XnSoft has released XnView 2.00, a new version of its freeware multimedia browser, editor and creation tool for Windows. The tool makes it simple to browse, organise and edit images, plus includes a screenshot capture tool in addition to acquiring images from scanners. XnView can also create supplementary material such as slideshows, web pages, contact sheets and video thumbnail galleries.

Version 2.0’s most notable change is the addition of a new optional toolbar style – Metro3 – that mimics the tile-based ModernUI interface found in Windows 8. The toolbar isn’t active by default; users must select Tools > Options > Toolbar, then switch to the Skin tab, select Metro3 and click OK.

The only other new feature added to XnView 2.00 is another settings tweak, and not one we could easily identify. This supposedly allows users to choose whether or not the descript.ion file used for recording comments and other metadata via the Edit > Edit Description/Comment menu – is created with hidden attributes or not. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts we could find no sign of this setting anywhere.

A new optional toolbar style is the only notable change in XnView 2.0.

Two changes have been implemented in version 2.00: EXE files are no longer signed, and the JPEG2000 format is now powered by OpenJPEG rather than JasPer.

Notable fixes include improved support in Windows 8, high DPI support, a resolution for copy and paste in 32-bit colour using the clipboard and several fixes regarding the slideshow tool, including one affecting the Sort by Name option.

XnView 2.00 is available now as a free-for-personal use download for PCs running Windows XP or later. Commercial users should purchase a license, with prices starting from €26.