IrfanView 4.72
Irfan Skiljan ❘ FreewareAndroid iOS Windows Mac Linux
out of 611 votes
Rank 1 among competitors
IrfanView: The Lightweight Image Viewer and Editor

IrfanView is a versatile software application that allows users to view, edit, and convert images quickly and efficiently.
Comprehensive Review of IrfanView: The Ultimate Image Viewer for Windows
IrfanView is a highly efficient, lightweight image viewer optimized for Windows users. Launched in 1996, it has become a go-to solution for individuals seeking a fast, reliable, and feature-rich image management tool. Its broad compatibility with numerous image and media formats makes it a versatile choice for casual users and professionals alike.
Top Features of IrfanView
- Extensive Format Support: IrfanView handles a wide array of image formats such as JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP, TIFF, and RAW files, along with audio and video formats, ensuring seamless media viewing.
- Powerful Batch Processing: Save time with bulk operations including resizing, converting, and applying filters across multiple images simultaneously.
- Basic Editing Capabilities: Quickly crop, resize, rotate, paint, and enhance images with effects like sharpen or blur—perfect for minor edits without complex software.
- Slideshow Builder: Create engaging slideshows with customizable transitions and effects for presentations or personal collections.
- Extensible via Plugins: Enhance functionality with various plugins supporting OCR, screen capture, additional formats, and more.
User-Friendly Interface
IrfanView boasts a minimalistic and intuitive interface that simplifies navigation even for newcomers. Its straightforward layout features easily accessible tools on a clean toolbar and well-organized menus for rapid feature access.
Superior Performance
The software excels in speed and resource efficiency. It loads images quickly regardless of size or quantity, maintaining responsiveness even when handling large files or multiple images at once.
Advantages of Using IrfanView
- Lightweight & Efficient: At under 5 MB, IrfanView is ideal for systems with limited resources or those requiring quick setup without installation.
- Portable Version Available: Run directly from USB drives or external storage devices without installation, perfect for mobile professionals.
- Multilingual Support: Offers numerous language options to cater to a global user base.
- Free for Personal Use: Encourages widespread use among individual users with free access to core features.
An Active User Community & Documentation
The vibrant user community provides valuable support through forums and shared resources. The official website offers detailed guides and troubleshooting tips that assist users in maximizing the software’s potential.
Compatibility & Security
IrfanView is primarily designed for Windows but can be operated on Linux or Mac systems using emulators. Regular updates ensure security patches are applied promptly, keeping the software safe against vulnerabilities.
Alternative Options
- XnView: Similar features with added flexibility in media management.
- FastStone Image Viewer: Combines powerful viewing and editing features within an easy-to-use interface.
- GIMP: Advanced image editing tailored for professional work but more resource-intensive than IrfanView.
The Final Word on IrfanView
If you’re seeking a speedy, lightweight image viewer packed with essential features and room for expansion via plugins, IrfanView remains an outstanding choice. Its straightforward approach makes it suitable for everyday use while providing enough tools to handle more detailed image processing tasks effectively.
Overview
IrfanView is a Freeware software in the category Graphics Applications developed by Irfan Skiljan.
The users of our client application UpdateStar have checked IrfanView for updates 18,064 times during the last month.
The latest version of IrfanView is 4.72, released on 05/13/2025. It was initially added to our database on 09/20/2007. The most prevalent version is 4.72, which is used by 48% of all installations.
IrfanView runs on the following operating systems: Android/iOS/Windows/Mac/Linux.
Users of IrfanView gave it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
Pros
- Lightweight and fast image viewer
- Supports a wide range of file formats
- Comes with basic editing tools like crop, resize, and rotate
- Ability to perform batch image processing
- Offers plugins for additional functionality
- Free for personal use
Cons
- User interface may appear outdated and non-intuitive to new users
- Lacking more advanced editing features compared to other image editing software
- Windows-only application, not available on other operating systems
FAQ
What is IrfanView?
IrfanView is a fast and compact image viewer and converter that supports a wide variety of image formats.
Who created IrfanView?
IrfanView was created by Bosnian developer Irfan Skiljan.
What operating systems does IrfanView run on?
IrfanView can run on Microsoft Windows operating systems, including Windows 10.
What file formats does IrfanView support?
IrfanView supports over 90 image file formats, as well as some audio and video formats.
Is IrfanView free?
Yes, IrfanView is free for personal and educational use. Business users must purchase a license.
Can I edit images with IrfanView?
IrfanView has some basic image editing capabilities, including cropping, resizing, and adjusting brightness and contrast.
Does IrfanView have batch processing capabilities?
Yes, IrfanView has the ability to batch process files with certain operations.
What plugins are available for IrfanView?
IrfanView has a wide variety of plugins available that can be downloaded and installed to add more features, including support for even more file formats.
Is IrfanView easy to use?
Yes, IrfanView's user interface is intuitive and easy to use, even for those who are not familiar with advanced image editing software.
Can IrfanView create slideshows?
Yes, IrfanView has a built-in slideshow feature that allows users to easily create slideshows with their images.

Peter Salakani
I'm Peter, a software reviews author at UpdateStar and content specialist with a keen focus on usability and performance. With a background in both software development and content creation, I bring a unique perspective to evaluating and discussing general software topics. When I'm not reviewing software, I enjoy staying updated on the latest tech trends, experimenting with new applications, and finding innovative solutions to everyday tech challenges.
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