Loupe review
A free, open-source Linux viewer for straightforward browsing, metadata, and basic image edits.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Loupe, also presented as GNOME Image Viewer, is a desktop application for opening, browsing, and viewing images on Linux. It suits users who want a simple viewer that can open files from a chooser, file manager, or drag-and-drop action, then browse other images in the same directory. The application also supports zooming, different image scales and orientations, image properties, EXIF metadata, and basic crop, rotate, and flip tools. As free open-source software developed as a GNOME application, it is a focused fit for Linux desktops rather than a broad cross-platform photo-management product.
Loupe’s strongest area is everyday viewing with useful file and metadata actions. Users can inspect image size, format, file size, and dates, view embedded EXIF data, move unwanted images to the trash, and send, copy, or drag images to other applications. Images are loaded through sandboxed, modular image loaders, and the product is distributed through Flathub. Color-management support is associated with its use of Glycin and Glycin’s documented ICC Profile support, while supported formats can vary by system. This gives Loupe practical flexibility for ordinary image browsing without expanding into a larger organization or editing suite.
The trade-off is scope. Loupe provides basic image adjustments, but its published feature set does not establish advanced editing, comparison, contact sheets, or broad photo-organization capabilities. RAW formats appear in Glycin documentation, while the corresponding RAW loader is described as experimental and not built by default, so users with RAW-focused workflows should evaluate their format needs carefully. Choose Loupe for a clean Linux viewer with metadata visibility and lightweight file actions; choose another tool if you need extensive cataloging, advanced editing, or dependable RAW-centered workflows.
Loupe pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free and open-source with file chooser, file manager, and drag-and-drop workflows
- Shows image properties and embedded EXIF metadata
- Includes crop, rotate, flip, zoom, trash, copy, and send actions
- Where it doesn't
- Available on Linux rather than across multiple desktop platforms
- Basic editing tools do not replace a full image editor
- Format support can vary by system, with RAW support not established as standard
Loupe fact sheet, pricing and score →
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