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IrfanView

Create Desktop Shortcut and Keyboard Hotkey if Missing

SUMMARY: Make IrfanView easier to access by creating desktop and keyboard shortcuts.

If you often view and modify images with IrfanView you may find a Desktop shortcut convenient. When installing the application this shortcut may have been created; if missing, you can add it back. Plus, the Desktop shortcut can contain a keyboard hotkey to open IrfanView from anywhere - and this can be modified.

1. Choose "Options" - "Properties/Settings".

2. When the "Properties/Settings" dialog box appears, select "Miscellaneous" in the left pane.

3. In the right pane", click the "Create" button next to "desktop link for IrfanView (Current user, Hotkey: Ctrl+Shift+I).

Creating a desktop shortcut for IrfanView with a keyboard hotkey

4. Press "OK" to close the dialog box.

An IrfanView icon will appear on the Desktop, and IrfanView can now be activated by the hotkey Ctrl + Shift + I. If you find that this hotkey interferes with other software packages and would like to change or remove it, do the following:

1. Right-click the "IrfanView" Desktop icon and choose "Properties".

2. Click in the textbox next to "Shortcut key". Either enter a new shortcut key combination (it is recommended to use at least two modifier keys such as Control, Shift, and Alt) or press the Backspace key to remove the shortcut altogether.

Modifying keyboard shortcut / hotkey to activate IrfanView

3. Press "OK" to save your settings.

Later, if you would like to remove the Desktop icon, just right-click it and choose "Delete". Confirm the deletion if prompted. This will remove the keyboard shortcut (if defined) as well.

This tip was written for IrfanView 4.25 on a Windows XP system. Features, information, and screenshots for other versions and operating systems may differ.