PreviewQt 5.0

Published: 6th of February, 2026

It has been a little while since the last release of PreviewQt, so it is time for some updates. This release fixes a few smaller bugs, improves a couple things based on feedback I received, and adds support for even more files and content.

The highlights of this release include:

Support for Websites and URLs: PreviewQt is now able to display HTML documents, both local .html files as well as remote URLs. In addition, remote URLs can be processed with yt-dlp (opt-in) to directly stream the contained video or audio stream. If a stream is indeed found, then a button will show up in the top bar that allows the download of that media.
Support for audio files: PreviewQt was able to show all kinds of video files since its inception, but has been missing audio file support, until now. In addition. if a cover image is embedded or stored next to the audio file (cover.jpg or similar), that image will be displayed alongside the audio controls. It is also possible to view a selection of metadata about that media through the show media info button that will show up in the top bar in this situation. The same button will also appear for video streams.
Paste content: In addition to dropping files/content on PreviewQt, it is now also possible to simply paste content (Ctrl+V) and PreviewQt will attempt to load whatever is pasted. For the moment, only text that contains URLs or file paths can be processed, but this is planned to be expanded in the future.
When the PreviewQt window is closed, then the application does not quit but instead hides to the system tray. This behavior can now be disabled from the settings so that the application quits when the window is closed.
Speed improvements: Some code restructuring allows for the items responsible for displaying the images/files to be loaded faster than before. Similarly, the startup logic has been streamlined for better startup times.
When PreviewQt is started hidden to system tray it used to show a notification every time it was started. Going forward, this notification will only be shown once the next time PreviewQt is started after the setting has been enabled.
Better CMake logic: CMake is more reactive to what options it does or does not find and shows a summary at the end. Note that the WITH_VIDEO_* options have been replaced by WITH_QTMULTIMEDIA and WITH_LIBMPV, so you might need to adapt your builds accordingly.

There have been a couple more changes and improvements in this release, you can find a more complete list in the Changelog.

You want to help out? Why not join the translation team for PreviewQt over on Crowdin. If your language is missing you can simply request it directly on Crowdin or send me an email/message and I will add it to the project.

If you are considering supporting PreviewQt by donation, please consider donating to the humanitarian relief in Ukraine instead, for example to the Ukrainian Red Cross. Otherwise, you can donate directly to PreviewQt through Wise or through PayPal.

Enjoy PreviewQt,

Lukas

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