Introduction

When it comes to managing images on Linux, choosing the right viewer can make a significant difference in both performance and ease of use. Lightweight options like feh, sxiv, viu, ristretto, qimgv, and nomacs offer varying features that cater to different needs, from terminal-based viewing to full graphical interfaces. Whether you’re looking for speed, minimal system usage, or an intuitive GUI, these tools provide flexible solutions for every user. In this article, we’ll dive into the strengths of each image viewer, comparing their key features, installation methods, and commands to help you find the best fit for your Linux setup.

Top 5 Image Viewers for Linux

Picture this: you’re looking for that one perfect image on your Linux system. Maybe it’s for work or just a personal favorite you’ve been hanging onto. Either way, you don’t want a slow, clunky viewer getting in your way. You need something quick, simple, and lightweight—no unnecessary features slowing you down. Fortunately, Linux has some fantastic image viewers that can do exactly that. Let’s jump into the top five choices that are perfect for any need, whether you’re working with a minimal setup or just need something reliable.

feh – Lowest RAM, Terminal Only

Feh is as no-nonsense as it gets. Think of it as the stealthy ninja of Linux image viewers: fast, efficient, and sleek. It’s perfect for those who want only the essentials—a way to view images, and nothing more.

Installing feh on Ubuntu is as easy as can be:

$ sudo apt install feh

Now, let’s say you’ve got an image named image.jpg sitting in your folder. Want to quickly open it? Just type:

feh image.jpg

And boom, there it is. Feh is all about speed. It opens images in a flash, even on older devices like the Raspberry Pi 4, and it uses barely any memory—just 5MB after loading a high-res 4K image! Whether you’re browsing images on a cloud server or rocking a minimalist terminal setup, feh won’t slow you down. It’s like the Ferrari of image viewers—super fast, no extra baggage.

sxiv – Keyboard-Driven Thumbnail Grid

Next up is sxiv, a tool designed for those who love the speed and control of the keyboard. If you’re a power user who likes managing things without reaching for the mouse, sxiv is your best friend. It’s perfect for quickly navigating through large image collections.

To get sxiv installed on Ubuntu, run:

$ sudo apt install sxiv

Once installed, you can open all the JPEGs in your folder by typing:

sxiv *.jpg

Here’s where the magic happens: sxiv lets you zip through images with just your keyboard. Use the arrow keys to browse, hit Enter to open an image full-screen, and you’re off to the races. No mouse needed. Want a slideshow of all those JPEGs? Just type:

sxiv -a *.jpg

With sxiv, everything happens fast, and you don’t even need to take your hands off the keyboard. It’s ideal for people who want to blaze through images without slowing down.

viu – ASCII/Kitty Graphics Inside SSH

For those working remotely or on headless servers, viu is a game-changer. It lets you preview images directly in your terminal, and it’s not just some basic text display—it uses ASCII art or Kitty graphics, so the images look great even in a minimal setup.

To install viu on Ubuntu, just run:

cargo install viu

When you’re logged into a remote system via SSH, and you want to quickly preview an image like image.png , just type:

viu image.png

Viu uses true color ANSI escape codes, giving you detailed image previews even in the most minimal terminal. You can also view multiple images at once or set up a slideshow—all in the terminal, making it perfect for headless or remote environments.

Ristretto – Minimal GUI on Xfce/LXQt

If you want a clean, simple graphical interface, Ristretto might be exactly what you need. It’s a lightweight viewer that focuses solely on the image, providing a smooth experience without distractions. Ideal for desktop environments like Xfce or LXQt, Ristretto delivers everything you need and nothing you don’t.

Installing it on Ubuntu is simple:

$ sudo apt install ristretto

Once you’ve got it set up, just run:

ristretto image.jpg

The image opens in a clean window, and you can zoom, go full-screen, or easily navigate through your images. Ristretto uses minimal system resources, making it a solid choice for older computers or lightweight desktop setups. If you want something fast, simple, and resource-efficient, Ristretto is the way to go.

qimgv – Qt-Based GUI (Wayland Friendly)

Last but certainly not least is qimgv. This image viewer is built using the Qt framework, which means it’s sleek, responsive, and works perfectly on Wayland, making it a great choice for modern Linux systems.

To install qimgv via Snap:

$ sudo snap install qimgv

Once installed, simply type:

qimgv

From here, you’ll be greeted by a clean, customizable interface. qimgv allows you to adjust keyboard shortcuts, tweak display settings, and even drag and drop images for easy browsing. It supports animated image formats like GIF and APNG, which makes it a versatile tool for both static and moving images. Plus, it works beautifully with Wayland, so it’s an excellent fit for modern Linux setups.

These five image viewers are tailored to different needs, whether you prefer minimalist terminal tools like feh, keyboard-driven tools like sxiv, or feature-packed GUI applications like qimgv. There’s something for everyone—whether you’re working on a minimal setup or need a reliable, full-featured tool. Pick the one that best fits your style and start browsing images faster and more efficiently than ever!

Top 5 CLI Image Viewers

Here you are, deep in your Linux setup, diving through countless folders filled with images. Whether you’re working on cloud servers or digging through old backups, you need something fast that won’t drag your system down. The thing is, you don’t want extra stuff slowing you down—just a lightweight, quick tool that does the job. That’s where CLI image viewers come in. Let’s explore some of the top choices that provide speed and efficiency without any unnecessary fluff.

1. feh – Fast and Lightweight Image Viewer

Let’s kick things off with feh—a tool that gets the job done fast and with little effort. If you’re someone who likes things simple, feh is like your trusty Swiss army knife for Linux image viewing.

Let’s say you’re on a cloud server, or even working on something like a Raspberry Pi 4, and you need to view an image fast. You don’t want your system to slow down, right? Feh comes to the rescue, loading JPEG, PNG, and WebP images in less than 100 milliseconds—even on older devices. And here’s the kicker—it uses practically no memory. After opening a 4K image, it only uses about 5MB of RAM.

Want to install feh? Easy! Just run:

$ sudo apt install feh

Now, let’s say you have an image named example_image.jpg , and you want to open it quickly. All you need to do is type:

feh example_image.jpg

Simple, right? You can zoom in, zoom out, navigate using arrow keys, or exit with the ‘q’ key. Want to see a slideshow of all your JPEG images? Try this:

feh -Z -F *.jpg

This command opens all your images in fullscreen mode with auto-zoom enabled. For even more options, you can use:

feh –index

This presents all images in a grid for quick selection. Need a contact sheet? You got it:

feh –montage

Feh is all about speed—quick, minimal, and efficient.

2. sxiv – Simple Image Viewer

Next up, we have sxiv—the minimalist’s dream. If you’re someone who likes being fast and efficient, but without any extra fluff, sxiv is for you. It’s like a keyboard-driven powerhouse for image viewing.

If performance is key for you, sxiv is built to be quick and lightweight. Much like feh, it loads JPEG, PNG, and WebP images in under 100ms, making it perfect for low-powered systems like the Raspberry Pi.

To install sxiv, run:

$ sudo apt install sxiv

Now, to see all JPEGs in a folder, just type:

sxiv -t *.jpg

Want to start a slideshow of all your JPEG images? Just type:

sxiv -a *.jpg

It’s that easy! No mouse needed. The interface is all about keyboard shortcuts. You can zoom, pan, and delete images, all using the keyboard—think of it as a little workout for your fingers.

3. viu – Terminal Image Viewer for Linux

For those working in headless environments or who just love working entirely from the terminal, viu is a real game-changer. It lets you view images directly in your terminal window, and it’s not just a basic display—viu uses ASCII art or Kitty graphics for displaying images. That means you can actually view them, even while connected via SSH or on systems that don’t have a GUI.

To install viu on Ubuntu, run:

cargo install viu

Then, to open an image, just type:

viu image.png

You can also view all JPEG images in a folder by typing:

viu *.jpg

Viu even handles animated GIFs, which is pretty cool for a terminal-based tool. Want to adjust the image width? No problem:

viu -w 80 image.jpg

Viu is perfect for headless environments or situations where a graphical display just isn’t practical.

4. Ristretto – Minimal GUI on Xfce/LXQt

Let’s switch gears and talk about Ristretto. If you prefer a clean, no-nonsense graphical interface, Ristretto might be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s perfect for desktop environments like Xfce or LXQt, and it’s designed to be fast, efficient, and light on system resources.

To install Ristretto on Ubuntu, simply run:

$ sudo apt install ristretto

Once it’s installed, open an image with:

ristretto image.jpg

The image opens in a clean, focused window, and you can zoom in, go full screen, and easily navigate through your images. Ristretto is a perfect balance of simplicity and performance, especially if you’re using a lightweight desktop environment or an older system.

5. qimgv – Qt-Based GUI (Wayland Friendly)

Last, but definitely not least, we have qimgv. Built using the Qt framework, qimgv provides a modern and responsive experience for image viewing. It works seamlessly with Wayland, making it a great choice for the latest Linux setups.

To get started with qimgv, run:

$ sudo snap install qimgv

Once installed, launch it by typing:

qimgv

From here, you’ll enjoy a sleek, intuitive interface with lots of customization options. qimgv lets you adjust keyboard shortcuts, display settings, and even drag and drop images for easy management. It also supports animated GIFs and integrates well with both Wayland and X11.

So there you have it. Whether you prefer the simplicity of feh, the keyboard-driven efficiency of sxiv, or the polished interface of qimgv, there’s an image viewer here for every Linux user. Find the one that works for you, and start viewing your images faster, easier, and with style!

feh – Fast and Lightweight Image Viewer

feh – Fast and Lightweight Image Viewer

Imagine you’re in the middle of an intense Linux project, sifting through a ton of images on your system. Whether you’re working with cloud servers or going through old backups, you need something fast, efficient, and that won’t slow you down. That’s where feh comes in, like a trusty sidekick always ready to get the job done without any extra hassle.

