User Reviews
IrfanView
IrfanView is probably the most popular and feature packed free image viewer for Windows. It has been around for many years and keeps getting better. ...
Average of 39 user ratings: 
- Sep 04, 2008
- For version:
- 4.20
Mind boggle for beginners 
- Interface: 3
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 3
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Sure those of us who are used to IrfanView can safely say, it's great, but I think for beginners this may have too many features. I remember using it for the first time and my eyes hurt. It's an excellent free all around handler but sometimes I feel it's too much in some respects. I have a few separate apps for what I need to accomplish without the whirl pool of features that's IrfanView. That said, I think it's simply a matter of taste more than anything. I can't really say it's bad because it's far from that, just not what I look for I guess. Still a great software though, can't deny that.
Review by: gimpguy (27)
Read all 27 reviews by gimpguy
- Jun 29, 2008
- For version:
- 4.10
Light on resources yet powerful
- Interface: 4
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
One meg download, uses little ram compared to a lot of the others, has an impressive range of features (and many extensions via plugins). The only downside for me is the way the thumbnail window displays separately. An integrated one would have been better. Brilliant for creating a slide show or converting/resizing/altering/renaming a heap of image files at once. I have been using Irfanview for about a squillion years. Well, almost.
Review by: Rustyboy (12)
Read all 12 reviews by Rustyboy
- Apr 29, 2008
- For version:
- 4.10
Not as pretty as some, but better than most
- Interface: 3
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
This program does it all, the viewing is not as good as paid for thumbnail based proggies, however the extra possibilities make this proggie a MUST HAVE ! Batch conversion, utilizing multiple possibilities for resizing, quality and compression. Awesome. It views as good as every format you should encounter in images and is just a simple MUST HAVE on your PC.
Review by: BENDECHO (5)
Read all 5 reviews by BENDECHO
- Dec 25, 2007
- For version:
- 4.10
The number one freeware image viewer
- Interface: 4
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 3
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Considering that this image and photo viewer is free, it has a truly impressive set of features. Furthermore, much of what is missing from the base package, such as viewing video clips can be added by downloading and installing plugins. Now even a plugin for some image editing is available, although keeping all the modules up to date naturally takes some effort. Extra bonus: What I need and like is that Irfan also includes command line processing. That is very handy say for creating a set of thumbnails at one go. And the author has been very helpful. Thanks! What I would still like to have to make Irfan near perfect would be a much better red-eye correction. To be useful, the relevant area selection should optionally be circular, not just rectangular.
Review by: Toscana (5)
Read all 5 reviews by Toscana
- Dec 24, 2007
- For version:
- 4.10
The best free image viewer and editor
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I use this program more than any.
Review by: cbcs777 (3)
Read all 3 reviews by cbcs777
- Dec 22, 2007
- For version:
- 4.10
Preferred picture viewer/editor
- Interface: 4
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
IrfanView has been my preferred picture viewer since it came into existence. From Windows platform to Windows platform. Plenty of picture formats can be viewed/edited (modestly but efficiently) with this sole program. I don't use it much for WMV or WMA/MP3. Even if also those formats work well in it. You can decide what to open by default with IrfanView, by means of tab Options ile AssociationsExtensions.
Review by: PogMoHon (5)
Read all 5 reviews by PogMoHon
- Oct 03, 2007
- For version:
- 4.0
This program is amazing
- Interface: 5
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
It seems like I have been using IrfanView for ever. Even though I own (purchased) 2 heavy duty image editors, and have tried most of the freeware full blown editors, this little program still meets 85% of my editing needs. For resizing, orientation, color correction, format conversion and effects, this little piece of freeware beats the big boys. It is frequently updated, has a small footprint and plenty of plugins to expand its usability. Unless you are a professional photographer (or aspire to be one) this program should meet your needs. And even if you are a pro, this program allows you to get rid of that awful Windows Image viewer!! Oh, and did I mention it's free??
