feh
What it is
feh is a free, lightweight image viewer for Linux and command-line users, with launch options from graphical file managers. It can show slideshows, clickable thumbnails, file listings, or images in multiple windows. Additional commands compile text and thumbnail listings, identify loadable files, and set X11 backgrounds. Keyboard shortcuts and shell-command actions are configurable, allowing mouse-free use. The viewer opens imlib2-supported formats such as JPEG, PNG, PNM, TIFF, and BMP; GIF handling is limited to static images. The documented build includes built-in EXIF support, and EXIF tags can also be accessed through exiv2 or exifgrep. Optional HTTP and FTP file access uses libcurl. Packages are listed for Arch Linux, Debian, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, and Ubuntu, with source releases and repository mirrors. The manual says wallpaper setting is unavailable on GNOME Shell.
For and against
For
- Free with no stated usage limits
- Slideshow and thumbnail modes
- Configurable keyboard and shell actions
- EXIF support included in documented build
- Optional HTTP and FTP access
Against
- GIF support is limited to static images
- Cannot set wallpaper on GNOME Shell
- Inotify reload is disabled in documented build
- Libmagic is disabled in documented build
The verdict
feh focuses on keyboard-driven image viewing and related command-line tasks. Its format support and listings are broad, but some features depend on the build and GNOME Shell wallpaper is unsupported.
Who it suits
feh suits Linux users who prefer command-line control, configurable shortcuts, and lightweight image viewing. It also fits workflows needing listings, thumbnails, EXIF access, or X11 backgrounds.
Plans and prices
feh
No paid plans or usage limits stated
Read 7 Oct 2026 · feh.finalrewind.org
On the record
- Availability
- The project lists packages for Arch Linux, Debian, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, and Ubuntu, and provides source releases and Git repository mirrors.feh.finalrewind.org · read 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.man.finalrewind.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Controls
- It offers configurable keyboard shortcuts and custom shell-command actions, and is described as usable without a mouse.feh.finalrewind.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- EXIF
- The documented build includes builtin EXIF support, and EXIF tags can also be accessed through exiv2 or exifgrep.man.finalrewind.org · read 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.man.finalrewind.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- License
- The project says feh is licensed under a variant of the MIT license.feh.finalrewind.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Other uses
- It can compile text and thumbnail listings, identify loadable or unloadable files, and set X11 backgrounds.feh.finalrewind.org · read 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.feh.finalrewind.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Remote files
- Optional HTTP and FTP support is available via libcurl.feh.finalrewind.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project prefers bug reports and feature requests through its GitHub issue tracker, and also lists an email contact.feh.finalrewind.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Viewing modes
- Its modes include slideshow, clickable thumbnails, file listings, and opening images in multiple windows.feh.finalrewind.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Wallpaper limitation
- The manual says feh does not support setting wallpaper on GNOME Shell desktops.man.finalrewind.org · read 7 Oct 2026