Feh is a fast and lightweight image viewer, perfect for those who don’t need all the extra features that come with heavier image viewers. Picture this: you’re on a Raspberry Pi 4 or an old laptop, and you just need to open an image, zoom in quickly, and keep moving. Feh is your go-to tool for just that.

Standout Features of feh

Let’s dive into why feh is loved by so many:

• Ultra-fast startup: When you open an image, it’s like—boom! It’s right there. Whether it’s a JPEG, PNG, or WebP image, feh opens them in under 100 milliseconds. Even on devices that aren’t the strongest, like the Raspberry Pi 4, that’s a huge win.
• Extremely lightweight: It only uses 5MB of RAM when opening a 4K image. Can you imagine? It’s perfect for working with minimal systems or remote servers. Even with high-resolution images, it barely uses any memory, but still gives you smooth image viewing.
• Flexible viewing modes: With feh, you’re not stuck with just one way of viewing. Want to do a slideshow? Just type:

feh -Z -F *.jpg

The -Z automatically zooms each image to fit the window, and -F makes sure it’s in fullscreen mode. Need a contact sheet? Feh has you covered. Want thumbnails of your images for easy navigation? There’s an option for that too.

• Scriptable and automation-friendly: You know how much time you can save by automating tasks. Well, feh integrates perfectly into shell scripts and file managers. Whether it’s batch processing or setting up custom keybindings, you can make feh work for you without lifting a finger every time.
• No desktop environment required: You’re using a barebones window manager or X11 forwarding, and bam—feh still runs like a charm. No need for a full graphical desktop.
• Minimal dependencies: It installs quickly, with no heavy libraries, so you don’t have to wait forever for everything to load. It’s streamlined and fuss-free.
• Customizable interface: Feh even lets you tweak things like window size, background color, and image sorting through command-line flags or configuration files. Want it to match your vibe? It’s all in your hands.

How to Install feh

Getting feh up and running on your system is a breeze. Depending on your Linux distribution, you just have to run the following commands:

• For Debian/Ubuntu:

sudo apt install feh

• For Fedora/RHEL:

sudo dnf install feh

• For Arch:

sudo pacman -S feh

And voilà, you’re good to go!

How to Use feh

Now, let’s take a look at some commands that will help you get the most out of feh. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a pro, there’s something here for everyone.

Open a Single Image

When you want to open just one image in a simple, distraction-free window, use:

feh example_image.jpg

You can zoom in and out with the + and – keys. Need to switch images? Just use the arrow keys. Press q to quit when you’re done. Simple and fast.

Slideshow of All JPEGs (Fullscreen, Auto-Zoom)

Want to view a whole set of images as a slideshow in fullscreen? Here’s the command:

feh -Z -F *.jpg

• -Z zooms each image to fit the window.
• -F puts the images in fullscreen mode.

You can navigate using the arrow keys or press Enter to auto-advance the slideshow. By default, each image stays on screen for 0.5 seconds, but you can change that with the -D flag.

Thumbnail Browser for All Images

This command brings up a grid of all your images, perfect for when you want to quickly sift through a folder:

feh –index

You can scroll through the thumbnails with the arrow keys, and when you find the one you want, hit Enter to open it.

Montage (Contact Sheet) View

If you’re looking to create a visual summary of a bunch of images, feh has a montage feature. Here’s the command:

feh –montage

You can customize the layout with --thumb-width and --thumb-height to adjust the number of rows and columns. This is perfect for creating a printable contact sheet or visual overview.

Slideshow Mode (With Navigation)

For a more interactive slideshow, use this command:

feh –slideshow

You can navigate through the images using the arrow keys, pause/resume the slideshow with the spacebar, and quit with q. Want the slideshow to advance automatically every 2 seconds? Use:

feh –slideshow -D 2

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tricks to make your image-viewing experience even better:

• Recursive Folder Viewing (-r): This option lets you open all images in the current folder and its subdirectories.
• Random Order (-z): Want to keep things interesting? Shuffling the order of images with -z is a fun way to browse.
• Background Setting (–bg-scale): This one sets your images as the background, scaling them to fit your screen.

By now, you’ve probably realized that feh is more than just a lightweight image viewer. It’s a fast, highly customizable, and powerful tool that can handle everything from basic image viewing to complex automation tasks. Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, feh has everything you need to make image viewing smooth, quick, and effortless on Linux.

How to Install feh

Alright, let’s say you’ve decided that feh is the perfect lightweight image viewer for your Linux setup. Whether you’re using it for a streamlined, no-frills experience or adding it to your automation toolchain, installing feh is super simple. It’s like picking the perfect tool for the job—no complicated setup, just a few easy steps, and you’re good to go.

Here’s the deal: no matter which Linux distribution you’re using, installing feh only takes a few seconds.

Debian/Ubuntu

If you’re using Debian or Ubuntu, getting feh installed couldn’t be easier:

$ sudo apt install feh

One simple command, and bam, feh is ready to use! Whether you’re setting it up on your personal laptop or a server, this is the fastest way to get feh up and running using the APT package manager.

Fedora/RHEL

If you’re on Fedora or RHEL (maybe you like the red hat vibe, or your system needs something a bit more enterprise-level), just use DNF like this:

$ sudo dnf install feh

Just like with the Debian/Ubuntu install, it’s that simple—tailored for DNF users. You’ll have it up and running in no time, ready for all your image-viewing needs.

Arch

Now, for all the Arch fans out there who love their minimal setups, here’s your command:

$ sudo pacman -S feh

Arch Linux knows how to keep things sleek and efficient, and feh is no different. With Pacman, it’s another quick installation process to get you started.

No matter what Linux distribution you’re using, these commands will have feh installed and ready to go. A few seconds, and you’ll have a fast, minimal, and super-efficient image viewer—just what you need when you want speed without all the extra fluff. That’s what I call easy!

Feh package details on Arch Linux

How to Use feh

Alright, so you’ve got feh installed on your Linux system. You’re ready to view images, but maybe you’re not quite sure how to get the most out of this lightweight powerhouse. Let’s dive into some of the commands that’ll make your image-viewing experience smoother than ever. Whether you’re managing a single image or browsing through a massive collection, feh has you covered with its fast and customizable features.

Open a Single Image

Command:

$ feh example_image.jpg

This command is like a magic trick for opening a single image with zero fuss. When you type in the command, feh pops up your image in a clean, no-frills window. Simple, right? You can zoom in and out with the + and – keys. Want to navigate through your images? Just use the arrow keys to move to the next or previous picture in the folder. When you’re done, press q to exit. This method is perfect for when you just need to quickly check out a single image and don’t want any distractions—pure, simple focus.

Slideshow of All JPEGs (Fullscreen, Auto-Zoom)

Command:

$ feh -Z -F *.jpg

Now, imagine you’re showing a group of JPEGs and want them to fill the entire screen, automatically zoomed to fit. Enter the command above. -Z does the auto-zoom, and -F takes you full screen. This is the best way to see your images in their full glory without manually resizing anything. Once the images are loaded, you can use the left or right arrow keys to navigate, or if you’re feeling fancy, press Enter to start an automatic slideshow. By default, each image transitions every 0.5 seconds, but if that’s too quick (or too slow), you can adjust the interval with the -D flag.

Thumbnail Browser for All Images

Command:

$ feh –index

When you have a folder full of images, scrolling through each one individually can be a pain. This is where the –index flag saves the day. It opens a grid of thumbnails for all the images in your current directory, which is like flipping through the pages of a photo album. You can scroll using the arrow keys and hit Enter to open the image in full. It’s perfect for when you need to find a specific image quickly, like when you’re looking for that one vacation photo buried in a sea of hundreds.

Montage (Contact Sheet) View

Command:

$ feh –montage

Let’s say you want to create a visual summary of your images—like a contact sheet that shows all your photos in a single window. That’s what this command does. It arranges all the images in your directory into a neat montage. You can even adjust the layout by changing the number of rows and columns with –thumb-width and –thumb-height options. For instance, you could arrange your images in a 2×2 grid for a simple overview. This is a super handy feature if you need to print or export a collection of images in a compact format.

Slideshow Mode (With Navigation)

Command:

$ feh –slideshow

Sometimes, you need to view your images as a slideshow but want the option to control the flow. This command starts a slideshow of all the images in your folder, but here’s the cool part: you can navigate forward or backward with the arrow keys. Hit spacebar to pause and resume the show, or q to quit. If you prefer, add -D 2 to automatically advance to the next image every 2 seconds. Imagine you’re browsing through a gallery of family pictures—this is a super smooth way to do it without manually clicking through each one.

Additional Tips for a Customized Experience

The feh magic doesn’t stop there. There are a bunch of other options you can mix and match to fine-tune your experience:

• Recursive Folder Viewing (-r): This option lets you open all images in the current folder and its subdirectories. It’s like saying, “Show me everything, even the stuff hidden away in folders I forgot about.”
• Random Order (-z): Spice things up by shuffling the order of your images! It’s a fun way to experience your photo collection if you don’t want to follow the same old routine.
• Background Setting (–bg-scale): This is for when you want to set an image as your background. It scales the image to fit the screen, and suddenly, your desktop looks amazing.

And of course, you can always check the feh man page for even more advanced options and customizations. The possibilities are endless—whether you’re viewing a single image or automating a whole image-processing workflow, feh is fast, flexible, and totally customizable to your needs.

So, whether you’re running feh on a powerful desktop or a low-powered Raspberry Pi, you’re all set to browse images effortlessly. It’s the perfect blend of speed, simplicity, and control—just the way you like it!

sxiv – Simple Image Viewer

Imagine you’re working late at night, managing a cluttered folder of images, and you’re looking for a way to quickly sort through them. Your current viewer is slow, heavy, and clunky, wasting both your time and system resources. That’s when sxiv comes in like a breath of fresh air. This isn’t just any image viewer; sxiv is a super-fast, lightweight tool designed specifically for Linux users who want a simple yet efficient way to view images without all the unnecessary bells and whistles.

