Best macOS Image Viewers for Navigation and Slideshow
When working with images on macOS, the built-in Preview app is a popular choice, but if you need features similar to the Windows built-in image viewer, several powerful alternatives are available. This guide will introduce you to the best image viewers for macOS that support image navigation using arrow keys and slideshow display.
1. Preview
Preview is a built-in macOS application designed for viewing, editing, and creating a variety of document types, including images. It comes pre-installed with macOS, making it a convenient and easy-to-use option.
Built-in: Included with macOS, no additional installation required. Features: You can open multiple images and navigate through them using the arrow keys. Additionally, it includes a slideshow feature, allowing you to create simple presentations without much effort.2. XnView MP
XnView MP is a highly versatile and powerful image viewer that supports a wide range of image formats. It offers advanced features for both novices and professionals.
Affordable: Offers a free version with many features, though a full version is available for purchase. Features: Supports a variety of image formats and allows for easy navigation using the arrow keys. It includes a slideshow feature, batch processing, and editing capabilities.3. IrfanView via Wine
IrfanView is a popular Windows image viewer that can be run on macOS using Wine. It is free and offers several benefits, but it requires a bit of setup to work on macOS.
Free: No cost to use. Features: Fast navigation and extensive format support, including slide shows. However, it requires additional steps to install and set up Wine on macOS.4. Lyn
Lyn is a user-friendly image viewer and organizer specifically designed for macOS. It is paid, but it offers a straightforward interface and advanced features tailored for macOS users.
Paid: Available through the Mac App Store or direct purchase. Features: Supports keyboard navigation and includes slideshow functionality. It also offers features like image management and tagging, making it a comprehensive solution for organizing images.5. Photo Mechanic
Photo Mechanic is a professional photo viewer known for its speed and efficiency, which makes it particularly suitable for photographers working with large image libraries.
Paid: A fully-featured but paid application. Features: Ideal for photography professionals, it offers quick navigation and advanced slideshow options, focusing on speed and organization.6. GraphicConverter
GraphicConverter is a robust tool for image editing and viewing, providing a wide range of features for both professionals and enthusiasts.
Paid: Available for purchase through the Mac App Store. Features: Offers slideshow capabilities and keyboard navigation, making it a versatile choice for image browsing and editing.Conclusion
For a simple and effective experience, Preview is often the best choice as it is readily available and meets basic needs without requiring additional installations. If you need more advanced features, consider XnView MP or Lyn.
Some users, like those mentioned in the original post, prefer PiccyVu because it allows for changing the order of images within the app without changing them on disk, and the same image can appear at different locations in the order. However, this option is not included in the comparison here as it is not widely available.