Review by: llsee46 (5)
Read all 5 reviews by llsee46
- Aug 14, 2007
- For version:
- 4.0
Best all-round image viewer and converter
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
There are many, many graphics viewers and converters. Some do certain things better than Irfanview, as well as certain things that Irfanview can not do at all. However, this being said, those programs that are noticeably better than Irfanview tend to be very much larger, and do not offer such all-round ease of use.
Review by: Sianlover (6)
Read all 6 reviews by Sianlover
- May 13, 2007
- For version:
- 4.0
The best. bar none
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I have used this for about 10 years. it is the first thing i put on any pc after the o.s. and patches. i use it frequently all through out the day from movie viewing, mp3 listening and advanced photo editing. i do not give a rats ass about thumbnails, in fact, i hate them and find them incredibly annoying, so i could care less about that particular area of the program. it is incredibly easy to just go to Irfans website and get the plugins. there is nothing hard about that. it is easy as going to any other website, like this one for example. i always keep my plugins folder backed up so i can just copy-paste when building a new rig, and all one has to do is tell the program where the Photoshop filters are and you can use them too. it is indispensable, so much in fact i will never consider another image viewer, not ever (unless Irfan goes bonkers and screws the code up bad... in which case, i'll just use one of the many older versions i have archived). hey, it works portably also!
Review by: jackfrost (35)
Read all 35 reviews by jackfrost
- Jan 30, 2007
- For version:
- 3.99
Simply the best . . .
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I have been using IrfanView since 1997. I have tried dozens of others along the way and this remains my favorite. It is a program that has about everything I need for serious image viewing. No nonsense and straight forward. It has been my default viewer since I first installed it. It is really my right arm and I strongly recommend this wonderful program. JMM
Review by: JMMannion (15)
Read all 15 reviews by JMMannion
- Dec 15, 2006
- For version:
- 3.98
My default image viewer
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I love this little program. I have been using it for many years now and I use it everyday for all kind of things. Touching up my pictures, editing screenshots or converting between formats. Irfan does it all with much ease which makes it the most versatile picture viewer around. It's my default viewer anyway. Whenever I install a computer I, one of the first things I add to it is this little gem. Of course it does not replace the real photo retouching software like photoshop or photoimpact. But it has the advantage of being much, much more quicker and above all: its free!
Review by: Pomtidom (2)
Read all 2 reviews by Pomtidom
- Dec 14, 2006
- For version:
- 3.98
Great viewer and tons of options
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
This is a complete freeware program. Easy to use. It gets my highest recommendation. For more detailed editing I also recommend Photo Filtre.
Review by: DirectInfo (8)
Read all 8 reviews by DirectInfo
- Dec 08, 2006
- For version:
- 3.98
The best for image viewing, basic touch-up.
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I've been using IrfanView for a long time and simply haven't found anything easier for viewing images in a large directory, for touching them up, simple editing and almost anything I want to do with my images. For serious "Photoshop"-type editing, this is not a program for you. For simple things like adjusting the brightness and color (Shift-g), cropping (select, CTRL-y), size (CTRL-r), compression and format (CTRL-s), name (F6), etc., there is nothing on the same level. Sure there are a lot of settings, but that's just a function of it's power and customizability. It's just the best little image view around. Take 10 minutes to learn it and you'll be glad you did. I work with hundred of images and find Picasa to be great at finding images through multiple, large directories, but Irfanview is better at previewing them and doing minor touch-up. It'll even do batch renaming, or color/gamma-shifting, if you want!
Review by: richderuiter (2)
Read all 2 reviews by richderuiter
- Sep 25, 2006
- For version:
- 3.98
Swiss-army knife
- Interface: 4
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
It supports virtually all formats in the world (except .mbm, sadly). It can convert any picture file into wallpaper. It can resize/resample. It can change bit depths. It can crop. It can set brightness/contrast/gamma. On top of it, it can do all this in batches (i.e. multiple files in one operation). Ultimately, it's free!
Review by: pepoluan (17)
Read all 17 reviews by pepoluan
- Jun 19, 2006
- For version:
- 3.98
Irreplaceable
- Interface: 2
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 3
- Value: 5
- Overall:
A brilliant irreplaceable part of my image processing suit. On a low budget I use a variety of out-of-date, barely adequate software to develop images for the websites I create. Irfanview allows me to process images, cross-platform and older file types in moments. It allows to produce cutting edge final images from shambolic software. I would be lost without it. One negative, it is complex and can make your head spin when you first get into learning all the features!
