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ImageGlass

imageglass.org

From $9.99/mo Free plan Open source WindowsmacOSLinuxAPI
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Spec score 9.2 #1 of 24 in File Reader Software

What it is

ImageGlass is a desktop image viewer for browsing and viewing image files on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It supports more than 90 formats, including WEBP, GIF, SVG, PNG, JXL, HEIC, and RAW. Viewing tools include slideshows, thumbnails, color picking, hardware-accelerated rendering, and EXIF information through ExifGlass. Built-in edits cover rotation, flipping, cropping, lossless compression, and resizing. Pro adds an HDR Tone Mapper, free and margin panning, File Watcher, custom mouse clicks, and settings and feature locks. The app can associate external editing apps, use custom hotkeys with them, and accept extensions built with its SDK. ImageGlass says it does not scan image libraries for analytics or send images, filenames, or folder paths elsewhere. Classic is free. Pro Individual is $14.90, paid once purchase; Pro Team is $69, paid once purchase. Pro Business is $9,917 a year. The 14-day Business trial requires no account, online activation, or device lock for local license verification.

Spec sheet

What it does
ImageGlass is a lightweight desktop image viewer for browsing, viewing and performing focused image edits.Read 15 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Purpose
ImageGlass is a desktop image viewer for browsing and viewing image files.Read 3 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Trial
The site offers a free 14-day Business license to evaluate Pro features across an organization.Read 3 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Integrations
External apps can be associated for editing, custom hotkeys can integrate with external apps, and developers can build extensions with the ImageGlass SDK.Read 3 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Privacy
The app states that it does not send images, filenames or folder paths, and has no account, advertising identifier or user profile.Read 15 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Support
Classic lists community channels for support, while Pro Business includes priority support.Read 3 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Founded
LinkedIn gives 2010 as the founding year.Read 15 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com
Maker
Creator Dương Diệu Pháp describes himself as a software engineer from Vietnam.Read 3 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Animation support
Animated GIF, WEBP, APNG and SVG content can be viewed, with frame controls for pausing, saving or exporting frames.Read 15 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
API examples
The API reference includes commands for navigation, default-viewer registration, file watching and applying JSON settings.Read 15 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Codec plugins
Native codec plugins can add opening or saving support for formats not handled by built-in engines.Read 15 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Color tools
A built-in color picker supports multiple color representations.Read 15 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Company headquarters
LinkedIn lists headquarters in Singapore.Read 15 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com
Company size
LinkedIn lists ImageGlass as a self-employed organization with one employee.Read 15 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com
Deployment limit
The documentation says locked settings do not prevent a user who can run command-line arguments from changing file associations.Read 15 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Editing
Built-in editing features include rotating, flipping, cropping, lossless compression, and resizing.Read 3 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Enterprise deployment
Administrators can deploy MSI or MSIX packages, machine-wide policies and Pro licenses; MSI supports x64 installation for all users.Read 15 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
External tools
The documentation describes external applications that can follow photo navigation and run host commands.Read 15 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Format conversion
Classic includes conversion between many common image formats.Read 15 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Format coverage
The product advertises support for more than 90 formats, including WEBP, GIF, SVG, PNG, JXL, HEIC and RAW.Read 15 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Format support
The product supports over 90 image formats, including WEBP, GIF, SVG, PNG, JXL, HEIC, and RAW formats.Read 3 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Hardware rendering
Images are rendered with hardware acceleration, including very large files.Read 15 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Input methods
Images can be opened by drag-and-drop or by pasting image data, files or paths from the clipboard.Read 15 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Licence
Classic source code is GPLv3, while the published SDK uses the MIT license.Read 15 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Licensing privacy
Pro uses local license verification and requires no account, online activation, or device lock.Read 3 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Limit: editing depth
The independent roundup said ImageGlass has fewer editing and effects options than larger competing products.Read 15 Oct 2026 · screencapture.com
Limit: older independent platform assessment
A 2025 review listed ImageGlass as Windows-only and therefore did not credit macOS or Linux support available in the later ImageGlass 10 release.Read 15 Oct 2026 · screencapture.com
Limit: organization
The G2 reviewer wanted built-in functionality for organizing or managing image collections.Read 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Maker identity
Official copyright and licence pages identify Duong Dieu Phap as the author.Read 15 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Notable news
ImageGlass 10 launched on August 21, 2026 with native HDR, an in-house SVG renderer, codec plugins and cross-platform Windows, macOS and Linux support.Read 15 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Packaging
Official packages are self-contained and require no external runtime or prerequisites.Read 15 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Payment security
Website payments are handled by Stripe, with card details entered on Stripe and not stored by ImageGlass's site.Read 15 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Platform requirements
The listed ImageGlass 10 requirements are Windows 10/11 x64 or arm64 version 1809 or later, macOS 14+ on Apple Silicon, and Linux Desktop X11 x64.Read 3 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Plugin security
ImageGlass asks permission before loading a third-party plugin for the first time and disables a plugin if its binary signature changes unexpectedly.Read 3 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Praise: ad-free open source
Leawo's independent comparison described ImageGlass as free, open source, ad-free, fast to preload and supporting more than 72 formats at the time of its review.Read 15 Oct 2026 · leawo.org
Praise: broad formats
A 2025 independent roundup highlighted ImageGlass for opening more than 70 formats, including professional RAW files.Read 15 Oct 2026 · screencapture.com
Praise: resource use
The sole G2 reviewer praised low RAM use of roughly 10–30 MB and negligible CPU use during typical viewing.Read 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Praise: speed
The same roundup characterized ImageGlass as lightweight and fast even when handling large images.Read 15 Oct 2026 · screencapture.com
Praise: usability
The G2 reviewer described navigation, rotation, scaling and slideshow controls as intuitive and quick to learn.Read 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Pro capabilities
Pro adds an HDR Tone Mapper, free and margin panning, File Watcher, custom mouse clicks, settings lock, and feature lock.Read 3 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Public API
Every feature is exposed through command-style API identifiers that can be assigned to toolbar buttons, mouse actions and tools.Read 15 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Rating on G2
4.5 out of 5 from 1 reviewRead 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
SDK
Tools can launch external applications built with the ImageGlass SDK.Read 15 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Security support
The security policy actively supports 10.x, provides critical-only fixes for 9.x and does not support versions 8.12 or older.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Smart caching
Nearby images are preloaded using hardware-aware caching to speed folder browsing.Read 15 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
System requirements
Windows requires 10 x64 or ARM64 version 1809 or later; macOS requires 14 or later on Apple Silicon; Linux support targets desktop X11 x64.Read 15 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Vector rendering
SVG and SVGZ files use a native vector renderer.Read 15 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Viewing tools
Features include format conversion, hardware accelerated rendering, smart caching, slideshows, thumbnails, color picking, and EXIF viewing through ExifGlass.Read 3 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Zoom and viewing
The viewer provides six zoom modes, cursor-centered zooming, configurable zoom and pan speeds, slideshow timing and multiple window modes.Read 15 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org