What makes sxiv stand out is its focus on speed and minimalism. It’s for those of us who don’t need a fancy interface or extra features—we just want something that works, and works fast. Whether you’re using sxiv on a high-end machine or a humble device like the Raspberry Pi 4, this tool won’t weigh you down.

Standout Features of sxiv

Here’s why sxiv is loved by so many:

• Ultra-fast loading: The moment you hit the enter key, sxiv opens JPEG, PNG, and WebP images in under 100 milliseconds. Yes, that’s faster than you can blink. Imagine opening a high-resolution 4K image, and instead of waiting for it to load, it’s already there. This quick loading time is ideal when you’re in a rush or need to access images without those annoying delays. It’s especially handy on low-powered devices or in environments like automated workflows where time is important.
• Minimal memory usage: If you’re working with limited resources, sxiv has your back. After opening a high-res image, it consumes only about 5 MB of RAM. That’s basically nothing, especially when compared to some heavier image viewers that gobble up your system’s memory. This makes sxiv the perfect choice for systems with limited resources—whether you’re running a cloud server, a virtual machine, or even an older laptop. You won’t have to sacrifice performance just to view images.
• Flexible viewing modes: Whether you’re organizing your personal photo collection or setting up a slideshow for an event, sxiv gives you options.
  • Slideshow Mode: With the command
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    $ sxiv -a *.jpg

    you can view a series of images in full-screen mode, automatically transitioning from one image to the next.
  • Montage Mode: Need to get an overview of your images? This mode displays them in a grid layout, giving you a quick visual preview of everything in the folder.
  • Thumbnail Browsing: The -t option presents images as thumbnails, making it easier to scroll through large collections and pick out the one you’re after.
• Keyboard-driven interface: Forget about the mouse. With sxiv, everything is controlled by simple keyboard shortcuts. Zoom in, pan, rotate, delete, mark, or move through images—just with a few keystrokes. The speed of this keyboard-driven navigation is perfect for those who need to quickly go through hundreds of images without using a mouse. It’s especially helpful in environments where you’re dealing with large collections, or even using sxiv in automated processes.
• Scriptable and extensible: One of the reasons sxiv is favored by power users is its ability to integrate seamlessly into shell scripts and custom commands. You can automate repetitive tasks like batch renaming, moving, or processing images directly from the viewer. Want to add a custom script to process images before viewing them? You can do that. This flexibility makes sxiv indispensable for users who want a tool that fits into their workflow seamlessly.
• Lightweight and dependency-free: Another reason sxiv is loved by Linux users is that it’s ridiculously easy to install and run. It has minimal dependencies, which means you don’t have to worry about bloated libraries or complex installations. Whether you’re on a barebones window manager or a headless setup, sxiv works perfectly. It’s all about simplicity, allowing you to focus on the task at hand without any distractions or complicated setups.
• Customizable appearance: Let’s say you like things your way. With sxiv, you can tweak the interface to your liking. Adjust the background color, change the thumbnail sizes, or even modify the status bar. It’s all about providing you with the flexibility to customize the viewer to your specific needs, whether that means a dark theme for late-night work or larger thumbnails for easier navigation.

Installing sxiv

Getting sxiv up and running is a breeze. Depending on your Linux distribution, you can install it in a few quick steps:

• Debian/Ubuntu:
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  $ sudo apt install sxiv

• Fedora/RHEL:
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  $ sudo dnf install sxiv

• Arch:
  Copy

  $ sudo pacman -S sxiv

That’s it! Once it’s installed, you’re ready to start browsing images without all the unnecessary complexity.

How to Use sxiv

Now that sxiv is installed, let’s walk through some of the most useful commands you’ll be using to view and manage your images. Each one is designed to give you control over how you experience your photos, with options that cater to everything from single-image views to massive collections.

• Open a single image: Command:
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  $ sxiv image1.jpg

  This command opens one image at a time. You can zoom in and out using the + and – keys, and navigate to the next or previous image with the arrow keys. When you’re done, just press q to quit. It’s quick and distraction-free—perfect for when you want to focus on a single image.

• Browse images in a directory: Command:
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  $ sxiv -t *.jpg

  Here, you can browse through all the JPEG images in the current directory, displayed as thumbnails. You can scroll through the thumbnails with the arrow keys and select an image to view in full. This is great for quickly finding a specific image without having to open them one by one.

• Start a slideshow: Command:
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  $ sxiv -a *.jpg

  Want a full-screen slideshow? This command will take you through all the JPEGs in the directory, one after another. You can adjust the speed of the slideshow by adding a delay with -d .

• Create a montage: Command:
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  $ sxiv -m 2×2 *.jpg

  If you want to display your images in a grid, this command will arrange them in a 2×2 layout. You can adjust the number of images per row and column as needed. Perfect for printing or just getting a visual summary of a folder.

• Navigate using keyboard shortcuts: In sxiv, you can move between images using the j and k keys for next and previous images, respectively. Press q to exit the application when you’re done.

So, whether you’re browsing through a few images or managing a large collection, sxiv delivers a fast, customizable, and efficient experience that’s perfect for Linux power users. With its ultra-fast loading, minimal memory usage, and keyboard-driven interface, sxiv is an invaluable tool for anyone looking to quickly and easily manage their images—no matter the size of the collection. It’s simple, fast, and gets the job done with ease.

Linux Kernel Documentation

How to Install sxiv

So, you’ve decided to try sxiv, the super-fast, lightweight image viewer for Linux. Whether you’re a seasoned Linux user or just starting out, sxiv is about to make your life a whole lot easier. The best part? Getting it set up is incredibly simple. All you need is the right command for your distribution, and you’re all set.

Debian/Ubuntu

If you’re running Debian or Ubuntu, installing sxiv is super easy. Just open up your terminal and type:

$ sudo apt install sxiv

That’s it! This command uses the APT package manager to download and install sxiv on your system. It’s so easy, you won’t even need to think about extra configurations—sxiv will be up and running faster than you can grab your favorite cup of coffee.

Fedora/RHEL

For those of you running Fedora or RHEL systems, the process is just as smooth. All you need to do is:

$ sudo dnf install sxiv

Once you hit Enter, DNF handles everything for you, ensuring that sxiv is installed and ready to go. It’s the perfect tool for Fedora or RHEL users who want to simplify their image-viewing experience.

Arch

And if you’re an Arch user, you’re in luck—installing sxiv on Arch Linux is just as simple. Run this command in your terminal:

$ sudo pacman -S sxiv

With Pacman doing its thing, sxiv will be ready for immediate use, giving you access to one of the fastest and lightest image viewers out there.

Once you’ve run the appropriate command, sxiv is all set up and ready to serve as your new go-to tool for viewing images. Whether you’re using sxiv for a minimalist desktop or a powerful automation workflow, it’s a reliable and efficient solution for managing your images on Linux. Now go ahead, open those images, and experience the speed and simplicity sxiv brings to the table!

Arch Linux sxiv package details

How to Use sxiv

Imagine you’ve got a huge folder of images on your Linux system, and you’re in a rush to find that one perfect photo. You need a tool that’s fast, lightweight, and super-efficient, but you also want the process of browsing through those images to feel easy and smooth. Well, that’s where sxiv comes in—an image viewer made for speed and simplicity, with just the right level of flexibility to give you full control.

Open a Single Image

Let’s say you just want to view one image, no distractions or fancy stuff. You don’t want to open some heavy program, just something that does the job quickly. That’s when you fire up sxiv like this:

$ sxiv image1.jpg

With this command, the image image1.jpg will pop up in the sxiv viewer. You can zoom in or out using the + and – keys, or move through other images in the same folder using the arrow keys. Want to quit? Just hit q—easy, right? No fuss, no distractions.

Browse Images in a Directory

Okay, maybe you’ve got more than one image, and you want to see more than just one. sxiv makes browsing through your collection super simple. Just use this command:

$ sxiv -t *.jpg

This opens a thumbnail view of all the JPEG images in your current folder. With the -t option, you get a quick preview of everything. If you’re dealing with more formats, no problem—you can adjust the command to target specific file types, like .png or .gif. This is especially handy when you’ve got a lot of images and need to find the one that stands out in the crowd.

Start a Slideshow

Sometimes, you just want to sit back and let the images roll by, no clicking or dragging. sxiv has you covered. Just type:

$ sxiv -a *.jpg

This starts a slideshow of all your JPEG images in the folder. Once the show starts, each image will automatically show one after the other. You can even adjust the speed by adding -d, followed by the time delay in seconds between each image. Want to see each image for just a couple of seconds? Try:

$ sxiv -a -d 2 *.jpg

Now, each image will stay on the screen for 2 seconds before moving to the next one.

Create a Montage

Let’s say you’ve got a bunch of images, and you want to see them all at once in a neat grid. That’s where the montage feature comes in:

$ sxiv -m 2×2 *.jpg

This creates a montage of your images, neatly arranged in a 2×2 grid. You can change the grid size by adjusting the 2×2 part to fit your needs. This is great when you want a quick overview of your images, especially if you’re getting them ready for printing or just need a summary of the folder’s contents.

Special Features of sxiv

But sxiv doesn’t just stop at the basics—it’s packed with some cool features that make it way more than just your regular image viewer.

Modal Navigation

With sxiv, you don’t need to touch the mouse. Just press j to go to the next image, or k to go back. It’s all about fast, efficient browsing without switching between the keyboard and mouse. If you’re dealing with a huge collection, this will save you time, especially when you’re trying to get through tons of images quickly.

Thumbnail Caching

The first time you run sxiv, it will generate thumbnails for all the images in the folder and save them in ~/.cache/sxiv. This means that next time you open that same folder, it will load faster because the thumbnails are already saved—no need to regenerate them. If you’ve ever had to wait for image previews to load, you know how much time this saves.

