PhotoQt is an image viewer designed to combine a visually attractive interface with extensive configuration options. It places the image at the centre of the viewing experience, keeping controls unobtrusive while providing access to a wide range of image browsing and management functions.
The application is developed using C++ and Qt. Rather than restricting users to a traditional toolbar-driven interface, PhotoQt offers extensive control over its appearance, keyboard shortcuts, mouse behaviour and image presentation.
PhotoQt is particularly useful for users who regularly browse large image collections or work with several different image formats. It also provides basic file management and image transformation capabilities without requiring a separate editing application.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Extensive format support – opens common raster images alongside additional formats handled by optional image libraries.
- Thumbnail browsing – displays images from the current directory in a configurable thumbnail strip.
- Image transformations – rotate, flip, resize and scale images.
- Basic file management – rename, copy, move and delete images.
- Metadata display – inspect available information stored in image files.
- Slideshow mode – display a sequence of images automatically.
- Custom shortcuts – configure keyboard and mouse commands for commonly used operations.
- Configurable interface – adjust appearance, controls and viewing behaviour.
- Wallpaper setting – use selected images as the desktop background where supported.
- Clipboard integration – copy displayed images for use in other applications.
- Image preloading – improves navigation between successive pictures.
- Touchscreen support – provides controls suitable for touch-enabled devices.
- Cross-platform support – runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Website: photoqt.org
Support:
Developer: Lukas Spies
License: GNU General Public License v2.0

PhotoQt is written in C++. Learn C++ with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
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Read our verdict in the software roundup.
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