Review by: sundog_279 (7)
Read all 7 reviews by sundog_279
- May 29, 2006
- For version:
- 3.98
Use irfanview extensively
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I've used Irfanview for several years,and recommend it to everyone. I've had questions about the behavior of the program a few times, and when I write to the author, he will reply within 24 hours, sometimes less. I especially like the Thumbnails option. This is, in my opinion, the best little graphics viewer/editor out there, unless you want to buy/learn Photoshop. It's great!
Review by: rosiebug
First post
- Mar 29, 2006
- For version:
- 3.98
Many features -- great price -- free!
- Interface: 4
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
This product is easy to use, feature rich, it does what it should - allows you to view pictures individually up close - and an excellent slide show option. Good addition to your tool box...
Review by: PoppaCas (2)
Read all 2 reviews by PoppaCas
- Mar 04, 2006
- For version:
- 3.98
This thing is garbage!!
- Interface: 2
- Features: 2
- Ease of use: 1
- Value: 3
- Overall:
Way too many options and configurability. It gets confusing quick and your head starts to hurt. Especially when you just want to do something simple like adjust the brightness. It gives you a thumbnail view of the pic before the adjustment and after, but the thumbnail preview is soooo small that you really can't tell the change on the fly. Please go and get Picasa by google as it is the best for most needs and easy as pie for the beginners as well. I tried to email a pic with Irfan and it said to get the plugin and then after i got the plugin, it told me to configure my smtp!?! What? Most people don't even know what SMTP is let alone know how to adjust it. And yes for the record I do know how to setup my smtp, but why should I? I just wanted to email a picture, not make a full days event out of it!!! Seriously, this thing is ugly and way too busy and you would do much better trying Picasa.
Review by: tomcat (17)
Read all 17 reviews by tomcat
- Oct 15, 2005
- For version:
- 3.97
Simple the best image viewer
- Interface: 4
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Simply the best image viewer: extrem fast and robust
Review by: Gorky2 (4)
Read all 4 reviews by Gorky2
- Sep 16, 2005
- For version:
- 3.97
So many features!
- Interface: 4
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
If you like to view lots of images, Irfanview is one item that's a must. It does have a unusual double window view of things - one window for thumbnails, another for individual images. However, it does so many things, some things even expensive software doesn't do. Create screensavers, get screen captures, extract a range of frames from a video you specify, and more. Copy, move files, it generates contact sheets, and excellent, simple web pages with thumbs -- giving you full control how it is done. It's also got a host of image/color modifying tools. With the plug-ins, you can even have added image filters. I've used it for a long time and it's very solid. Try it, you won't be sorry!
Review by: catmaster (10)
Read all 10 reviews by catmaster
- Sep 14, 2005
- For version:
- 3.97
Simply the best
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I use IrfanView everyday. It supports many formats and it does many things. It is a very small and useful tool.
Review by: jcharth (16)
Read all 16 reviews by jcharth
- Aug 23, 2005
- For version:
- 3.97
There is better
- Interface: 1
- Features: 3
- Ease of use: 2
- Value: 4
- Overall:
I have tried Irfanview on many occasions and have always kept looking for better. I have to say the the numerous windows and the lack a one solid interface is a real downer. The one I have tried and now stick with for image viewing and basic touching up is XnView...I highly recommend XnView over Irfanview...Image processing and creation use The Gimp.
Review by: MiCKinCanada (4)
Read all 4 reviews by MiCKinCanada
- Aug 04, 2005
- For version:
- 3.97
Keeps getting better
- Interface: 4
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
IrfanView is one of the very rare freeware-programs that was already very good at the beginning and also keeps getting better through the years. It has very many plug-ins (is supported by many programmers of other programs). It's fast, small, easy to install and uninstall. The only negative point is that you have to get used to some ways of handling the program but show me a prog where you don't have to get used to some ways of how it works. So, overall, I think it is really the best image viewer there is. If you want to use it for general everyday-work with pictures, then get it. It's worth at least the try. A fan.