GIF Animation Support

Now, for those of you who love animated images, sxiv can handle GIF animations, too. Thanks to the libgif library, you can view animated GIFs directly in sxiv without needing any extra software. If you’re looking through a collection of animated images, you’ll see them come to life right inside the viewer.

All these features come together to make sxiv an incredibly flexible image viewer. Whether you’re just opening an image, browsing through a folder, or creating a montage, sxiv is fast, efficient, and super easy to use. If you’re a Linux user looking for a lightweight, customizable viewer that can handle everything from simple image viewing to more advanced tasks, sxiv is definitely worth trying.

viu – Terminal Image Viewer for Linux

Imagine you’re working in a headless environment, maybe you’re connected to a Linux server via SSH, and you need to quickly preview an image without leaving your terminal. The challenge? You don’t want to load up a full-blown graphical image viewer that eats up system resources. That’s when viu comes in—a lightweight, super-efficient image viewer designed exactly for this situation.

viu is built for speed, simplicity, and versatility. Developed in Rust, it’s perfect for environments where every bit of resource counts, like when you’re on a server, working remotely over SSH, or just prefer to keep things simple without a full desktop environment. Instead of launching a full GUI, viu does something pretty cool—it renders images directly in your terminal using true color (24-bit) ANSI escape codes. This means you can see your images as vibrant, colorful previews, right there in the terminal window.

Standout Features of viu

Terminal Image Display

The first thing you’ll notice about viu is its ability to show images directly in your terminal. No need for a GUI, just pure color goodness in 24-bit. This feature is a game-changer for minimal setups, such as those where graphical interfaces aren’t an option. Whether you’re working on a server or remotely over SSH, viu lets you view images without the overhead that comes with a full GUI. It’s like magic for your terminal, right?

Ultra-Fast Performance

But viu isn’t just about looking good—it’s also really fast. It opens JPEG, PNG, and WebP images in less than 100 milliseconds, even on low-powered devices like the Raspberry Pi 4. This is perfect when you’re in a rush or using hardware that doesn’t have a lot of power to spare. You get instant image rendering, even with a hefty 4K image file.

Broad Format Support

And here’s the thing: viu doesn’t just support the basics. It works with a wide range of formats, including JPEG, PNG, WebP, GIF, BMP, and more. Whether you’re working with static images or animations, viu has you covered.

Slideshow, Montage, and Thumbnails

Now, let’s say you’ve got a whole bunch of images to go through. Maybe you’re browsing a folder full of photos or need a quick overview of a project. Here’s where viu really shines with its powerful features:

• Slideshow Mode (-a) – Want to go through your images automatically? No problem. viu lets you cycle through them one after the other in slideshow mode. It’s perfect when you’ve got multiple files to review, and you don’t want to click through each one.
• Montage Creation – Need to see multiple images at once? viu can create a montage and display them in a neat grid layout. This is great for making an overview or a contact sheet of your images.
• Thumbnail Grid View (-t) – This shows your images as thumbnails, which is awesome when you’ve got a large number of images to go through. It helps you find the one you need without scrolling through endless lists.

No GUI Required

One of the coolest features of viu is that it doesn’t need a GUI. So, whether you’re using Linux on a server or operating remotely, you won’t waste any resources on unnecessary graphical interfaces. It’s the perfect tool for minimal setups where you don’t need to burden your system with the overhead of a full graphical application.

Lightweight and Minimal Dependencies

We all love a tool that doesn’t weigh down the system, and viu is exactly that. Written in Rust, it’s lightweight and has minimal dependencies. This means it starts up quickly, doesn’t need complex libraries, and doesn’t run unnecessary background processes. It’s just you and your images—no extra fluff.

Customizable Output

Another nice touch with viu is the customization options. You can tweak things like image width, height, and even transparency. This is helpful when you want to adjust how images fit in your terminal or customize the layout to suit your needs. It’s all about making sure your images are shown in the best way for you.

Animated GIF Support

And here’s a fun bonus for those who love GIFs—viu supports animated GIFs. It’s perfect for when you need to preview animated images directly in the terminal without having to open another program. If your workflow involves GIF animations, you’ll love how easy it is to preview them.

So, whether you need to preview static images, browse large directories, or automate image previewing tasks, viu is ready to help. It’s the perfect solution for Linux users who need speed, flexibility, and efficiency—all while keeping things simple in the terminal. viu gives you the tools you need for managing images in a minimal environment, without slowing down your system. It’s fast, flexible, and doesn’t waste resources—just the way a great terminal tool should be.

A review of ANSI escape codes for terminal image display

How to Install viu

Imagine you’re working in a terminal environment and you need to quickly view some images. You don’t want to load up a heavy graphical viewer that eats up all your resources. That’s where viu comes in—a fast, lightweight image viewer that works right in your terminal. The best part? Installing it is super easy and doesn’t involve any complicated steps. Let’s go through how you can get viu up and running on your Linux system.

For Debian or Ubuntu users, installing viu is a piece of cake. All you need to do is type:

$ sudo apt install viu

This command uses the APT package manager to pull viu and all its necessary files. There’s no complicated setup—just run the command, and you’re ready to go.

If you’re on Fedora or RHEL, don’t worry—viu is just as easy to install. For these systems, you’ll use the DNF package manager to install it. Here’s the command:

$ sudo dnf install viu

With that, viu installs quickly, and you’re all set to start using it.

For all the Arch Linux users out there, you’re in luck too. Just use Pacman, your trusty package manager, and you can install viu in no time with this command:

$ sudo pacman -S viu

Once the installation is complete, viu is ready to go. Now, you can start viewing images directly in your terminal, whether you’re using a minimal environment, working via SSH, or just prefer a lightweight image viewer without the graphical overhead. viu has you covered.

How to Use viu

Imagine you’re sitting in front of your Linux terminal, maybe working remotely through SSH, and you need to check out an image. But here’s the twist—you don’t want the overhead of a GUI-based tool because you’re all about speed and efficiency. That’s where viu, the terminal-based image viewer, comes in. It’s fast, minimal, and gets the job done with style, all while staying light on your system’s resources.

Here’s the thing: viu isn’t like traditional image viewers. It works directly in your terminal, so you don’t need a full desktop environment. Let’s dive into some of the most practical commands for using viu to view, browse, and manage your images—all while staying within that lightweight terminal environment you love.

Open a Single Image in the Terminal

First up, let’s keep it simple. Want to open just one image? All you need is this command:

$ viu image.jpg

Replace image.jpg with whatever image you want to open, and bam! The image shows up directly in your terminal. It works with all sorts of formats—.png, .jpg, .webp, you name it.

Preview Multiple Images (e.g., All JPEGs in a Folder)

Got a folder full of JPEGs and you need to preview them? No problem. Just run:

$ viu *.jpg

This command will open all the JPEG images in the directory, one by one, directly in your terminal. And hey, if you’re dealing with other formats, just change that .jpg to .png or .webp—it’s that easy!

Show Images as a Slideshow

Want to sit back and let your images scroll through automatically? Enter slideshow mode. It’s as easy as:

$ viu -a *.jpg

This command uses the -a flag to turn on slideshow mode, advancing through all the images in your directory. By default, it moves every 0.5 seconds, but you can tweak the timing with additional options to speed things up or slow it down.

Display Images as Thumbnails

If you’re dealing with a ton of images and need to quickly scroll through to find the one you want, thumbnail browsing is the way to go. Use this command:

$ viu -t *.jpg

The -t flag brings up a thumbnail grid, which is a super handy way to preview lots of images at once. It’s perfect when you want to quickly locate that one perfect photo in a sea of files. Just change the file type if you need to view .png or .gif images instead.

Create a Montage (e.g., 2×2 Grid)

Now, let’s say you want to see a bunch of images in a grid, like a contact sheet. You can do that with viu as well. Here’s the magic:

$ viu -m 2×2 *.jpg

The -m flag allows you to arrange the images in a grid. In this case, you’ll get a 2×2 grid of images. If you need a bigger or smaller grid, just change 2×2 to whatever you need—3×3 or even 4×4, for instance. This makes it easy to get a quick visual summary of multiple images at once.

Adjust Image Width or Height in the Terminal

Sometimes you might want to control how big the image appears in your terminal window. You can tweak the dimensions with the -w and -h flags:

$ viu -w 80 image.jpg # Set width to 80 characters

$ viu -h 40 image.jpg # Set height to 40 characters

The -w flag adjusts the width, while -h adjusts the height. Perfect if you want to control the display size and fit the image better into your terminal window.

Display Images Recursively from Subdirectories

If you’ve got images scattered in multiple subdirectories, viu can handle that too. Just use the -r flag:

$ viu -r .

This command will dig through all the subdirectories and display any images it finds, saving you the hassle of manually navigating through each folder. Whether you’re in a deep file structure or just want to see everything at once, this command’s got your back.

Ubuntu Command Line Tutorial

Top GUI Image Viewers for Linux

Let’s take a journey through the world of Linux image viewers, where lightweight, speed, and simplicity reign supreme. Whether you’re managing images in a headless server environment or browsing through your local files, Linux has some excellent image viewers that do more than just display pictures—they make your image handling experience seamless, fast, and super efficient. Here’s a quick dive into two of the top choices: Ristretto and qimgv.

Ristretto – Simple and Fast Image Viewer

Picture this: you’re working on your Xfce desktop (or really any other desktop environment), and you need to open an image quickly. You don’t want to get bogged down by heavy software that drains your system’s resources. Enter Ristretto, the no-nonsense image viewer designed with simplicity and speed in mind.

