ImageGlass is a free photo viewer for Windows 10 and later, built around a clean interface and support for over 80 formats, including WEBP, GIF, SVG, PNG, JXL and HEIC. Version 10.0.906.0 appeared on September 5, 2026 at 44.3 MB, and Duong Dieu Phap releases it under the GPL-3.0 license.
The problem with opening unusual image files
Many default viewers handle JPG and PNG but stumble on newer or specialized formats. ImageGlass is built around that gap. The developer says it reads over 80 common formats, with WEBP, GIF, SVG, PNG, JXL and HEIC named as examples.
The tool is aimed at plain viewing in a clean window, but the developer also points to extra functions for designers.
HDR handling and plugin support in version 10
The changelog for this release shows work on HDR images. Codec plugins can now pass HDR data to the viewer, and tone mapping was improved for content peak brightness. The setting once called "White point" is now named "Reference white".
The plugin SDK moved to version 1.2.0, so HDR tone mapping only works with plugins built against ABI 1.2.0 or newer. Gallery scrolling with large thumbnails was also adjusted, and slideshow mode now hides an idle mouse cursor.
What to check before installing
The app needs Windows 10 or later.
If you rely on a specific format, confirm it against the official format list on imageglass.org. Alternatives include XnView MP, Honeyview, FastStone Image Viewer and nomacs.
What's new in 10.0.906.0
The latest changelog adds HDR tone mapping support for codec plugins and an SDK update to 1.2.0. It also fixes image corruption when closing instantly during a save, and slideshow mode now keeps the system awake.
ImageGlass pros and cons
Pros
- Free, with a GPL-3.0 license
- Reads over 80 formats, including WEBP, JXL and HEIC
- HDR tone mapping support for compatible codec plugins
- Slideshow mode keeps the system awake and hides an idle cursor
- Download comes from the official github.com server
Cons
- Requires Windows 10 or later
- HDR plugin features need plugins built with SDK ABI 1.2.0 or newer
- Limited visual preview of the app before installing
Is ImageGlass safe?
ImageGlass is developed by Duong Dieu Phap, who runs the project site at imageglass.org, and its source is released under GPL-3.0, so anyone can read the code. As with any download, a quick virus scan before the first launch is a sensible habit.
How to install ImageGlass
- Press the download button to get the official file.
- Run the installer you saved and confirm the Windows security prompt if the publisher matches.
- Follow the setup steps, then start ImageGlass from the Start menu.
