Picture-in-picture (PIP) image viewing mode

Ideas for improvements and requests for new features in XnView MP

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vovkasolovev
Posts: 6
Joined: Fri Apr 15, 2022 10:33 pm

Picture-in-picture (PIP) image viewing mode

Post by vovkasolovev »

Hi!

I would like XnView MP to have a picture-in-picture (PIP) viewing mode, where the selected image is displayed in a small window with a minimal interface that floats above all other programs, including other XnView windows.

This feature would be useful when working with visual search, comparison, browser, or graphics editor.

I think the implementation would be as follows: it would be similar to the full-screen view feature, launched by clicking a button in the toolbar or selecting it from the menu. The XnView window turns into a small rectangle with an image, without an interface (there may be a shadow and slightly rounded corners). The window can be moved by clicking on it and dragging it. The size of the window can be changed by dragging the edge of the window. At the same time, the selected zoom mode is preserved in the window.

When you hover the mouse over the window above the image, a minimum of interface icon buttons are displayed: the exit button, previous and next, one or five zoom buttons (in, out, 1:1, fit width, fit height, fit entire image), and possibly rotation (without changing the file).

xnview-pip.png
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jkm
Posts: 439
Joined: Sat May 11, 2024 12:43 am

Re: Picture-in-picture (PIP) image viewing mode

Post by jkm »

It's not exactly what you want, but the app already has similar functionality built in.

You can use the Compare function.

1. Select 2 images, then do Tools->Compare
2. Click one of the side-by-side images that you want to change.
3. Next, in the filmstrip where thumbnails are shown, click the next image you want to see.
4. The main image you first clicked on will change to the new image selected with the thumbnail.

At this point, you can use left-arrow/right-arrow or PgUp/PgDn to continue to change the image. The other original image will remain on the screen for comparison.

It's not a Picture-in-picture, but otherwise it provides the functionality you seek, including zoom in/out.

Hopefully this helps. Good luck...
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user0
XnThusiast
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Joined: Sat May 09, 2015 9:37 am

Re: Picture-in-picture (PIP) image viewing mode

Post by user0 »

vovkasolovev wrote: Wed Feb 18, 2026 9:09 pm I would like XnView MP to have a picture-in-picture (PIP) viewing mode, where the selected image is displayed in a small window with a minimal interface that floats above all other programs, including other XnView windows.
you need proper Frameless (borderless) mode (like in Nomacs, ImageGlass), not this..
alee001
Posts: 292
Joined: Sun Sep 04, 2022 4:43 am

Re: Picture-in-picture (PIP) image viewing mode

Post by alee001 »

Passing by…

I think your purpose is to compare or reference images. My suggestion is similar to the following:
viewtopic.php?t=49688
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vovkasolovev
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Joined: Fri Apr 15, 2022 10:33 pm

Re: Picture-in-picture (PIP) image viewing mode

Post by vovkasolovev »

jkm wrote: Thu Feb 19, 2026 1:35 am You can use the Compare function.
No, the point is not to compare and view several images in XnView itself. The point is to have an image as a reference constantly in view when working with other programs.
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vovkasolovev
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Joined: Fri Apr 15, 2022 10:33 pm

Re: Picture-in-picture (PIP) image viewing mode

Post by vovkasolovev »

alee001 wrote: Thu Feb 19, 2026 7:44 am I think your purpose is to compare or reference images. My suggestion is similar to the following:
viewtopic.php?t=49688
Splitting the screen or aligning windows takes up a lot of screen space and cuts off the interface of other programs. That's why I suggest having a window that floats above everything else.
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vovkasolovev
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Joined: Fri Apr 15, 2022 10:33 pm

Re: Picture-in-picture (PIP) image viewing mode

Post by vovkasolovev »

user0 wrote: Thu Feb 19, 2026 6:05 am you need proper Frameless (borderless) mode, not this..
I find XnView to be the ideal program, covering practically all my needs in the area of image viewing. Overall, I am familiar with various solutions; there are many professional programs and simple tools for working with references, such as Pureref. Therefore, I would like to see this feature included in XnView, rather than having to install another program separately for the purposes of a single feature.