like display filters and effects, EXIF info overlay, customizable interface, optional context menu integration, etc.

Honeyview will be the best photo viewer for those, who want to view images and slightly enhance them. It should be noted that the program doesn’t feature some basic image editing functions as adjusting contrast, hue and saturation. It doesn’t include the crop tool as well.

9. ImageGlass

Conveniently displays image information

• Lightweight
• Clean and user-friendly interface
• Different color profiles

• Zooming is not smooth
• Doesn’t include basic image editing tools

ImageGlass is easy-to-use photo viewing software that is designed as a decent alternative to Windows Photo Viewer. However, the program can manage the files better as it includes additional options. Moreover, there are various extensions you can add to the software to broaden its capabilities.

ImageGlass has an uncluttered and intuitive interface, so even a total newbie can learn it. Apart from being lightweight and universal, this program supports a variety of file formats and has enough features for effective image management.

The main feature that makes ImageGlass stand out from other photo viewers is the ability to display important file information. The title bar displays not only the name of the picture but also its file path, resolution, size, scale, time, etc.

It is possible to switch between full-screen and slideshow modes. It should be noted that these modes work separately. Although the developers missed some things, ImageGlass is still worth paying attention to. This open-source program works really well. I recommend installing this software if you want to quickly view and organize images.

10. XnView

Supports over 500 image formats

• Compatible with Linux, Windows and Mac OS
• Photo rating feature
• Basic picture editing tools 
• The ability to tag photos

• The batch image processing features could work better

XnView allows you to quickly browse through images, view them in full-screen and slideshow modes and sort them out using various options. The program has basic picture editing features such as image rotating, cropping and resizing.

You can also enhance brightness and color, apply different filters, create a web page, etc. Moreover, it is possible to perform the majority of these operations in a photo batch processing mode.

With XnView, you can work with multiple images simultaneously, having more than one instance of the program opened. XnView features an array of options to customize the settings. It also offers a drag-and-drop function and color management. Besides, you can tag photos, install extra plug-ins and choose between 45+ languages.

Regardless of what you need your images for, you can be sure that XnView free image viewer includes all the necessary features.

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Ann Young

Hi there, I'm Ann Young - a professional blogger, read more