Review by: autocart (5)
Read all 5 reviews by autocart
- Aug 02, 2005
- For version:
- 3.97
Irfanview. yes!
- Interface: 3
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Once I had a proper look at it, this is easily the best image viewer available (freeware or paid for). Download and install all the plug-ins and it just gets better. Take time to learn what it can do and you are on a winner. Great stuff!
Review by: guy9663 (8)
Read all 8 reviews by guy9663
- Jul 22, 2005
- For version:
- 3.97
The one for power users
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
IrfanView must be the number one image viewer for PC, though the extensive other functions - batch conversion, thumbnailing, renaming, etc. are maybe not as well implemented as the viewing interface. IView also has issues with .MOV files which can crash it (might be my codecs), and the mpeg/avi viewing system is a bit clunky. That said, I use it all the time as a sort of browser conduit between image folders and pro editing software; the crop, rotate and zoom functions, all with keyboard shortcuts, give it the edge over other freeware and a lot of paid-for apps. If you have any picture files at all you should get it, no question.
Review by: robinbk (8)
Read all 8 reviews by robinbk
- Apr 28, 2005
- For version:
- 3.97
Yikes!
- Interface: 2
- Features: 2
- Ease of use: 1
- Value: 4
- Overall:
Way too many windows-I like one interface with all the stuff on it-uninstalls very nice though. Too much clickin' goin on here!
Review by: Rodger (152)
Read all 152 reviews by Rodger
- Apr 07, 2005
- For version:
- 3.95
This is a great image viewer!
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Don't through away your major image editing programs, like PhotoShop or Paint Shop Pro, but definitely ADD this utility to your suite of tools. The big boys are fine for doing the detailed and fancy editing, but if you just want to view an image file, make a conversion to another format or simply resize it, then this is the tool you will always use. It loads and executes FAST, which can't be said for the major editing programs. Check it out and you will become a convert, too.
Review by: Ron_Welchly (4)
Read all 4 reviews by Ron_Welchly
- Feb 24, 2005
- For version:
- 3.95
My little addiction
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Although I have Photoshop and Paint Shop Pro, I find myself using IrfanView more than either of them. Of course if I am editing an image file for professional use, I will use them, but most of what I end up editing images for is my own fun. IrfanView is fast and full featured for this purpose. It allows me to resize, rotate, and flip the images; as well I can convert or reduce the color, apply filter effects, and use Photoshop plug-ins with it. I can also crop, trace, cut and paste. I have an anaglyph conversion program which produces files that neither Photoshop nor Paint Shop Pro can open, but IrfanView can. I can save those images in IrfanView so they can be opened in the other programs. IrfanView is light on resource usage, as I have even used it on an old 486 machine (it has run on any version of Windows from 95 up). IrfanView is small, fast, full featured, easy on resources, and has become my little addiction among image editors/viewers.
Review by: Menard (7)
Read all 7 reviews by Menard
- Feb 03, 2005
- For version:
- 3.95
Fantastic
- Interface: 3
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I was searching for a freeware to convert image to different file formats. After using it, I must admit that this is the best you can get for a novice user like me. And the file size of the download is unbelievable. Go for it. Ash
Review by: ash_ruhyahoocom
First post
- Jan 13, 2005
- For version:
- 3.95
Overall, still the best
- Interface: 3
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Even beats shareware viewers. Super fast, stable, low ressource usage under Win9x/Me, and chock-full of features, this viewer's the best I've seen. Although as some have pointed out, the learning curve is a tad steep. But that's the price you often have to pay for more features.
Review by: EM_745 (32)
Read all 32 reviews by EM_745
- Dec 01, 2004
- For version:
- 3.95
Simply the best
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
This is the most complete freeware program I have ever used. It is as stable as any I have used, is incredibly fast, and has more options and plugins than I can mention. Plugins are all downloadable in a single zipfile. There are many freeware graphic viewers/resizers/rotators and other utility programs available and some have a much prettier face, but none I have used compare to the overall functionality of this amazing work. This stable performer gets my vote for an academy award. I salute Mr. Irfan Skiljan for a truly remarkable program that somehow is still free.
