List of the Best Free PDF Readers
A PDF reader is any software that will open a PDF file, probably the most recognizable document format in the world. Your downloadable bank statements, school newsletters—they're probably all in .
More and more operating systems, smartphones, and other devices have built-in capabilities for displaying PDF files. Regardless, a dedicated PDF reader often has a number of advantages over the built-in PDF reader you already have, such as viewing options, improved search, and more.
Download any of these free PDF readers:
1. SumatraPDF
pros
- Open source and lightweight.
- Available in 69 languages.
Minuses
- There is no ability to edit or comment on PDF files.
- There is no anti-aliasing, so some fonts look wonky.
Various types of viewing modes are available such as " One Page", "Front Side", "Book View" And " Presentation". The latter type is great for reading without distraction.
You can use many keyboard shortcuts to make it easier to navigate your PDF, which you can refer to in the SumatraPDF Guide.
You can download SumatraPDF in portable form (uses only 6MB) or install it as a regular program.
2.Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
pros
- The convenient drag-and-drop feature makes it easy to combine PDF files.
- Excellent integration with the Adobe Cloud system.
Minuses
- An accessibility check identifies problems, but doesn't tell you how to fix them.
- The free version is very limited in its capabilities.
Adobe Systems, the creator of the PDF format, has a free PDF reader called Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.
Tons of features are included in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. You can take pictures of text and images, view the PDF file in reading mode for a more concise reading panel, and Adobe Acrobat Reader DC can read text aloud.
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC works with Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems. also available for Android, Windows Phone and iOS.
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC download manager is used for downloading. So while the download manager is indeed small in size, the actual download for the PDF reader is much larger (perhaps around 50MB).
On the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC download page, you may be prompted to install McAfee Security Scan Plus and/or another program together with Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. You must manually deselect the offer if you do not want it to be installed as well.
3. MuPDF
pros
- Supports XPS and CBZ files.
- Easy to use.
Minuses
- The interface is too bare.
- The zoom feature is not perfect.
MuPDF is an ultra-lightweight, free PDF reader for Windows and Android.
When you launch MuPDF, you are immediately prompted to select a PDF file before you even see the program's interface. Once you do this, there will literally be no options visible, but instead the entire program window will be dedicated to displaying the PDF.
Click the top left program icon in the MuPDF title window, then select About MuPDF, to see all supported keyboard shortcuts that you can use to scroll through pages, zoom in, and search for text.
When you extract the files from the download, open "mupdf.exe" to run the program.
pros
- Faster than other free options.
- Intuitive interface.
Minuses
- Editing options are quite limited.
- Tries to install other software during installation.
Expert PDF Reader is another free PDF reader for Windows.
You can view bookmarks and a list of pages found in the PDF in an easy-to-read index on the side of the viewing area.
There are also additional options such as signing and adding text to the PDF.
5. Nuance PDF Reader
Nuance Communications, Inc.
pros
- Adding videos and images to documents is very easy.
- The dictation features make this app ideal for the visually impaired.
Minuses
- No mobile version.
- You can only open one PDF at a time.
Another free PDF reader for Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista and XP is Nuance PDF Reader.
Nuance PDF Reader includes a really useful search feature. The words you search for are displayed with a little context to make it easier to understand where the search terms are located in the text.
You can also highlight text in Nuance PDF Reader, which is great if you're using the PDF for a study note or reference document.
6. PDF-XChange Editor
pros
- The premium version is reasonably priced for what you get.
- Adding and placing text is extremely easy.
Minuses
- PDFs created with the free version often contain large, ugly watermarks.
- Does not automatically detect fields when creating forms.
PDF-XChange Editor is another completely free PDF reader for Windows XP and newer.
The program's interface can be a little nauseous because there are buttons, toolbars, and sidebars everywhere. You can easily disable most of them, though, for a cleaner viewing experience.
In addition to opening the PDF from your local computer, you can also enter the PDF's URL to open PDF-XChange Editor (the PDF will still be downloaded, but the program will do it for you).
PDF-XChange Editor also allows you to add notes, record and attach audio, highlight text, attach files, and add strikethroughs to words.
Many features are only available in the professional version of PDF-XChange Editor, but they are clearly labeled as such and are not difficult to locate.
7. Evince
pros
- Also ideal for reading comics and Power Point presentations.
