ImageXtender 1.0

Overview

ImageXtender is a tiny application that gives Windows XP's built-in Picture Viewer and Fax Viewer the ability to view more than 200 image formats. Without ImageXtender, Windows XP is only compatible with 5 major image formats. Any other types of images need to be viewed using a third-party software. However, with ImageXtender installed you can view virtually any kind of image file from directly within the Windows image viewing programs.

Installation

ImageXtender's installation is amazingly quick. Just two-clicks will bring you to the setup page where you can choose which of the 200+ image formats you'd like to add compatibility for. By default all of the formats are selected, so clicking OK will automatically transform your Windows XP operating system into the ultimate image viewing platform.

Interface

Aside from the initial settings menu that asks you which file formats you'd like to add support for, this software doesn't actually have an interface of its own – it simply improves the Windows Picture Viewer and Fax Viewer interfaces by making both of those programs compatible with virtually every type of image file format ever made. All of ImageXtender's features are built directly into the Windows Explorer file menus, so there's no need to become familiar with complicated menus or options.

Pros

• Instantly lets you view any image file, even those saved in rare or exotic formats like .dpx or .cals. Even outdated formats like .gem and .msp can be viewed in XP using the help of ImageXtender.

• Includes support for RAW and TIFF image formats.

• Once ImageXtender is installed you'll never have to worry about compatibility issues with your digital cameras again.

• Lets you view all image formats in one of three view modes – Filmstrip, Thumbnails, and Preview.

• Serves as a user-friendly supplemental add-on to the Windows XP operating system. It is a must-have for any XP user that regularly uploads and manages a lot of image files from external devices.

• Installation is self-explanatory and no learning curve is required.

Cons

• There really are no negatives here other than the fact that the program could be more comprehensive if it included its own image-viewing app.

• Made for Windows XP, which obviously is an outdated operating system that is no longer supported by Microsoft.

• A few rare formats don't work for some users.

Alternatives

Other programs that extend the image viewing capabilities of Windows include Photomania, XnView, and cPicture. However, these alternatives feature their own interfaces for image viewing, so they're not exactly the same as ImageXtender, which is simply an add-on that improves the built-in image viewing programs in Windows.

Conclusion

If you've been having trouble viewing certain image formats in Windows XP and are looking for an ideal solution, installing ImageXtender is the fastest and easiest way to add compatibility for all of your pictures taken on any device. This software is perfect for people that have large libraries of photos or collections that are saved in outdated formats on older hardware.