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vimiv

vimiv is free Linux image-viewing software built around vim-like keybindings.

Place
#23 of 34
Score
5.8
vimiv's website

What vimiv is

vimiv is free Linux image-viewing software built around vim-like keybindings. A library browser and thumbnail grid help navigate collections, while basic tools rotate or flip images. Its manipulate mode adjusts brightness, contrast, hue, saturation, and lightness. Users can mark images and save named selections as tags for later retrieval. The command interface provides tab completion, path completion, and pattern matching, including recursive matching with **. Keybindings, settings, and appearance can be changed, and the Qt port supports custom styles and statusbar modules. Python module plugins can add image formats, metadata, or printing. Selected images can open in external applications, while marked images can be passed to tools such as ImageMagick. The Qt version can reload after outside changes to an image or directory. A read_only setting disables commands that may write to disk. Installation is documented through Arch Linux AUR, Fedora repositories, pip, or manual methods. Requirements include Python 3.8+ and Qt 6.2+ or Qt 5.15+; SVG and metadata support are optional.

Good

  • Vim-like keyboard controls
  • Thumbnail grid and library browser
  • Adjusts several image properties
  • Python plugin support
  • Read-only mode available

Watch out

  • Linux only
  • Qt port may be less stable
  • Optional dependencies cover SVG and metadata
  • Requires Python and Qt versions

Who it suits

vimiv suits Linux users who prefer keyboard-driven image browsing and configurable workflows. It also fits users who want tags, plugins, command matching, or external-tool integration.

Verdict

vimiv offers keyboard-centered browsing with light editing, tagging, plugins, and command-line tools. Choose the older Gtk version when the maker’s stated stability preference matters more than the Qt port’s future direction.

Plans and prices

From vimiv's own pricing page, checked 11 Oct 2026.

All about pricing
PlanPriceWhat it gives you
vimivFreeFree software · GPL v3 or later

The facts

Each one read from vimiv's own pages, with the date it was checked.

What it does

Automatic reload
The Qt version can automatically reload when an image or directory changes outside the application.checked 11 Oct 2026
Command interface
Its command line has tab completion, path completion, and pattern matching, including recursive matching with **.checked 11 Oct 2026
Customization
Keybindings, settings, and appearance can be customized, and the Qt port supports custom styles and statusbar modules.checked 11 Oct 2026
External tools
Commands can open the selected image in an external application, and marked images can be passed to tools such as ImageMagick.checked 11 Oct 2026
Image browsing
It provides a library browser and a navigable grid of image thumbnails.checked 11 Oct 2026
Image editing
Basic operations include rotating and flipping images, while manipulate mode supports brightness, contrast, hue, saturation, and lightness adjustments.checked 11 Oct 2026
Installation
The maker documents installation through Arch Linux AUR, Fedora repositories, pip, and manual installation.checked 11 Oct 2026
Organization
Users can mark images and save named selections as tags for later use.checked 11 Oct 2026
Plugins
Vimiv supports Python module plugins, including plugins for additional image formats, metadata, and printing.checked 11 Oct 2026
Project status
The maker describes the Qt port as vimiv's future and says new features will be implemented there; the older Gtk version is recommended when greater stability is required.checked 11 Oct 2026
Purpose
Vimiv is an image viewer with vim-like keybindings.checked 11 Oct 2026
Read-only mode
A read_only setting disables commands that may write changes to disk.checked 11 Oct 2026
Requirements
The documented dependencies include Python 3.8 or newer and Qt 6.2 or newer or Qt 5.15 or newer; SVG and metadata support have optional dependencies.checked 11 Oct 2026
Support
Users can ask for help or report bugs by opening a GitHub issue or contacting the maintainer by email.checked 11 Oct 2026

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