You can have different approaches to viewing photos, but if you keep your collection on your computer and want to keep it organized, select the appropriate photo viewer. In this review I suggest both simple image file viewers and more complex photo and video cataloging programs. Some of them have a face recognition system, they can show photos on the map and facilitate searching.
ImageGlass
ImageGlass is a modern photo viewer, prepared especially for Windows 10. Its interface is aesthetic and very easy to use. Pictures can be viewed by clicking the icons or using intuitive keyboard shortcuts.
ImageGlass also lets you start a slide show and make small changes like photo rotation and reflection.
Download ImageGlass for free
123 Photo Viewer
123 Photo Viewer was also created for Windows 10 and also boasts an elegant interface with a modest set of functions. After starting 123 Photo Viewer, you must show the folders from which the photo should be displayed. The program has no problems with popular image files and RAW files from digital cameras. You can also start a slide show with the selected display time for each photo.
In addition, 123 Photo Viewer has several effects and can convert photos to other formats.
Download 123 Photo Viewer for free
IrfanView
IrfanView is a photo viewer with a long tradition, still enjoying popularity. Its advantages include the possibility of extending the function with plugins and easy navigation between photos from a folder (keys or mouse wheel). Pictures can be viewed in full screen or in the program window. IrfanView also has editing functions such as resizing, encoding to another file type and simple color editing.
In addition to popular image file formats, IrfanView can also open documents, RAW photos from digital cameras, animations, icons, cursors, and some audio files and movies.
IrfanView is available for free for home and educational use
XnView
XnView is another classic on the list. The program has an intuitive interface, reminiscent of a file manager. XnView can handle many image file formats, documents and drawings, including CAD designs and RAW photos from digital cameras. While browsing, you can move files between folders and delete unneeded ones.
XnView can also prepare a slide show and save it as video. There were also simple editing options such as cropping and effects.
You can use XnView for free at home and for learning
FastStone Image Viewer
FastStone Image Viewer is probably the fastest of the programs listed here. Like the ones listed above, it can preview several dozen file formats. Editing photos in it is a bit more convenient than in XnView. In addition, FastStone Image Viewer can rip camera files and operate the scanner.
FastStone Image Viewer also gives you the ability to create slide shows, photo indexes, layered files, format conversions, and lets you easily edit photo metadata.
Download FastStone Image Viewer for free
ACDSee Photo Studio Home 2020
ACDSee Photo Studio Home 2020 is an inexpensive program for cataloging photos and basic editing. The program has been equipped with a face recognition system, an extensive system of labels and keywords, and a search engine that is able to use all these functions.
Additionally, in the program you will find almost professional photo editing tools, from improving lighting to adding captions and frames.
Download the trial version of ACDSee Photo Studio Home 2020
Zoner Photo Studio X
Zoner Photo Studio X is a surprising program for viewing and editing photos. It can be said that it combines the capabilities of Lightroom and Photoshop – it has been equipped with both tools typical for photo editing, as well as a raster graphics editor working on layers. In addition, it has an extensive photo cataloging system with the ability to search the library, group photos in collections and slide show presentations.
Zoner Photo Studio X can also work with mobile devices, the cloud and share photos right away on social networks. You can test it for 30 days for free, and if you like it, buy a subscription.
Try Zoner Photo Studio X
Windows Pictures
You already have this program on a Windows 10 computer and it may be enough for you. In Photos, you can view photos in chronological order, split into albums, look into folders, edit photos, and create your own projects. You can even edit movies here! Recently, the Windows Photos program also has a face recognition system. You can easily sync albums and photos to your OneDrive.
You can import photos to the collection from the indicated folder, external disk or camera.