Review by: AungDin (57)
Read all 57 reviews by AungDin
- Nov 15, 2004
- For version:
- 3.95
This is the greatest program
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I use many graphic programs for different things they can do --but irfanview program is the best one i have found ---it functions without any hassle or glitches --is fast opening and has so many features in it , i dont see how anyone can do graphics and not have this wonderful program. i thank them everyday for this program--and free!! highest recommendation
Review by: johnlsr (4)
Read all 4 reviews by johnlsr
- Oct 06, 2004
- For version:
- 3.92
... easy ...
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I have been using Irfan for some time for quick view of my pictures and simple work with them. For more complicated editing I have another advanced program. Irfan is good to have.
Review by: tomaashe (11)
Read all 11 reviews by tomaashe
- Oct 05, 2004
- For version:
- 3.92
Perfect for what it's intended for.
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I've used Ifranview for quite a while (uh.. two, three years? Maybe more) for the task of sorting through and viewing pictures. It's perfect for that, because it's so very *fast*. I set the options to allow me to go from picture and picture (using the spacebar, default) and to allow me to press an F key to MOVE those pictures to a specified directory. Those pictures which downloaded badly can be deleted via the 'delete' key. Windows XP has 'thumbnail' view now native, but when it didn't, I was able to use Ifran's browser menu to take a quick peek at what I had. Totally perfect - that is, for what it is. A free, fast, unbelivably simple to use image viewer with a couple 'incidental' features.
Review by: JakeTalahan
First post
- Aug 23, 2004
- For version:
- 3.92
Very complicated
- Interface: 1
- Features: 2
- Ease of use: 1
- Value: 1
- Overall:
Good for fast viewing of images, but everything else is VERY complicated, NOT easy to use
Review by: Dreamer888 (18)
Read all 18 reviews by Dreamer888
- Jul 25, 2004
- For version:
- 3.91
Simply the best and freeware too !!
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
This application is one of the few applications on this planet that works flawlessly! It has been very cleverly designed to be used by the average home user as a fast, simple, intuitive desktop viewer, but in fact, it's actually a powerhouse of functionality for professionals. Believe me ! There's not much Irfanview can't do! It acquires, restores, rotates, crops, enhances, adds text, converts, resizes, stitches, prints, makes slideshows, plays most video, audio & animated gif files, and the list goes on. I have introduced Irfanview to many friends who just can't believe that this single application does almost everything so simply and it's still freeware, thanks to Mr Irfan Skiljan's generousity. As a retired IT engineer, I have installed and used many hundreds of applications in my time, and none have impressed me like Irfanview has.
Review by: Jaytee
First post
- Jul 19, 2004
- For version:
- 3.91
Doesn't support 32 bits color pictures
- Interface: 2
- Features: 2
- Ease of use: 2
- Value: 2
- Overall:
Pictures in 32 bits colors are not supported with Irfanview.
Review by: ericzutter (4)
Read all 4 reviews by ericzutter
- Jun 20, 2004
- For version:
- 3.91
Move over acd see
- Interface: 4
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Why would you want to pay for an image viewer, or put up with the vicissitudes of a shareware, when Irfan View is around? In addition to letting you view umpteen types of files, it also can do screen captures, image manipulation, image creation (including merging two or more files into a panoramic image), multimedia playback (requires additional downloaded plugins) etc. Definitely the Michael Jordan of the image viewing world!!
Review by: thinavila (24)
Read all 24 reviews by thinavila
- May 18, 2004
- For version:
- 3.91
The standard
- Interface: 4
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
IrfanView continues to be the standard by which all viewers are measured. It is both comprehensive and easy to use.
Review by: joed2939 (6)
Read all 6 reviews by joed2939
- Feb 17, 2002
- For version:
- NA
Nice!
- Interface: 0
- Features: 0
- Ease of use: 0
- Value: 0
- Overall:
IrfanView is very nice if you are stuck with a Win9x machine. Tons of features and it's fast as well.
Review by: Galley (35)
Read all 35 reviews by Galley