FastStone Image Viewer is an image browser, viewer, converter and editor for Windows from FastStone Corporation. Its interface looks like Windows Explorer, with folders on one side and thumbnails on the other, and it adds a true full-screen viewer with fly-out menu panels, a one-click magnifier, a batch conversion tool and batch rename. It opens common image formats, camera raw files such as ARW, ORF, RW2, SRW and DNG, and PDF files. HEIC support relies on the Windows Imaging Component codecs in Windows 10 and 11.
It suits Windows users who want a quick way to sort, cull and lightly edit photos without a catalogue database.
How to get the official version
Version 8.5, dated 24 June 2026, is on the official download page in three packages:
- EXE installer: recommended for most users. A second download site on faststonesoft.net carries the same installer.
- ZIP: the installer inside a zip, for networks that block .exe downloads.
- Portable: runs from any folder without installation, useful on USB drives.
On Windows 10 and 11 you can also run winget install FastStone.Viewer; the manifest downloads the 8.5 installer from faststonesoft.net.
Price and licence
FastStone Image Viewer is free for personal and educational use. Commercial use needs a licence, sold as a one-time purchase of $34.95 with free upgrades and volume discounts, through FastSpring or PayPal. There are no subscriptions. FastStone’s other products, such as FastStone Capture, are trial software and are not covered by the free licence.
What’s new in 8.5
The version history for 8.5 lists support for the SVG format and new import options, including starting imports automatically and handling duplicate file names.
Safety notes
Popular Windows freeware is often re-hosted by download portals with extra offers bundled in. Use faststone.org or faststonesoft.net only.
Questions
Can I use FastStone Image Viewer at work?
Only with a commercial licence. The free licence covers personal and educational use.
Is there a Mac or Linux version?
No. FastStone publishes the viewer for Windows only.
Which package should I pick?
The EXE installer for a normal installation, or the portable package if you want to run it from a USB drive or without installing.
