Overview

SageThumbs is a Windows shell extension which means it integrates directly inside Windows Explorer and adds new capabilities to this file manager that millions of people use every day.

SageThumbs can create thumbnail image previews directly within the Explorer folder. A thumbnail can be seen in the Explorer context menu using the right-click option. Just select an image, right-click and then the image will appear. XnView's GFL library has been utilized here in order to deliver the 162 image format compatibility (224 file extensions) so that there is virtually no image type that cannot be displayed. There is also another 26 image formats that can be viewed if adding some XnView plugins.

Images can be selected and sent by email using SageThumbs. An image can be used as desktop wallpaper and the wallpaper can be changed to the selected image. Image formats can be converted to other ones. Images can be copied to the clipboard.

Installation

The installation completed without any difficulties. There was no additional unwanted software added or offered with the installation process.

The package requires Windows XP, 2003, Vista, 2008, 7, 2012, 8 or 8.1 (32-bit and 64-bit supported)

Interface

The interface is essentially the pop-up menu that appears when inside Windows Explorer and right-clicking over an image file. The initial menu appears, then the user has to select the SageThumbs sub menu. From there, the context menu displays on the screen. It includes menu options to Copy to Clipboard, Set Stretched, Tiled or Centered wallpaper, Send image by email, Sent thumbnail by email, or Convert image to JPG, GIF, BMP or PNG. There is also the SageThumb Options at the bottom of the menu.

The SageThumbs Options windows is substantial with numerous configuration options, plus the ability to select (or deselect) which image formats should get the SageThumbs thumbnail treatment and which should be excluded. The level of configurability is high. 

Pros

• Adds a special thumbnail image preview via right-click when selecting image
• See enlarged image
• Other menu options include setting different types of desktop wallpaper, emailing or configuring options
• Highly configurable

Cons

• Multi-step process: Right-click over the image file name, select SageThumbs from the first context menu, then see the SageThumbs context menu and image preview

Conclusion

SageThumbs is a useful tool to add to Windows Explorer for people who prefer to see single image previews rather than keep all images in separate folders and view a folder entirely in thumbnail preview mode.