feh
feh is a free, lightweight image viewer for Linux, designed for command-line users while also launching from graphical file managers.
What feh is
feh is a free, lightweight image viewer for Linux, designed for command-line users while also launching from graphical file managers. It offers slideshow viewing, clickable thumbnails, file listings, and opening images in multiple windows. The program can create text and thumbnail listings, identify files it can or cannot load, and set X11 backgrounds. Configurable keyboard shortcuts and shell-command actions support mouse-free operation. feh opens formats supported by imlib2, including JPEG, PNG, PNM, TIFF, and BMP; GIF handling is limited to static images. The documented build includes built-in EXIF support, with tags also accessible through exiv2 or exifgrep. Optional HTTP and FTP access is available through libcurl. Packages are listed for Arch Linux, Debian, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, and Ubuntu, alongside source releases and Git mirrors. feh uses a variant of the MIT license and includes RAW image, contact-sheet, and metadata-viewer support.
Good
- Free plan with no paid plans listed
- Keyboard shortcuts support mouse-free use
- Slideshow, thumbnails, listings, and multiple windows
- Optional HTTP and FTP file access
- RAW, contact-sheet, and metadata support
Watch out
- Linux-focused platform availability
- GIF support limited to static images
- Cannot set wallpaper on GNOME Shell
- Some features depend on build configuration
Who it suits
feh suits Linux users who prefer keyboard-driven image viewing, command-line workflows, or configurable shell actions. It also fits users needing slideshows, thumbnails, contact sheets, EXIF access, or X11 backgrounds.
Verdict
feh combines a small command-line-oriented viewer with practical listing, metadata, and background tools. Its GNOME Shell wallpaper limitation and build-dependent features are important considerations.
Plans and prices
From feh's own pricing page, checked 7 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| feh | Free | No paid plans or usage limits stated |
The facts
Each one read from feh's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Availability
- The project lists packages for Arch Linux, Debian, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, and Ubuntu, and provides source releases and Git repository mirrors.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Build-dependent features
- The documented build has libcurl remote-file support and builtin EXIF support enabled, while inotify-based automatic reload and libmagic are disabled.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Controls
- It offers configurable keyboard shortcuts and custom shell-command actions, and is described as usable without a mouse.checked 7 Oct 2026
- EXIF
- The documented build includes builtin EXIF support, and EXIF tags can also be accessed through exiv2 or exifgrep.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Formats
- It can open formats supported by imlib2, including JPEG, PNG, PNM, TIFF, and BMP; GIF support is limited to static images.checked 7 Oct 2026
- License
- The project says feh is licensed under a variant of the MIT license.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Other uses
- It can compile text and thumbnail listings, identify loadable or unloadable files, and set X11 backgrounds.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Product
- feh is a lightweight, configurable image viewer aimed at command-line users that can also be launched from graphical file managers.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Remote files
- Optional HTTP and FTP support is available via libcurl.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project prefers bug reports and feature requests through its GitHub issue tracker, and also lists an email contact.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Viewing modes
- Its modes include slideshow, clickable thumbnails, file listings, and opening images in multiple windows.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Wallpaper limitation
- The manual says feh does not support setting wallpaper on GNOME Shell desktops.checked 7 Oct 2026
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