Standout Features of Ristretto:

• Instant Startup: Ristretto opens images like it’s on turbo mode, loading JPEG, PNG, WebP, GIF, and TIFF images in less than 100 ms. Even if you’re working on something like a Raspberry Pi 4, it won’t slow down.
• Minimal Resource Usage: It uses under 30 MB of RAM, which makes it perfect for lightweight desktops and systems with limited resources.
• Clean Interface: No distractions here. You get just the image, with no extra toolbars or clutter. It’s pure simplicity.
• Fast Thumbnail Browsing: Need to scroll through a whole directory? No problem. Ristretto offers a quick thumbnail strip for fast navigation, so you can zip through images without getting bogged down.
• Keyboard Shortcuts: Navigate through images with the arrow keys, zoom in and out with +/- keys, hit F11 for fullscreen, and press Delete to remove an image. Super quick and functional.
• Slideshow Mode: Want to review a bunch of images? Just hit a button, and you’ve got a full-screen slideshow. You can even adjust the delay between images.
• Basic Editing Actions: Rotate, flip, or zoom using simple keyboard shortcuts.
• Integration with File Managers: Simply double-click an image in file managers like Thunar, Nautilus, or PCManFM, and it opens right in Ristretto. It’s that simple!

Installing Ristretto is a breeze with these commands for your distribution:

• Debian/Ubuntu:
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  $ sudo apt install ristretto

• Fedora/RHEL:
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  $ sudo dnf install ristretto

• Arch:
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  $ sudo pacman -S ristretto

How to Use Ristretto:

• Open a Single Image:
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  ristretto example_image.jpg

• Open Multiple Images:
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  ristretto example_image1.jpg example_image2.jpg

• Open All Images in a Directory:
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  ristretto .

• Open Images by Pattern:
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  ristretto *.jpg

• Slideshow Mode:
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  ristretto -s .

• Create a Montage:
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  ristretto -m .

qimgv – Modern Image Viewer

Now let’s take a look at qimgv, a newer, modern image viewer that adds customization and support for animated images, all while staying lightweight and super fast. Whether you’re on a desktop environment or working remotely, qimgv adapts to your needs.

Standout Features of qimgv:

• Highly Customizable: Want your viewer to match your workflow exactly? qimgv has a bunch of options to change keyboard shortcuts, image display settings, and UI elements.
• Modern Interface: Built with Qt 5/6 and Wayland, qimgv offers a polished, responsive interface. Whether you’re using GNOME, KDE, or Xfce, it fits right in and delivers a smooth experience.
• GIF and APNG Support: Unlike other viewers, qimgv supports animated formats like GIF and APNG. It’s perfect for users who need to view animations on the fly.
• Fast and Lightweight: Despite its modern features, qimgv stays efficient, offering a smooth experience even on lower-end hardware like older laptops or embedded systems.
• Open Source: As an open-source project, qimgv encourages contributions from the community, meaning you can tweak, modify, and expand it to fit your needs.

Installing qimgv is as easy as Ristretto:

• Debian/Ubuntu:
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  $ sudo apt install qimgv

• Fedora/RHEL:
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  $ sudo dnf install qimgv

• Arch:
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  $ sudo pacman -S qimgv

How to Use qimgv:

• Open a Single Image:
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  qimgv image.jpg

• Browse Images in a Directory:
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  qimgv -t *.jpg

• Start a Slideshow:
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  qimgv -a *.jpg

• Create a Montage:
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  qimgv -m 2×2 *.jpg

Both Ristretto and qimgv offer a lot to users. Whether you prefer Ristretto’s simplicity or qimgv’s customization, both provide efficient, fast, and reliable solutions for managing images on Linux. Whether you’re working on a Raspberry Pi, managing a server, or enjoying a lightweight image viewer on your desktop, these tools offer the perfect mix of speed and performance.

Ristretto – Simple and Fast Image Viewer

Imagine you’re deep into your Linux system—maybe you’re working with a Raspberry Pi or juggling a bunch of image files on your laptop. You don’t need anything flashy, just something that gets the job done fast, with no extra baggage. That’s where Ristretto steps in. It’s lightweight, fast, and designed to give you just what you need without slowing you down.

Originally the go-to viewer for the Xfce desktop environment, Ristretto doesn’t just stop there. It works seamlessly across all Linux desktop environments, making it a great choice whether you’re using GNOME, KDE, or something else.

Standout Features of Ristretto:

• Instant Startup: Let’s say you’re on a tight schedule. You’ve got images in JPEG, PNG, WebP, GIF, BMP, TIFF, and SVG formats. No worries—Ristretto opens them all in under 100 ms. It’s perfect for low-powered devices like a Raspberry Pi 4 or even older laptops.
• Minimal Resource Usage: Ristretto is efficient—using less than 30 MB of RAM after launch. So, even on lightweight desktops or systems with limited resources, you get a smooth experience without slowing down the rest of your system.
• Clean, Uncluttered Interface: You know the drill—sometimes, you just want to look at an image, not deal with extra buttons or panels. Ristretto has a minimal UI that lets the image take center stage. All the essential controls are there, but without the unnecessary clutter.
• Fast Thumbnail Browsing: When you’ve got tons of images to scroll through, Ristretto gives you a thumbnail strip to quickly jump between them. It’s a big time-saver when managing large collections of files.
• Keyboard Shortcuts: You’re a keyboard person, right? Ristretto lets you zoom in/out with + / - , flip through images using the arrow keys, hit F11 to go fullscreen, or press Delete to toss an image in the trash. Fast and functional, and no mouse required.
• Slideshow Mode: Just need to review a bunch of images? Hit the slideshow button, and you’ve got a fullscreen slideshow. You can even customize the delay between each image to your liking.
• Basic Editing Actions: Need to rotate or zoom in on something? Ristretto allows you to perform basic editing like rotate, flip, and zoom with simple shortcuts. You can also drag and drop images into Ristretto to open them.
• Integration with File Managers: Double-click on an image in Thunar, Nautilus, or PCManFM, and Ristretto opens it instantly. You’re already navigating your files, so why not keep it all in one place?
• Wayland and X11 Support: Whether you’re using Wayland or the older X11, Ristretto works smoothly across both systems. No compatibility issues here—just a fast image viewer, no matter your Linux setup.
• No Heavy Dependencies: Unlike some other tools that require bloated libraries, Ristretto keeps it lightweight. It installs quickly, even on minimal Linux setups, and doesn’t bring along unnecessary overhead.

How to Install Ristretto:

Getting Ristretto onto your system is simple, no matter which distribution you’re using. Just pick the right command for your Linux setup:

• Debian/Ubuntu:
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  $ sudo apt install ristretto

• Fedora/RHEL:
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  $ sudo dnf install ristretto

• Arch:
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  $ sudo pacman -S ristretto

How to Use Ristretto:

You’ve got it installed—now let’s put it to work! Here’s how you can start using Ristretto right away:

• Open a Single Image:
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  ristretto example_image.jpg

  Simply replace example_image.jpg with the image file name you want to open.
• Open Multiple Images:
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  ristretto example_image1.jpg example_image2.jpg

  Need to open more than one image at once? No problem, just list them all.
• Open All Images in a Directory:
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  ristretto .

  This command will open every image in the current directory.
• Open Images with a Specific Pattern:
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  ristretto *.jpg

  Open all .jpg files in the folder. You can replace the pattern to match other file types too.
• Open Images from a Specific Directory:
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  ristretto /path/to/images

  Just type in the full path to your images folder.
• Open Images in Subdirectories:
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  ristretto -r .

  Use the -r flag to open images not just in the current folder, but in all subdirectories.
• Open the Last Viewed Image:
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  ristretto –last-viewed

  When you want to quickly pick up where you left off, this command brings you back to the last image you viewed.
• Start a Slideshow:
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  ristretto -s .

  Hit the slideshow mode with the -s flag to continuously view all the images in your directory.
• Create a Montage:
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  ristretto -m .

  The -m flag allows you to display all your images in a montage—a single, consolidated image.

With all these amazing features, Ristretto truly shines as a fast, efficient, and lightweight image viewer. Whether you’re reviewing one picture or managing hundreds, Ristretto ensures that you’re not waiting for your images to load, and it does so without bogging down your system. It’s the perfect choice for those who want to focus on the task at hand, without distractions or resource hogs—just a clean, simple interface and images that load in a flash.

How to Install Ristretto

So, you’ve decided to give Ristretto a try—the fast, no-nonsense image viewer that’s perfect for Linux users who want a clean, lightweight experience. Whether you’re using Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, or Arch, getting Ristretto up and running is super easy. It’s like getting your favorite coffee—quick, simple, and satisfying.

Here’s how you can install it on your system, depending on which Linux distribution you’re using:

Debian/Ubuntu:

sudo apt install ristretto

If you’re on a Debian-based system like Ubuntu, this command will take care of everything for you. APT (your trusty package manager) will download Ristretto and all the dependencies it needs to run smoothly. It’s as easy as grabbing a coffee and hitting Enter.

Fedora/RHEL:

sudo dnf install ristretto

For Fedora or RHEL systems, use the DNF package manager to install Ristretto. This command makes sure that everything needed for a smooth experience gets downloaded.

Arch:

sudo pacman -S ristretto

If you’re on Arch or Manjaro, use Pacman. This powerful package manager will get Ristretto installed quickly, so you can start viewing images with minimal hassle.

Once you’ve run the command for your system, Ristretto will be all set. Whether it’s your go-to viewer for daily use or just a simple tool for quick image views, you’re ready to go. Enjoy an efficient, fast experience without all the unnecessary bloat. You’ll be browsing your images in no time—no waiting around!

Ristretto Official Guide

How to Use Ristretto

Using Ristretto, the lightweight image viewer, is as simple as a few well-chosen commands. Whether you’re organizing an image collection or just casually browsing through your favorite photos, Ristretto gives you all the tools you need to view, manage, and organize your images efficiently. Here’s how to quickly get started with this straightforward, fast tool on Linux:

Open a Single Image

Let’s say you have a specific image in mind, and you’re in a hurry to see it. No worries, just use this command:

$ ristretto example_image.jpg

This command opens example_image.jpg from your current directory. You can replace example_image.jpg with the file name of any image you want to view. It’s the simplest way to enjoy a single image without distractions.