Plans and prices

Classic Free none unlimited users · GPLv3 · all versions · community support Read 15 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Pro Business $9.99 a month from $9.99 per seat per month; yearly option from $99 per seat per year seat-based commercial use · priority support · all versions · graduated volume pricing Read 15 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Pro Individual $14.90, paid once one-time 1 user or device · personal use · ImageGlass 10.x · standard purchase help Read 15 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Pro Team $69, paid once one-time up to 3 users or devices · personal and commercial use · ImageGlass 10.x · standard purchase help Read 15 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Pro Business $9,917 a year Subscription; monthly or yearly options Seat based · Commercial Pro · All versions while subscription is active · Priority support · Volume pricing as low as $19/seat Read 3 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org
Pro Commercial Source License Priced on request custom price negotiated non-exclusive MIT source grant for an agreed version · future versions and support excluded unless separately agreed Read 15 Oct 2026 · imageglass.org

Every ImageGlass plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Supports over 90 image formats, including RAW.
  • Includes cropping, resizing, and lossless compression.
  • Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • Pro licensing uses local verification without an account.

Limits

  • Pro Individual costs $14.90, paid once purchase.
  • ImageGlass 10 requires macOS 14+ on Apple Silicon.
  • Linux requirement lists Desktop X11 x64.

Who it suits

ImageGlass suits people who want a desktop viewer with broad image-format support and basic editing tools. Pro Team and Business plans also list commercial use, while Classic is free under GPLv3.

ImageGlass in depth

Read the full write-up

Overview

ImageGlass is a desktop image viewer for people handling varied image formats who also want basic adjustments without opening another app. Its breadth, privacy stance and extensibility make it a practical everyday viewer; the main caveat is that several advanced tools sit behind paid Pro licenses.

Support for more than 90 formats, including RAW, HEIC, SVG and JXL, suits mixed collections. Color management and metadata viewing add useful context, but the lack of side-by-side comparison makes ImageGlass a weaker fit for workflows built around evaluating two images at once.

The app says it does not scan image libraries for analytics or send images, filenames or folder paths elsewhere. Users can associate external editing apps, connect them with custom hotkeys, and developers can build extensions with the ImageGlass SDK. Plugin safeguards require permission on first load and disable a plugin if its binary signature changes unexpectedly.

Key features

Viewing and browsing: Hardware-accelerated rendering, smart caching, thumbnails and slideshows make it more capable than a bare file opener for moving through an image collection.