- Excellent integration with the GNOME desktop environment.
Minuses
- Scrolling is not always smooth.
- The window cannot be resized and there is no full screen mode.
Evince is another free PDF reader for Windows and Linux operating systems.
The interface is uncluttered and you can customize the toolbar using any of the included tools, such as the search function and different viewing modes.
Evince also supports automatic scrolling. This is an amazing feature that allows you to adjust the position of your mouse on the screen to automatically view the PDF file. You can fine-tune the speed for different reading speeds.
8. Sorax Reader
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In order to prevent excessive use of the service, Allinpdf has a limit of 60 times per hour.
This condition is subject to change.
- How to View Your Documents Using PDF Reader Simply drag and drop your file into the box above. Allinpdf will automatically detect your file format and convert it to a PDF file. You can see the content immediately without downloading the file.
- Quality PDF Format PDF is an open source standard used throughout the world for the electronic distribution of documents. Adobe PDF is a common file format that preserves all fonts, format settings, colors, and graphics in all source documents, regardless of the application or platform type used to create them.
- Support for various file formats PDF Reader supports the most commonly used document formats, including MS Office documents. You can view the document using PDF Reader and download the converted PDF file.
- Secure online conversion Uploaded files and data are automatically and immediately deleted after using the service. The converted files were deleted automatically by the system within half an hour after conversion. No one has access to the files, and there is no trace left after deletion. Allinpdf provides a secure service via SSL based on encrypted file transfer.
- Supports all operating systems Allinpdf is a web application served through a web browser. Allinpdf supports all types of browsers, including IE, Chrome, Safari, FireFox and Opera. Allinpdf works for any operating system you use - Windows, Linux or IOS.
- Save your PC's resources Allinpdf is a web service that does not use your computer's resources. All work is performed on our server.
No installation required (eg ActiveX) is not required.
The PDF file format is a universal way to store documents. That is why almost every advanced (and not so advanced) user has a corresponding reader on their computer. Such programs can be both paid and free - the choice is quite large. But what if you need to open a PDF document on someone else’s computer and you can’t or don’t want to install any software on it?
There is a solution. If you have Internet access, you can use one of the available online tools to view PDF files.
The range of web services for reading documents of this format is very wide. As with desktop solutions, there is no need to pay to use them. There are quite flexible and convenient free PDF readers on the Internet, which you will become familiar with in this article.
Method 1: PDFPro
Online tool for viewing and editing PDF documents. Working with the resource can be done free of charge and without the need to create an account. In addition, as the developers say, all content uploaded to PDFPro is automatically encrypted and thereby protected from unauthorized access.
The resource's capabilities are not limited to just viewing documents. PDFPro allows you to add your own text and graphic notes to files. There is a function for adding a printed or drawn signature.
At the same time, if you closed the service page, and then soon decided to open the document again, there is no need to import it again. Once downloaded, files remain available for reading and editing for 24 hours.
Method 2: PDF Online Reader
A simple online PDF reader with a minimal set of functions. It is possible to add internal and external links, highlights, and annotations to the document in the form of text fields. Work with bookmarks is supported.
It is worth noting that, unlike the previous service, here the file is available only while the page with the reader is open. So if you made changes to the document, do not forget to save it to your computer using the button "Download PDF" in the header of the site.
Method 3: XODO Pdf Reader & Annotator
A full-fledged web application for comfortable work with PDF documents, made in the best traditions of desktop solutions. The resource offers a wide selection of annotation tools and the ability to synchronize files using cloud services. Full-screen viewing mode is supported, as well as collaborative document editing.
The interface and capabilities of XODO are almost in no way inferior to desktop counterparts like the same Adobe Acrobat Reader or Foxit PDF Reader. It even has its own context menu. The service works quickly and easily copes even with very large PDF documents.
Method 4: Soda PDF Online
Well, this is the most powerful and functional tool for creating, viewing and editing PDF files online. Being a full-fledged web version of the Soda PDF program, the service offers the design and structure of the application, exactly copying the style of products from the Microsoft Office suite. And all this in your browser.
Soda PDF Online is a really great product, but if you only need to view a specific PDF file, it's better to look towards simpler solutions. This service is multi-purpose and therefore very overloaded. However, this tool is definitely worth knowing about.