Open Multiple Images

Want to see more than one image at a time? Simply list them like this:

$ ristretto example_image1.jpg example_image2.jpg

You can keep adding as many images as you like. This is perfect when you need to open several images quickly—maybe you’re comparing photos or looking through a set.

Open All Images in a Directory

If you’re working in a folder full of images and want to view them all without opening each one manually, just use:

$ ristretto .

Here, the dot (.) represents the current directory. This command will open every image in that folder, so you can quickly flip through them.

Open Images with a Specific Pattern

Need to look at all JPEGs, but not all files in the folder? Use a simple pattern:

$ ristretto *.jpg

This command will open all images ending in .jpg in the current directory. You can swap out .jpg for .png , .gif , or any other pattern, making it super easy to filter files.

Open Images from a Specific Directory

Maybe your images are scattered across multiple folders, or you want to quickly access a different one. Use:

$ ristretto /path/to/images

Replace /path/to/images with the full directory path, and Ristretto will open all images in that folder. It’s perfect for when you don’t want to navigate through a bunch of directories manually.

Open Images with a Specific Extension

If you’ve got a folder full of images and only want to view a specific type, here’s your command:

$ ristretto *.png

This command opens every .png image in the current directory. Just swap .png with whatever extension you need (like .jpg or .gif ), and Ristretto will handle the rest.

Open Images in a Directory and Subdirectories

Have images tucked away in subfolders? No problem. This command will find and open images not just in your current directory, but in all subdirectories:

$ ristretto -r .

The -r flag tells Ristretto to search through subdirectories and load every image it finds. Perfect for when you’ve got a deep folder structure and want to browse everything.

Open the Last Viewed Image

Sometimes, you just want to jump back to the last image you were viewing. Here’s the easy way:

$ ristretto –last-viewed

With this command, Ristretto will open the most recent image you’ve viewed, saving you from the hassle of finding it again manually.

Start a Slideshow

Want to let your images flow one after the other? Start a slideshow like this:

$ ristretto -s .

The -s flag triggers slideshow mode, cycling through the images in the directory. You can pause it with the spacebar or stop it with Esc. It’s a great way to quickly preview multiple images without having to open them individually.

Create a Montage (Contact Sheet)

Sometimes, you need to see multiple images at once for comparison. For this, Ristretto has a montage feature:

$ ristretto -m .

The -m flag arranges all images in the current directory into a montage format—a single, compact view. This is perfect when you need a visual overview of multiple images, like when you’re comparing similar shots or preparing an image for print.

These are just a few of the many ways you can use Ristretto to open, browse, and organize your images quickly and easily. With these commands, you’ll be able to handle any image-viewing task in no time—whether you’re looking at just one picture or managing a whole collection. Ristretto is fast, efficient, and straightforward, making it an excellent tool for Linux users who want to view their images without the fuss.

qimgv: The Ultimate Image Viewer for Linux

If you’re on Linux and need an image viewer that combines speed, flexibility, and power, let me introduce you to qimgv. This lightweight and efficient viewer is built for those who don’t just want to view images—they want to experience them with total control, all while maintaining top-notch performance even on older or low-powered devices. Whether you’re working with static images or animated GIFs, qimgv delivers it all with a smooth, responsive interface that adapts to your needs.

Standout Features of qimgv

• Highly Customizable: Picture this: you’re deep into a project and want your tools to fit your style perfectly. With qimgv, you can adjust everything from keyboard shortcuts to image display settings. It’s like having a viewer that knows exactly how you work, ensuring an optimal experience tailored to your unique preferences. Whether you need to tweak the interface or adjust how the images appear, qimgv lets you customize it all.
• Modern Interface: The interface is sleek, modern, and responsive, seamlessly integrating with Qt 5/6 and Wayland. No matter if you’re using a simple window manager or a full-blown desktop environment, qimgv ensures your system gets the best of both worlds—performance and style. The interface adapts to match the way you work, so it’s intuitive and visually appealing.
• GIF and APNG Support: Not only does qimgv handle your usual image formats, but it also steps up its game by supporting GIF and APNG formats. If you work with animated images, qimgv is a perfect fit, showing those moving pictures smoothly and without needing any extra software or plugins. It’s like bringing animations into the picture without extra hassle.
• Fast and Lightweight: Despite all its features, qimgv is designed to be lightning-fast and light on resources. Even on devices like the Raspberry Pi 4 or older computers, it won’t slow you down. It’s built to ensure that even low-powered devices can handle large image files or a vast number of them without breaking a sweat.
• Open Source: As an open-source project, qimgv is not only built by a community but also invites you to be part of that process. Want to contribute, or perhaps modify it to suit your own needs? Go for it! qimgv keeps evolving with community input, making it adaptable and always improving.

How to Install qimgv

Getting qimgv up and running on your system is a breeze. Depending on your Linux distribution, you can install it with just one command:

• Debian/Ubuntu:
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  $ sudo apt install qimgv

• Fedora/RHEL:
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  $ sudo dnf install qimgv

• Arch:
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  $ sudo pacman -S qimgv

Once you run the right command, qimgv will be installed and ready to go.

How to Use qimgv

qimgv packs a punch with its features, but using it is as simple as a few commands. Here are some of the most practical ways you can start using qimgv to its full potential:

• Open a Single Image: Want to take a quick look at an image? Easy:
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  qimgv image.jpg

  Replace image.jpg with the file name of your choice, and qimgv will open it in a snap.
• Browse Images in a Directory: Need to view multiple images at once? Use:
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  qimgv -t *.jpg

  This command will open all .jpg images in the directory and show them as thumbnails. You can browse through them easily and quickly without opening each image one by one.
• Start a Slideshow: For a hands-free image viewing experience, use:
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  qimgv -a *.jpg

  This will automatically cycle through all the .jpg images in your folder. Want to change the speed of the slideshow? You can adjust the time between images by adding the -d flag, like this:
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  qimgv -a -d 2 *.jpg

  This will make each image appear for 2 seconds before switching to the next.
• Create a Montage: Sometimes, you need to view multiple images in a single layout. To create a 2×2 grid, use:
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  qimgv -m 2×2 *.jpg

  You can adjust the grid size to your liking, whether you want more images or a bigger grid.

Additional Features of qimgv

• Modal Navigation: Want to flip through images using just your keyboard? Press j for the next image, k for the previous one, and q to quit. It’s fast, and it keeps you from having to pick up the mouse.
• Thumbnail Caching: When you first open a directory, qimgv generates thumbnails for all the images and stores them in the ~/.cache/qimgv directory. This speeds up the process for future uses, as the thumbnails are already ready to go.
• GIF Animation Support: If you’re dealing with GIFs, qimgv supports them natively, thanks to the libgif library. No need for extra tools—just use qimgv and watch the animations directly within the viewer.

With its speed, customizability, and powerful features, qimgv is the perfect choice for anyone looking to view, browse, and manage images on Linux. Whether you’re dealing with static images or animated GIFs, creating montages, or setting up slideshows, qimgv has you covered. It’s fast, it’s flexible, and it’s open-source—what more could you ask for?

GNU qimgv project page

How to Install qimgv

Let’s say you’ve just set up your Linux system, and now you’re ready to dive into the world of image viewing. You need something fast, lightweight, and easy to use, right? That’s where qimgv comes in—your new favorite image viewer for Linux. It’s not just any viewer; it’s the one that’ll make opening, browsing, and managing your images a breeze. So, how do you get this nifty tool installed? It’s simple, really.

Installing qimgv on Your Linux System

No matter what Linux distribution you’re using, getting qimgv up and running is a smooth and easy process. It’s all about using the right package manager for your system.

Debian/Ubuntu:

If you’re running a Debian or Ubuntu system, you can quickly install qimgv using the APT package manager. Just type in the following:

$ sudo apt install qimgv

Once you hit enter, APT will take care of everything—downloading the necessary files and setting up qimgv for you.

Fedora/RHEL:

On Fedora or Red Hat-based systems, it’s a similar deal. You’ll want to use the DNF package manager for a quick install:

$ sudo dnf install qimgv

Arch:

For those of you using Arch Linux or Arch-based distributions (like Manjaro), the process is just as easy. Pacman is the way to go here:

$ sudo pacman -S qimgv

Ready to Go

Once you’ve run the appropriate command for your system, qimgv will be installed, and you’re all set! Now you can enjoy fast and efficient image viewing—whether you’re managing a collection of pictures or just need a sleek viewer that’s quick to launch and easy on your system’s resources.

GNU Linux Tools Documentation

How to Use qimgv

Let’s say you’re sitting down at your Linux system, ready to dive into a collection of images. You’ve got qimgv open, and you’re eager to get started—whether it’s a single image you need to view, a whole folder of pictures to browse, or maybe even some animated GIFs to enjoy. With qimgv, it’s all about making your image viewing experience as smooth as possible. Here are some of the most practical commands you’ll want to know to get started.

Open a Single Image

It’s a simple task, really. Let’s say you have a file called image.jpg sitting in your current directory. You just type:

$ qimgv image.jpg

That’s it! qimgv opens the image in no time, giving you a distraction-free viewing experience. You can swap out image.jpg with whatever image you’re working with. You can even throw in any file type you need, whether it’s .png, .jpeg, or .webp.

Browse Images in a Directory

Now, let’s say you’ve got a whole bunch of JPEGs in a directory, and you want to browse through them. Instead of opening them one by one, qimgv lets you do this quickly with thumbnails. Just run:

$ qimgv -t *.jpg

This command pulls up all the .jpg files in your current directory, displaying them as thumbnails. The best part? You can change the *.jpg part to match any other file type you’re after—like *.png for those pretty images you’ve got, or *.gif for your animated gems.

Start a Slideshow

Sometimes you want to just sit back and let the images flow. Well, qimgv lets you do exactly that with its slideshow feature. Run:

$ qimgv -a *.jpg

This command starts a slideshow of all the JPEG images in your folder. You can control how fast they switch by adjusting the speed. For instance, if you want a 2-second delay between images, you can do this:

$ qimgv -a -d 2 *.jpg

Now, you’ve got your slideshow moving at your preferred pace!

