PhotoQt

What PhotoQt is

PhotoQt is a free, open-source image viewer for Linux and Windows, released under the GPL version 2 or later. It supports more than 140 image formats, including RAW, and displays Exif, IPTC, and XMP metadata with face display and tagging. Browsing features include slideshows with background music and random ordering, as well as touchscreen gestures such as pinch-to-zoom. It handles photo spheres, 360-degree panoramas, motion photos, micro videos, and Apple Live Photos. PhotoQt can show image GPS locations on embedded or interactive maps, and supports embedded and custom color profiles. It also supports Chromecast and direct image uploads to Imgur. Extensions can expand its capabilities, and some packages include them automatically. Its image manipulation is limited to zooming, rotating, and mirroring, with changes applying only for the current session. Downloads are available through Linux distribution repositories, a Windows installer, and Flatpak; the project also provides source-build instructions.

Who it suits

PhotoQt suits Linux and Windows users looking for a free viewer with broad format support, metadata display, and specialized photo browsing features. It may also suit users who want an open-source viewer with touchscreen controls and color-profile support.

Limits

The free plan's image manipulation is limited to zooming, rotating, and mirroring, and those changes last only for the current session.

Getting started

1. Visit the PhotoQt website.
2. Choose a Linux distribution repository, Windows installer, or Flatpak installation option.
3. Follow the project's source-build instructions if you want to build it from source.

Verdict

PhotoQt offers extensive format support and viewing features at no cost. Its image adjustments are basic and do not persist beyond the current session.