To open photos on the PC, one needs a photo viewer app. Microsoft offers a native app to do it known as Microsoft Photos. However, not everyone is a fan of the Microsoft Photos app, which is the successor of Windows Photos Viewer. Some aren’t happy with its speed, while others don’t like its interface.
This is a basic overview of how to use the image viewer and converter, Irfanview.
As a result, people look for the alternatives to the Photos app. While there are many of them, two special ones are IrfanView and XnView. You may wonder which one to use.
Don’t worry. We have done the hard work for you. In this post, we will compare IrfanView and XnView. By the end, you will be able to judge as to which photo viewer to use on a Windows 10 PC.
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- All things considered, IrfanView is one of the best solutions one could find when it comes to handling photos, editing them, taking screenshots, viewing multi-page images, making panoramas.
Let’s get started.
Size Matters
One may think that a photo viewer app will weigh at least more than 50MB considering the amount of work that is expected from it. However, both the apps are less than that. While XnView goes up to 20MB, IrfanView has a negligible size of 3MB only.
App Working
Think of XnView as a proper gallery app where you can see all the folders and the pictures inside. Clicking on any picture will open it in the full version. It even supports tabbed view so you open multiple images at the same time.
XnView also offers some viewing and sorting modes that one expects from a photo viewer app. You can add or remove any feature and layout. The entire app is customizable. So you can make it look and work according to your need.
On the other hand, IrfanView doesn’t list images in the app. You need to use the Open option in the app to view individual pictures. Then you can use the navigation keys to move between the images in that particular folder. You can also view images in it from any folder on the PC using Open with option. Even though it also offers a thumbnail view, the thumbnails open in a separate window.
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Read MoreUser Interface
User interface plays a significant role in a photo viewer. Both these apps have the old Windows interface with menus at the top. I prefer the old layout as opposed to the modern interface of Windows apps.
Anyway, in IrfanView, you will find the File, Edit, Options, View, and Help menus at the top. Clicking on either of them will reveal extra options. Below the menu bar, lies the toolbar housing important items. Next, you will have the image. At the bottom lies the status bar showing information like image size, dimensions, date added, etc. You can change the theme of the buttons in the app.
While XnView also has a similar interface with the main menu at the top followed by the toolbar. However, between them lies various tabs if you open multiple images.
Unlike IrfanView where the main area is occupied by the image only, here you will find the image explorer on the left side with an image preview window on the right side. Clicking on any image will open it in one of the tabs. You can keep scrolling through the images without the full-screen mode too. If you don’t like the layout, you can customize it under View > Layout.
Speed — Fast is Better
While both the apps are fast, IrfanView feels slightly faster. I tried to view a folder housing 15MB images in both the apps and IrfanView was quick to change the images. There was a slight delay in XnView. For smaller images, you will not notice any difference, it’s big images where you can feel one getting ahead of the other.
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#comparison
Click here to see our comparison articles pageEditing and Effects
Even though both the apps provide basic editing tools, they aren’t easily apparent. You will have to take some time to understand where each option is located. Once you get hold of them, it will be easy to use them. Honestly, both provide similar editing features. You can change the canvas size, auto crop images, invert colors, add filters, and achieve much more in them.
Plugin Support
In case you have been wondering about plugin support, we are glad to say that both of them support plugins. While some plugins are preinstalled, you can install others from the website.
XnView supports plugins such as HEIF, OpenRaster, WebP format, ZIP, FTP, Paint, etc. Similarly, IrfanView lets you download plugins such as AWD, DPX, FTP, KDC, Paint, Real audio, etc.
Irfanview For Android
Other Features
Apart from letting you view and edit photos, you can perform other funtions in these apps too. For instance, you can batch process files, swap colors, save files in different formats, set as wallpaper, view EXIF information, etc. Further, both support all the known file formats.
Is Everything Free
Fortunately, you won’t have to shell a penny to use any app for personal use. However, if you intend to use XnView for commercial purposes, you must purchase a license.
Irfanview Download
Fun Fact: IrfanView is named after the developer of the app (Irfan) who single-handedly runs the software.Also on Guiding Tech
How to Make a Video with Pictures and Music in Windows 10
Read MoreWhich App Should You Use?
I prefer XnView because of its interface. While IrfanView is faster for big files, XnView feels more user-friendly to me. That said, several people swear by IrfanView and have been using it for years now. I would suggest downloading both the apps and use them for a few days. Your personal need will help in identifying the better one for you.
