XnView Review

Can XnView Compete?

This freebie is pretty similar to Compupic. Boasting about 400 importable graphic file formats and exporting over 50, XnView is here to make its mark. It is fast, caches thumbnails quickly, has lots of options, but is it as good as other prooduct like ACDSee? We're here to put it to the test.

What it's Made of

XnView is far more customizable and seems to be noticeably faster than FastStone. When opening large JPEG200 images, this program competes with many of its kind in speed. Their technique is cleaner and more modern, but most of all simplicity is what makes this program truly effective.

The program is flexible enough to allow you to set it up so that you don't have to see all the browsing through the slideshow property. The program itself is still quite small. It's not bloated and maintains a 9MB install.

The option of having install type choices is a good addition.

This program is definitely going in the right direction, they keep the viewer simple and friendly to users. There's really no clutter with the similar Windows Explorer type view.

One can scroll through the directory while viewing miniature thumbnails on the right. Thus letting you keep an overview of the images available at the same time as letting you quickly view and select specific images.

XnView can be run without installation and this makes it perfect to be used as a "photograph album on CD", especially as it is free of charge for private use*. It also offers more advanced features such as Web page creation, contact prints, multiple conversion (format and transformation), slide shows, screen capturing and Twain support for scanners and digital cameras.

Numerous image filters and effects for image processing are available. The connection to other widely used professional graphic programs e.g.Adobe Photoshop, can be done using 'Drag and Drop', clipboard or 'Open With' Menu option which can help save time when trying to open files the hard way.

This easy to use program lets you create the optimal defaults according to your needs and preferences, thereby letting you work in the most efficient manner. The integrated file operations such as copying, moving, creation of directories and files makes XnView the universal tool for graphics.

The Good

It's efficient, easy to use and not a hassle to install. It is fast, reads many file formats and above all is not cluttered. Also free for private users and an all around speedy program.

The Bad

*XnView is NOT FREE for commercial use so buyers beware.

The Truth

A program that imports about 400 graphic file formats and exports about 50 is a must have. Its simplicity makes it good but its speed makes it great. According to many user reviews out there, it's a program that handles well.

Check out some screenshots below