Create a Montage

Maybe you’ve got a bunch of images, and you want to compare them side-by-side in a neat, organized way. qimgv makes this easy with its montage feature. Run:

$ qimgv -m 2×2 *.jpg

This command arranges your .jpg files into a 2×2 grid. Want a bigger grid? No problem—change the 2×2 to 3×3 (or whatever you need) and qimgv will do the rest. Perfect for quickly glancing at multiple images at once!

Modal Navigation

Here’s the thing—qimgv supports some pretty smooth keyboard shortcuts. Instead of clicking around with your mouse, you can zip through images at lightning speed. Press j to move to the next image, press k to go back to the previous one. And when you’re done, just press q to quit. This is a real time-saver, especially if you’re looking at a huge collection of images and want to browse quickly.

Thumbnail Caching

When you open qimgv for the first time, it generates and saves thumbnails of your images in the ~/.cache/qimgv folder. What does this mean for you? It means faster load times when you open qimgv again. Those thumbnails are ready to go, so you won’t have to wait for them to be generated all over again. Perfect for those big image libraries!

Support for Animated GIFs

Got a GIF? No problem—qimgv has your back. Thanks to the libgif library, you can view animated GIFs right within the app. No need for any extra software—just load it up and watch the animation play in all its glory.

With qimgv, you’ve got a fast, efficient, and highly customizable image viewer at your fingertips. Whether you’re browsing a few images or managing a whole folder, creating slideshows, or enjoying GIFs, qimgv makes it all easy. It’s lightweight, fast, and ready to take your image viewing experience to the next level on Linux.

Nomacs – A Fast and Feature-Rich Image Viewer

Picture this: You’ve just scanned through a long list of images on your Linux machine, and now you need a reliable way to view and manage them. That’s where Nomacs comes in. It’s a no-nonsense, fast, and feature-packed image viewer that makes it easy to handle everything from single images to large collections. Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, Nomacs brings all the right tools to the table, ready to enhance your image viewing experience. Here’s how.

Standout Features of Nomacs

Fast Image Loading

You know that feeling when you click on an image, and it takes what feels like forever to load? Nomacs doesn’t waste any time. It’s optimized for speed, letting you open images quickly—even large files or directories filled with multiple images. So, if you’re juggling a bunch of high-res photos, Nomacs keeps up, delivering them without any noticeable delay.

Thumbnail View

Imagine you have a folder bursting with images and need to find that one perfect photo. Instead of opening them one by one, Nomacs gives you the thumbnail view. This grid of small previews allows you to navigate your entire directory quickly. Finding that perfect shot has never been easier.

Slideshow Mode

Maybe you’ve got a collection of images that needs to be presented in a dynamic, engaging format. Nomacs has you covered with a fully customizable slideshow mode. You can tweak the time delay between each image to match your pace, whether you’re using it for a personal gallery or a professional presentation. All you have to do is click, and it’s showtime!

Image Editing

Sometimes, an image just needs a little tweak. Whether you need to rotate, flip, or zoom in on a specific detail, Nomacs lets you make these quick adjustments without needing to jump into heavy-duty editing software. Just a few clicks, and your image is exactly how you want it.

Support for Multiple Formats

You’re not limited to just one type of image with Nomacs. It supports a wide range of formats, including JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP, TIFF, and more. So, whether you’re working with a standard photo or a more obscure format, Nomacs is ready to handle it.

Customizable Interface

Everyone has their own preferences, right? Some like dark themes, some like light. Nomacs understands that and offers a highly customizable interface. From adjusting layout elements to changing the theme, you can tweak it until it feels just right for you.

Multi-Language Support

No matter where you are in the world, Nomacs speaks your language. With support for multiple languages, this image viewer is accessible to users across different regions, ensuring everyone can use it comfortably.

How to Install Nomacs

Installing Nomacs is a breeze. You can install it with just a few simple commands depending on your Linux distribution:

• Debian/Ubuntu:
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  $ sudo apt install nomacs

• Fedora/RHEL:
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  $ sudo dnf install nomacs

• Arch Linux:
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  $ sudo pacman -S nomacs

Once it’s installed, you can start viewing your images without delay. It’s that easy.

How to Use Nomacs

Now that you’ve got Nomacs installed, let’s dive into some of its most useful commands for managing your images. Whether you’re viewing one picture or organizing an entire gallery, these commands will help you get the job done quickly.

Open a Single Image

If you’re just looking at one image, you can easily open it with:

nomacs example_image.jpg

Just replace example_image.jpg with the file name of your choice, and voilà! The image is ready for you to enjoy.

Open Multiple Images

What if you need to open more than one image? Simple! Just list the image names like this:

nomacs example_image1.jpg example_image2.jpg

This command will open both images side by side in Nomacs. You can add as many filenames as you like, making it easy to view multiple files at once.

Open All Images in a Directory

If you’re ready to browse an entire folder of images, use this command:

nomacs .

The dot (.) tells Nomacs to open all images in the current directory. You don’t have to hunt through files individually—just open them all at once.

Open Images with a Specific Pattern

Need to open all images of a certain type, like JPEGs? Just use a pattern like this:

nomacs *.jpg

Replace *.jpg with any pattern you need, and Nomacs will open all matching files in your directory.

Start a Slideshow

If you’ve got a set of images you want to display in sequence, start a slideshow:

nomacs -s *.jpg

The -s flag starts the slideshow mode, showing each image in your directory one after the other. You can control how fast the slideshow moves by adding a delay:

nomacs -s -d 2 *.jpg

This command will set the slideshow to advance every 2 seconds, giving you control over the pace.

Create a Montage

If you want to see several images at once, Nomacs lets you create a montage—a neat grid of images arranged together. Use this command to create a 2×2 grid:

nomacs -m 2×2 *.jpg

You can adjust the grid size by changing the 2x2 to another layout, like 3x3 , depending on your needs.

With Nomacs, you’ve got a fast, powerful image viewer that’s ready for anything—from simple viewing to more advanced tasks like slideshows and montages. Whether you’re organizing a large collection or just tweaking a few images, Nomacs is designed to make your life easier and more efficient on Linux.

How to Install Nomacs

Let’s say you’ve decided to try Nomacs, that fast and feature-packed image viewer for Linux. The good news? Installing it is super easy! Nomacs is available in the official repositories of most Linux distributions, so you can easily grab it using your system’s package manager. Here’s how to get it up and running, depending on what Linux distribution you’re using:

For Debian/Ubuntu:

If you’re using a Debian-based system like Ubuntu, you can install Nomacs with a single command:

$ sudo apt install nomacs

This will tell your package manager to grab Nomacs and all its necessary dependencies, setting it up in no time.

For Fedora/RHEL:

On Fedora and Red Hat-based systems, you’ll use the DNF package manager. Just run:

$ sudo dnf install nomacs

It’ll handle the installation and get Nomacs working smoothly on your system.

For Arch Linux:

Arch users, don’t worry—you’re covered too! With pacman on Arch and its derivatives, simply type:

$ sudo pacman -S nomacs

Once that command runs, Nomacs will be installed and ready for use.

After running the appropriate command for your Linux distribution, Nomacs will be installed and ready to use. Whether you’re managing a huge collection of images or just need something simple for a quick view, you’ll have a reliable, efficient tool at your fingertips. Enjoy browsing those images!

How to Use Nomacs

Imagine you’re sitting at your desk, surrounded by a mountain of images you need to organize, view, and maybe even edit. You’re staring at your Linux desktop, and you’re thinking, “There must be a better way to handle all of this!” That’s where Nomacs comes in. It’s a powerful and versatile image viewer, ready to change how you interact with your image files. It’s not just a simple viewer—it’s a tool that can handle everything from browsing through directories to creating dynamic montages. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the key features and commands that’ll make you a Nomacs pro.

Open a Single Image

Sometimes, you just need to open one image to admire or make adjustments. No need to complicate things. To open a single image, all you need is this simple command:

nomacs example_image.jpg

In this case, example_image.jpg is the image you want to view. Say you have an image named sunset.jpg sitting in your directory. You’d type:

nomacs sunset.jpg

And just like that, sunset.jpg opens in Nomacs. Simple, right?

Open Multiple Images

Let’s say you’re dealing with several images—maybe you’re comparing different versions of a design or browsing through vacation photos. Instead of opening them one by one, you can load multiple images at once:

nomacs example_image1.jpg example_image2.jpg

You can list as many images as you like, separated by spaces. For example, to open image1.jpg, image2.jpg, and image3.jpg at the same time, you’d just type:

nomacs image1.jpg image2.jpg image3.jpg

No more waiting—open them all at once!

Open Images in a Directory

Now, picture this: You’ve got a whole folder of images, and you don’t want to type each filename manually. No problem! With Nomacs, just type:

nomacs .

The dot (.) represents the current directory, so this command opens every image in that folder, letting you easily browse through the collection. Perfect for when you’re working with a large number of files in a single location.

Open Images with a Specific Pattern

Sometimes, you might want to filter out certain images. Maybe you only want to view .jpg files, or you need to select .png files. With Nomacs, you can use a pattern to match specific files:

nomacs *.jpg

This will open every .jpg image in the current directory. You can easily swap out *.jpg for other file types, like .png or even image.* to match any image format. It’s like a fast track for browsing.

Start a Slideshow

Want to sit back and let Nomacs do the heavy lifting? With slideshow mode, you can kick back and watch your images cycle automatically. To start a slideshow of all .jpg images, use:

nomacs -s *.jpg

This opens all .jpg images in a slideshow. But here’s where you can get fancy—adjust the speed of the slideshow with the -d option:

nomacs -s -d 2 *.jpg

This command sets the slideshow to advance every 2 seconds, so you don’t have to manually click through each image.