Next up: Want to display dimensions or any other column in file explorer permanently? Here’s how to add columns in Windows 10.
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 NextHow to Add Columns Permanently to All Folders in Windows 10 File ExplorerAlso See#photo #Photo Editing Apps
Did You Know
Irfanview Plug-ins
In December 2009, the Apple version of WhatsApp was updated to include photo sharing features.
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IrfanView Latest Version
IrfanView 4.35
- Released:
- Nov 8, 2012
- Size:
- 1.57 MB
- Downloads:
- 720
- Rating:
IrfanView Popular Version
IrfanView 3.97
- Released:
- Apr 22, 2005
- Size:
- 874.00 KB
- Downloads:
- 17,221
- Rating:
Select Version of IrfanView to Download for FREE!
| Software Version | Release Date | Size |
|---|---|---|
| IrfanView 1.75 | Jun 2, 1996 | 186.31 KB |
| IrfanView 1.80 | Jun 15, 1996 | 186.96 KB |
| IrfanView 1.85 | Jul 1, 1996 | 189.43 KB |
| IrfanView 1.90 | Jul 18, 1996 | 194.38 KB |
| IrfanView 1.91 | Jul 23, 1996 | 194.83 KB |
| IrfanView 1.95 | Aug 1, 1996 | 203.27 KB |
| IrfanView 1.98a | Aug 16, 1996 | 209.81 KB |
| IrfanView 1.98 | Aug 9, 1996 | 208.16 KB |
| IrfanView 1.99 | Aug 25, 1996 | 207.87 KB |
| IrfanView 2.00 | Sep 2, 1996 | 223.57 KB |
| IrfanView 2.05 | Sep 29, 1996 | 489.00 KB |
| IrfanView 2.07 | Oct 20, 1996 | 232.01 KB |
| IrfanView 2.10 | Oct 27, 1996 | 233.73 KB |
| IrfanView 2.12 | Nov 16, 1996 | 235.79 KB |
| IrfanView 2.15 | Nov 30, 1996 | 238.11 KB |
| IrfanView 2.17 | Dec 16, 1996 | 238.76 KB |
| IrfanView 2.18 | Jan 6, 1997 | 259.37 KB |
| IrfanView 2.20 | Jan 28, 1997 | 257.62 KB |
| IrfanView 2.22 | Feb 17, 1997 | 237.59 KB |
| IrfanView 2.25 | Mar 31, 1997 | 239.06 KB |
| IrfanView 2.27 | Apr 15, 1997 | 245.90 KB |
| IrfanView 2.30 | May 4, 1997 | 274.19 KB |
| IrfanView 2.32 | May 25, 1997 | 286.70 KB |
| IrfanView 2.35 | Jun 5, 1997 | 258.71 KB |
| IrfanView 2.37 | Jun 18, 1997 | 260.58 KB |
| IrfanView 2.40 | Jul 2, 1997 | 278.04 KB |
| IrfanView 2.50 | Sep 27, 1997 | 567.00 KB |
| IrfanView 2.52 | Oct 16, 1997 | 267.33 KB |
| IrfanView 2.55 | Nov 16, 1997 | 271.94 KB |
| IrfanView 2.60 | Dec 15, 1997 | 280.57 KB |
| IrfanView 2.62 | Jan 28, 1998 | 281.60 KB |
| IrfanView 2.63 | Jan 25, 1998 | 602.50 KB |
| IrfanView 2.65 | Mar 3, 1998 | 284.89 KB |
| IrfanView 2.66 | Mar 17, 1998 | 285.70 KB |
| IrfanView 2.68 | Mar 27, 1998 | 286.67 KB |
| IrfanView 2.80 | Mar 5, 1998 | 295.42 KB |
| IrfanView 2.82 | Jun 21, 1998 | 303.49 KB |
| IrfanView 2.83 | Jul 3, 1998 | 304.50 KB |
| IrfanView 2.85 | Aug 21, 1998 | 681.00 KB |
| IrfanView 2.90 | Nov 10, 1998 | 352.19 KB |
| IrfanView 2.92 | Nov 10, 1998 | 778.00 KB |
| IrfanView 2.95 | Nov 27, 1998 | 366.91 KB |
| IrfanView 2.97 | Jan 11, 1999 | 393.66 KB |
