- Load image list from selected folder
- Display current image in a resizable window
- Capture key events and map them to actions (next/prev/zoom/rotate)
- Cache thumbnails to reduce disk reads
- Provide an overlay for metadata and keybindings
Example tech choices:
- Frontend: Electron or web app with HTML5 canvas
- Desktop GUI: Python + PyQt/Pillow or C# + WPF
- Terminal: Rust or Go with libs for terminal graphics
Performance and format considerations
- Use decoded image caching and thumbnails to avoid reloading large files.
- Consider HEIF/HEIC support via platform codecs or decoders like libheif.
- For RAW camera files, use libraries that can render embedded JPEG previews or transcode to viewable formats.
Security and privacy
- Be cautious with files from unknown sources; avoid executing any embedded scripts or metadata automatically.
- For shared environments, consider a “safe mode” that disables auto-loading of sidecar scripts or external metadata processing.
Choosing the right viewer
Compare features you need: format support, keyboard configurability, performance, cross-platform compatibility, and whether you require scripting or automation. Lightweight command-line viewers suit power users; GUI apps are friendlier for general users.
| Scenario | Best fit |
|---|---|
| Rapid culling of large photo sets | Keyboard-driven GUI with caching (e.g., FastStone, XnView) |
| Cross-platform quick previews | Browser-based HTML5 viewer or Electron app |
| Terminal-first workflows | Terminal image viewers (viu, timg) |
| Custom automation | Build with AutoHotkey/Hammerspoon or a scripting language |
Tips to optimize keyboard-first workflows
- Learn or customize a minimal set of shortcuts you’ll use daily.
- Use folder-based workflows and consistent naming conventions.
- Combine with quick file managers (ranger, fman) that support preview panes.
- Use external programmable keyboards or macro pads for one-touch actions.
Keyboard image viewers reduce friction and keep your hands on the keys. Whether you pick an existing app, script a custom tool, or use a terminal-based viewer, the goal is the same: faster, more accessible image workflows that help you move through photos with speed and precision.
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