Our verdict: FastStone Image Viewer packs a viewer, a light photo editor and a batch converter into one Windows program. It is quick to cull a folder of photos and fix them without opening a heavier editor. It is free only for personal and educational use.
About FastStone Image Viewer
FastStone Image Viewer looks like Windows Explorer: folders on the left, thumbnails and a preview on the right. Its full-screen mode hides toolbars at the four screen edges, so EXIF data, thumbnails and editing tools pop up when the mouse touches an edge.
It reads all major formats, including HEIC, WebP, JPEG XL, PSD, SVG and PDF, plus RAW files from most camera makers. HEIC support relies on Microsoft's codecs in Windows 10 and 11. The program has no adware or spyware, according to the developer, and a portable version is available.
What it does well
- Full-screen viewer. Hidden panels at the screen edges show EXIF data, thumbnails and tools.
- Compare images. Shows up to four photos side by side to pick the best shot.
- Editing tools. Crop, resize, curves, levels, red-eye removal, clone stamp and healing brush.
- Batch processing. Converts and renames large groups of images with configurable settings.
- Slideshows and extras. Slideshows with 150+ transitions, contact sheets, scanning and screen capture.
Who it is for
Good fit
Home photographers who want to browse, compare and quickly fix photos in one program.
Look elsewhere
Businesses that cannot buy a license, and users on macOS or Linux.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Viewer, editor and batch converter in one
- Reads camera RAW, HEIC, PSD and PDF
- Compare up to four images
- Portable version available
Cons
- Free only for personal and educational use
- Windows only
- HEIC support depends on Microsoft's codecs
How to install FastStone Image Viewer
Download the EXE installer from the official page; a ZIP version of the installer and a portable package are offered there too. On first start, choose a theme and point the folder tree at your photo library. Install Microsoft's HEIF extension if HEIC photos do not open.
Questions about FastStone Image Viewer
Is FastStone Image Viewer free?
Yes, for personal and educational use. Commercial use requires a paid license from FastStone.
Does FastStone Image Viewer support RAW files?
Yes. It reads RAW formats such as CR2, CR3, NEF, ARW, RAF, ORF, RW2 and DNG.
Is there a portable version?
Yes. The download page offers a portable ZIP that runs from any folder or USB drive without installation.