| IrfanView 2.98 | Jan 19, 1999 | 393.92 KB |
| IrfanView 3.00 | Apr 6, 1999 | 398.85 KB |
| IrfanView 3.02 | Jun 7, 1999 | 434.30 KB |
| IrfanView 3.05 | Jul 26, 1999 | 485.08 KB |
| IrfanView 3.07 | Oct 20, 1999 | 467.48 KB |
| IrfanView 3.10 | Dec 22, 1999 | 497.91 KB |
| IrfanView 3.12 | Jan 30, 2000 | 466.87 KB |
| IrfanView 3.15 | Mar 20, 2000 | 478.56 KB |
| IrfanView 3.17 | Apr 22, 2000 | 521.63 KB |
| IrfanView 3.20 | Jul 12, 2000 | 524.39 KB |
| IrfanView 3.21 | Jul 20, 2000 | 525.39 KB |
| IrfanView 3.25 | Sep 2, 2000 | 571.50 KB |
| IrfanView 3.30 | Apr 11, 2001 | 576.00 KB |
| IrfanView 3.33 | Jan 22, 2001 | 708.00 KB |
| IrfanView 3.35 | Apr 26, 2001 | 629.00 KB |
| IrfanView 3.36 (German) | Add info | 728.00 KB |
| IrfanView 3.36 | Apr 30, 2001 | 630.50 KB |
| IrfanView 3.50 | Aug 18, 2001 | 638.00 KB |
| IrfanView 3.51 | Aug 20, 2001 | 639.00 KB |
| IrfanView 3.60 | Jan 12, 2001 | 814.50 KB |
| IrfanView 3.61 | Add info | 797.50 KB |
| IrfanView 3.70 | Apr 20, 2002 | 764.00 KB |
| IrfanView 3.75 | Jul 15, 2002 | 808.00 KB |
| IrfanView 3.80 | Jan 10, 2003 | 821.50 KB |
| IrfanView 3.85 | Aug 29, 2003 | 817.50 KB |
| IrfanView 3.90 + Plugins | Apr 9, 2004 | 5.43 MB |
| IrfanView 3.91 | May 1, 2004 | 803.00 KB |
| IrfanView 3.92 | Aug 20, 2004 | 851.00 KB |
| IrfanView 3.95 | Oct 26, 2004 | 856.50 KB |
| IrfanView 3.97 Plugins | Apr 22, 2005 | 4.54 MB |
| IrfanView 3.97 | Apr 22, 2005 | 874.00 KB |
| IrfanView 3.98 Plugins | Dec 24, 2005 | 5.15 MB |
| IrfanView 4.00 | Apr 23, 2007 | 1.10 MB |
| IrfanView 4.10 Plugins | Oct 15, 2007 | 6.20 MB |
| IrfanView 4.10 | Add info | 1.10 MB |
| IrfanView 4.20 Plugins | Jul 16, 2008 | 6.94 MB |
| IrfanView 4.20 | Jul 16, 2008 | 1.25 MB |
| IrfanView 4.22 | Dec 22, 2008 | 1.28 MB |
| IrfanView 4.23 | Dec 29, 2008 | 1.28 MB |
| IrfanView 4.25 | Jun 16, 2009 | 1.30 MB |
| IrfanView 4.27 | May 9, 2010 | 1.33 MB |
| IrfanView 4.28 Plugins | Dec 16, 2010 | 7.38 MB |
| IrfanView 4.28 | Dec 16, 2010 | 1.41 MB |
| IrfanView 4.30 | Jun 20, 2011 | 519.00 KB |
| IrfanView 4.32 Plugins | Dec 15, 2011 | 8.58 MB |
| IrfanView 4.32 | Dec 19, 2011 | 1.25 MB |
| IrfanView 4.33 | Mar 28, 2012 | 1.47 MB |
| IrfanView 4.35 + Plugins | Nov 8, 2012 | 9.85 MB |
| IrfanView 4.35 | Nov 8, 2012 | 1.57 MB |
Irfanview Free Software
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Upload it now and get rewarded!Need a software version that is not currently listed?
Make a software request now!IrfanView Description
IrfanView is a fast, simple image-viewer and -editor that supports all major graphic formats. In addition, it features drag-and-drop support, directory viewing, TWAIN support, slide shows, batch conversion, and modifications such as color depth, crop, blur, and sharpen.