IrfanView is a free image viewer and editor for Windows that can be used to view, edit, convert, resize, crop, and optimize images. It also supports screenshot annotation, batch image conversion, slideshows, plugins, and a wide range of image, video, and audio formats.
This lightweight image editing and conversion utility is commonly used for resizing photos, converting images to WEBP, batch processing pictures, and creating annotated screenshots.
IrfanView | Free Image Viewer and Editor
Originally released in 1996, IrfanView has become one of the most widely used image viewing and editing applications for Windows systems. Its lightweight design, fast performance, and broad file format support make it popular among casual users, web developers, photographers, and IT professionals.
The software can be used for everything from quick image resizing and cropping to advanced batch conversions and screenshot annotation.
Popular Things You Can Do with IrfanView
- Convert JPG and PNG images to WEBP format
- Resize and optimize images for websites
- Crop, rotate, blur, or sharpen photos
- Create annotated screenshots with arrows and text
- Batch convert multiple image files at once
- Create slideshows and panoramas
- View many image, audio, and video formats
- Apply filters and effects using plugins
Key Features
- Image Conversion: Convert between many popular image formats.
- Batch Processing: Resize, rename, and convert multiple images simultaneously.
- Image Editing: Crop, rotate, sharpen, blur, and adjust images.
- Screenshot Annotation: Add arrows, text, circles, and highlights.
- Plugin Support: Extend functionality with additional plugins and Adobe Photoshop filters.
- Media Support: Open many image, video, and audio formats.
- Portable Use: Can run as a standalone portable application.
- Lightweight: Fast performance with minimal system resource usage.
How to Change the Background Color in IrfanView
If you are working with transparent images or dark graphics, changing the default background color can improve visibility.
- Open Options > Properties/Settings or press the P key.
- Select the Viewing section.
- Under Window Options, change the Main Window Color to white or another preferred color.
How to Convert Images to WEBP in IrfanView
IrfanView can convert JPG, PNG, BMP, and other image formats to WEBP using the optional plugin pack.
- Download the Plugin Pack and install it.
- Open the image you want to convert.
- Click File > Save As.
- Select WEBP - WebP File Format from the file type list.
- Save the image.
How to Batch Convert Images
The built in batch conversion tool makes it easy to convert or resize large groups of images at once.
- Click File > Batch Conversion/Rename.
- Select the images you want to process.
- Choose an output format such as JPG, PNG, or WEBP.
- Optionally enable resize, rename, or optimization settings.
- Click Start Batch.
How to Annotate Screenshots in IrfanView
You can add arrows, text, circles, and highlights using the Paint plugin.
- Open an image or screenshot.
- Press F12 to launch the Paint plugin.
- Use the drawing tools to add annotations.
- Save the edited image when finished.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is IrfanView really free?
Yes. IrfanView is free for personal and non-commercial use. Commercial use requires registration.
Can IrfanView convert PNG or JPG images to WEBP?
Yes. After installing the plugin pack, IrfanView can convert many image formats to WEBP.
Can IrfanView batch convert images?
Yes. The built-in batch conversion tool allows you to convert, resize, and rename multiple images simultaneously.
How do I annotate screenshots in IrfanView?
Press F12 to launch the Paint plugin, which provides annotation tools such as arrows, text, and shapes.
What is the difference between the 32-bit and 64-bit versions?
The 64-bit version handles larger files more efficiently, while the 32-bit version offers broader compatibility with older plugins.
Does IrfanView support plugins?
Yes. Plugins add support for additional file formats, filters, media playback, OCR, and other advanced features.
Specifications | Official Site | Download
- Author Website: Official Project Page
- Developer: Irfan Skiljan
- License: Freeware for non-commercial use
- Platform: Windows
- Supported Operating Systems: Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP
- Portable Version: Yes
- Rating: 5 Star
- Category: Image Editors, Image Viewers
- Download: Download IrfanView
Final Thoughts
IrfanView remains one of the most versatile lightweight image editors and viewers available for Windows. Its fast performance, portable availability, extensive format support, and batch processing capabilities make it useful for both quick image edits and larger conversion tasks.
Whether you need to resize images for websites, convert photos to WEBP, annotate screenshots, or batch process image collections, it provides a powerful set of tools within a compact and efficient application.