Create a Montage

Sometimes you need a little more than just a single image or slideshow. You need a montage, a grid of images all in one place. Whether you’re trying to compare shots side by side or simply need to display multiple images at once, Nomacs makes it easy. For a 2×2 grid of .jpg images, use:

nomacs -m 2×2 *.jpg

This will create a montage of your .jpg images in a 2×2 grid layout. Want more images per row or column? Adjust the 2×2 part of the command to something like 3×3 for a larger grid. It’s a great way to visualize a set of images without opening them individually.

And there you have it—Nomacs in a nutshell. Whether you’re browsing through your images one by one, setting up a slideshow for a presentation, or creating montages for comparison, Nomacs gives you all the tools you need to manage and view your images effectively. With these simple commands, you can streamline your workflow and make image management a breeze on your Linux system.

Feature Comparison Table for Top Open Source Image Viewers for Linux

Imagine you’re standing in a room filled with all sorts of images, from family photos to design drafts, to snapshots from your latest project. You’ve got your Linux system ready, but you’re wondering: Which image viewer should I use to browse these files quickly and efficiently? Well, no worries—whether you’re a CLI enthusiast, prefer a slick GUI, or need support for animated GIFs, there’s a perfect tool for you. Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the top open-source image viewers for Linux—from feh to Nomacs—and their standout features.

Feature Breakdown:

feh

• Interface: Command-line interface (CLI)
• Animated GIF Support: Yes, including basic playback
• EXIF View: Provides EXIF data information in CLI
• Slideshow: Yes, flexible slideshow options
• Batch Operations: Montage (contact sheet) view
• Wayland Support: Limited to X11 only
• Additional Features: Lightweight, scripting support, basic image editing (rotate, zoom, flip), and customizable actions for advanced users

If you’re someone who loves the power of the command line, feh is your go-to tool. Whether you’re dealing with a single image or managing a large collection, feh‘s lightweight design makes it a true workhorse. And if you love flexibility, you’ll enjoy its support for scripting to automate your image-related tasks. Plus, it’s great for those moments when you just need a quick look at a contact sheet montage.

sxiv

• Interface: CLI
• Animated GIF Support: Yes
• EXIF View: Minimal EXIF support
• Slideshow: Yes, basic slideshow capabilities
• Batch Operations: Delete or copy images
• Wayland Support: Available only for X11 setups
• Additional Features: Modal navigation, thumbnail caching, GIF animation, fast performance

For those who love fast, keyboard-driven control, sxiv is your perfect match. It’s quick and responsive, especially when you need to go through a large collection. Thumbnail caching speeds up the process, while the modal navigation makes moving through images feel like second nature. Just don’t expect heavy-duty batch processing, but if you want GIFs and a snappy interface, sxiv is all you need.

viu

• Interface: CLI for terminal use
• Animated GIF Support: Yes
• EXIF View: Not supported
• Slideshow: Yes, basic functionality
• Batch Operations: No batch operations
• Wayland Support: Exclusively supports terminal environments
• Additional Features: Ultra-fast image rendering, supports a wide range of image formats, terminal-based display, montage viewing

Picture this: You’re working remotely on a headless server and need an ultra-fast, no-frills image viewer. Enter viu! It’s the CLI image viewer designed to run in your terminal. Fast and capable of handling various formats, including GIFs, it’s ideal when you need a fast and lightweight solution without worrying about a GUI.

Ristretto

• Interface: GUI
• Animated GIF Support: Yes
• EXIF View: Full EXIF support
• Slideshow: No built-in slideshow features
• Batch Operations: Allows batch operations, file manager integration
• Wayland Support: Fully compatible with both Wayland and X11
• Additional Features: Instant startup, minimal resource usage, clean interface, fast thumbnail browsing, keyboard shortcuts, slideshow, basic editing

If you’re looking for a GUI-based tool that combines simplicity with speed, Ristretto is a stellar choice. It loads images quickly—great for low-resource setups like your Raspberry Pi. It also integrates seamlessly with file managers like Thunar for easy access, and the keyboard shortcuts make it a joy to use.

qimgv

• Interface: GUI
• Animated GIF Support: Yes (GIF and APNG formats)
• EXIF View: Yes, full EXIF data viewing
• Slideshow: Yes, slideshow capabilities
• Batch Operations: Can rename files in bulk
• Wayland Support: Fully supports Wayland
• Additional Features: Highly customizable user interface, fast/lightweight, modern interface, advanced format support

qimgv is a perfect balance of performance and customization. Whether you’re looking to rename files in bulk or explore animated GIFs in APNG format, it’s got you covered. The modern interface will fit right into your Linux desktop, while its Wayland support ensures it stays up-to-date with the latest technologies.

Nomacs

• Interface: GUI
• Animated GIF Support: Yes
• EXIF View: Full EXIF support
• Slideshow: Yes
• Batch Operations: Batch processing via plugins
• Wayland Support: Fully compatible with Wayland
• Additional Features: Plugin system, image comparison tools, multi-platform support, robust image management

Looking for something multi-platform and feature-packed? Nomacs brings you batch processing, image comparison tools, and a host of customizable features. Whether you need to view a few images or handle complex workflows, Nomacs has the tools you need.

Which One Should You Choose?

It all depends on what you need. If you’re a CLI enthusiast, feh, sxiv, and viu might be your best bet for efficiency and speed. If you prefer a GUI experience, you can’t go wrong with Ristretto, qimgv, or Nomacs—each offering their own unique set of features, from customizable interfaces to batch operations.

Nomacs shines if you need image comparison and plugin support, while qimgv wins points for GIF/APNG support and Wayland compatibility. For those on lightweight systems, feh and sxiv are perfect—especially if you’re working with older hardware or a headless server.

In the end, there’s a Linux image viewer for every need, whether it’s managing large image directories, viewing images quickly, or performing advanced editing and batch processing tasks. The choice is yours!

feh: Lightweight Image Viewer for Linux

When you need to manage your image collection on Linux, sxiv (Simple X Image Viewer) is a great choice. It’s sleek, fast, and perfect for users who want a lightweight image viewer that still performs well. Getting sxiv up and running on your system is really easy—no complex setups involved. Whether you’re using Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, RHEL, or Arch Linux, you can have sxiv installed in just a few simple steps.

If you’re using Debian or any Ubuntu-based system, all you need is the APT package manager. Just type this command:

$ sudo apt install sxiv

This will smoothly download and install sxiv for you, and there’s no need for extra configuration. The best part? You’ll be ready to view your images quickly.

For Fedora or RHEL-based systems, you’ll use the DNF package manager. Just run:

$ sudo dnf install sxiv

This gets sxiv installed fast, without any hassle, so you can start using it right away.

If you’re on Arch Linux, Pacman will do the job. The command here is:

$ sudo pacman -S sxiv

And that’s it! You’ll be all set on Arch with just one command. Once you’ve run the right command for your system, you’re ready to enjoy sxiv as your go-to image viewer. Whether you’re browsing through a bunch of images or opening an entire folder of photos, sxiv is perfect for making your image management fast and easy—ideal for any Linux user who wants a simple yet powerful tool.

When you’re diving into the world of Linux image viewers, a few key questions tend to pop up. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Let’s break it down.

What is the simplest image viewer for Linux? If you’re all about simplicity and speed, feh and sxiv are the real MVPs. These terminal-based viewers are super efficient, and you don’t have to worry about messing with a bunch of settings. With just one command, you can open images in no time. These are perfect for anyone who just wants to focus on the image without all the extra features.

Now, if you’re looking for something a bit more graphical, Ristretto is a solid choice. It has a clean, minimalist interface that gets straight to the point, plus it opens almost instantly. It’s great for anyone who prefers a GUI but still values speed and simplicity.

What image viewer works best on low-end Linux machines? Low-end systems can be tricky, but don’t worry, I’ve got solutions! For terminal-based image viewers, you can’t go wrong with feh , sxiv , or viu . These are designed to use very few system resources, so they won’t take up much of your RAM. They work great on older hardware where every bit of memory matters. If you prefer a GUI, Ristretto is a good pick. It strikes the right balance of speed and low memory usage, making it perfect for older machines or lightweight desktop environments.

How do I open an image from the Linux terminal? If you love using the terminal, here’s how you can open an image with different viewers:

• For terminal-based image viewing (no GUI required), run:
  
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  $ viu image.jpg

  
  This will display the image directly in your terminal. Perfect for those headless or minimal setups.
• For a lightweight GUI experience, use:
  
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  $ feh image.jpg

  
  Or:
  
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  $ ristretto image.jpg

  
  Both will open your image in a separate window with a simple, no-frills interface.
• If you want a terminal-based viewer with some extra features, try:
  
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  $ sxiv image.jpg

  
  It’s efficient, customizable, and offers keyboard navigation for easy browsing.

Can I use a GUI image viewer without installing a desktop environment? Great question! Yes, you can! You don’t need a full desktop environment like GNOME or KDE to run GUI image viewers like feh, Ristretto, qimgv, or Nomacs. All you need is a basic X11 or Wayland session, which you can start with a command like

$ startx

So, whether you’re just looking for something quick and simple or a more feature-packed experience, there’s a Linux image viewer for every need and system setup. Whether you’re working in the terminal with feh or using a more graphical interface like qimgv, there’s plenty to explore!

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the best lightweight image viewer for Linux ultimately depends on your needs and system setup. For terminal enthusiasts, tools like feh, sxiv, and viu provide fast, minimal, and efficient solutions, while those seeking a GUI experience can turn to options like Ristretto, qimgv, and Nomacs for their user-friendly interfaces and advanced features. Each viewer offers unique advantages, whether it’s speed, flexibility, or ease of use, making it crucial to select the right one for your workflow. With this guide, you should now have a better understanding of the best options available for managing your images on Linux. As Linux continues to evolve, expect even more optimized and feature-rich image viewers to emerge, making it easier for users to find the perfect match for their needs.

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