Format handling: More than 90 supported formats and built-in conversion help when a collection includes less common types; RAW support broadens its appeal beyond casual browsing.

Basic edits: Rotate, flip, crop, resize and lossless compression cover common corrections. These tools are convenient for small changes, not a substitute for a dedicated editing workflow.

Color and metadata: Color picking is included, and EXIF viewing is handled through ExifGlass. Color management and metadata viewing are supported.

Pro tools: Pro adds an HDR Tone Mapper, free and margin panning, File Watcher, custom mouse clicks, settings lock and feature lock. These additions matter most to users who need tighter viewing controls or managed configurations.

Pricing

ImageGlass uses a freemium model: Classic is free, and Pro starts at $14.90. A 14-day trial is offered as a Business license to evaluate Pro features across an organization.

Classic — free: Unlimited users, GPLv3, all versions and community support channels make this the straightforward choice for free use. It does not include the Pro feature set.

Pro Individual — $14.90, paid once: A one-time purchase for one user or device, personal use and Pro v10.x, with standard purchase help. It suits an individual who wants Pro tools without a subscription; it is not licensed for commercial use.

Pro Team — $69, paid once: A one-time license for up to three users or devices, commercial use and Pro v10.x, with standard purchase help. The seat cap makes it a fit for a small team, but larger groups need another arrangement.

Pro Business — $9,917 a year: A seat-based commercial subscription with monthly or yearly options, all versions while active, priority support and volume pricing as low as $19/seat. It is intended for organizations needing broader deployment and support; continued access to all versions is tied to an active subscription.

Platforms

ImageGlass supports Windows, macOS and Linux, but ImageGlass 10 requirements differ by platform: Windows 10/11 x64 or arm64 version 1809 or later, macOS 14+ on Apple Silicon, and Linux Desktop X11 x64. Check those requirements before choosing it, particularly on older Macs or Linux systems outside X11.

Who it's for

ImageGlass suits people who need a single desktop viewer for varied formats, including RAW, and value local handling of their image library. It also makes sense for users who want straightforward edits, extensibility or Pro controls without adopting a full editing suite. It is less compelling for image-comparison work, and Pro Business is the relevant route for commercial use beyond the three-user Team limit.

Pros and cons

Pro: Support for more than 90 formats, including RAW, HEIC, SVG and JXL, reduces format-related friction across mixed collections.

Pro: Privacy protections keep images, filenames and folder paths from being sent elsewhere, according to the app’s stated policy.

Pro: The free Classic plan covers unlimited users and all versions, while one-time Individual and Team licenses avoid recurring billing.

Con: Side-by-side comparison is absent, so users who routinely compare images should look for a more comparison-oriented tool.

Con: Pro Individual is personal-use only, and Pro Team stops at three users or devices; commercial groups beyond that need Business licensing.

Con: ImageGlass 10 has specific OS and architecture requirements, including macOS 14+ on Apple Silicon and Linux Desktop X11 x64.

Alternatives

Photo Viewer Software is the broader category directory for comparing viewer options.

ApolloOne is a macOS-only freemium option; choose it if you want a Mac-specific alternative, with a free version that prompts for purchase after 14 days.

Pictureflect Photo Viewer is Windows-only and its free version includes fullscreen viewing, file and folder browsing, common, RAW and SVG formats, plus basic edits and printing; pick it if those Windows-focused capabilities fit your needs.

XnConvert is a cross-platform freemium alternative with free private, educational and nonprofit use; consider it if conversion is the priority and that license scope fits.

Pineapple Pictures is a free, MIT-licensed cross-platform image viewer; choose it if you prefer that license, with paid itch.io purchase offering experimental additional format support.

Geeqie is free GPLv2 software; choose it if you want a free alternative under that license.

QTerminal is free and GPL-2.0-or-later for Linux and macOS; choose it if those are your platforms and its source or distribution-package installation suits you.

nomacs is free for private and commercial use under GPLv3; consider it if you want a free alternative with commercial use explicitly covered.

Photo Mechanic is a paid alternative for macOS and Windows, with a trial and plans billed monthly; consider it if that platform and subscription model suit you.

Verdict

Choose ImageGlass if you want a privacy-conscious viewer with broad format support, useful browsing tools and modest editing on Windows, macOS or Linux. Its free Classic edition is the strongest reason to start there, while Pro licenses add controls for individuals, small teams and businesses. Look elsewhere if side-by-side comparison is essential or ImageGlass 10's platform requirements do not match your machine.

Verdict

ImageGlass combines extensive format support with viewing tools and basic edits across three desktop platforms. Classic is free; paid plans add Pro features, with different prices and license terms for individuals, teams, and businesses.

Where Specifiction places it

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