Method 5: PDFescape
A convenient resource that allows you to view and annotate PDF documents. The service does not boast a modern design, but at the same time it is simple and intuitive to use. In free mode, the maximum size of an uploaded document is 10 megabytes, and the maximum allowed size is 100 pages.
So, if you need to open a small PDF file and do not have the appropriate programs at hand, the PDFescape service will also be an excellent solution for this case.
Method 6: Online PDF Viewer
This tool is designed exclusively for viewing PDF documents and contains only the functions necessary to navigate through the contents of the files. One of the main features that sets this service apart from others is the ability to create direct links to documents uploaded to it. This is a convenient way to share files with friends or colleagues.
You can use the button "Fullscreen" top toolbar and view document pages in full screen.
Method 7: Google Drive
To use this method, you must be logged in to your Google account.
This is a rather specific solution, but it also has its place.
On our website you can download the PDF Master program immediately and without any registration. The PDF text format is one of the most famous, so it is not surprising that there are many utilities that help you open such documents.
PDFMaster has an excellent interface and will allow you to easily read the entire text or find the desired part in a voluminous document. PDFMaster includes a free PDF Printer module.
How to download the free PDF program
In addition, by downloading the program from our official website, you can be sure that you will not harm your computer. All files are checked for viruses, and nothing threatens the security of your system. PDF Master will not take up much space in your computer's memory, but with this simple and convenient program you can easily view any documents in PDF format. Our PDF reader can be downloaded much faster than the classic product provided by Adobe, because PDF Master weighs much less. By using the basic instructions, you can install a truly useful utility with a nice interface on your computer. PDF Master will delight you with an intuitive menu, where there are many useful functions that no other PDF reader provides. How to uninstall PDFMaster?You may remove the PDFMaster Software from your computer at any time. All elements of the operating system on which the PDFMaster Software was installed are returned to their previous form. PDFMaster executable files are also removed from the operating system. You can remove PDFMaster software in the Microsoft Windows operating system through the "Programs and Features" menu by selecting "PDFMaster" from the menu, or from the installed Programs menu by selecting "Uninstall PDFMaster". |
When you need to open a PDF file, your choice is usually limited to two options: use the standard application for the Windows 8 or 10 operating system (usually installed by default with the operating system, or available for download in the Windows Store), or use good old Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Both options are great, but there are many other free PDF readers that can do even more. Whether you want to join documents, convert them to different formats, or extract images, our review will highlight other PDF readers that will do it quickly and easily.
Once installed, each application will offer to use a default PDF reader. We recommend that you do not change your settings until you have tried the new software and are sure it suits you. If you are satisfied with the result of the application, then in order to set the default PDF reader, you should right-click on the file once and then select “Open with”. Select the exe file of your new application, check the box next to “Always use this application to open .pdf files” and click “OK”.
Foxit Reader is more flexible and powerful than the built-in Windows PDF reader. Once you install it, you will no longer have the desire to return everything back.
A clear interface and all the tools you could want in a PDF reader.
Foxit Reader is perhaps the best program among the known alternatives to Adobe Reader. It's obvious why Foxit Reader is considered the best free PDF reader.
The Ribbon interface is borrowed from Microsoft Office, so you can trust your intuition to easily guess where to find the tools you need. Tabbed document browsing makes it easy to work on multiple PDFs at once. There are also great features like form filling and PDF comments.
Because PDF is so common, it is a common target for viruses and other malware, Foxit Reader offers a Safe Browsing mode that controls click-through and Javascript functionality.
Program extensions, which can be downloaded and installed additionally, allow you to convert PDF files to other formats (and vice versa), as well as combine different PDF files into one. Format conversion is easily accessible because the function is built into the Windows Explorer context menu.
Foxit Reader's power and versatility make it the best free PDF reader available. Try it now, you won't be disappointed.
Nitro PDF Reader doesn't come close to the functionality of Foxit Reader, but text highlighting and the ability to leave comments are very convenient features
An excellent PDF program that supports track changes and sticky notes.
Just like Foxit Reader, Nitro PDF Reader's interface resembles that of Microsoft Office software—but that's not a bad thing. Initially, the program appears as an advanced software that allows you to perform many functions when viewing documents.
But this free reader offers more than just document viewing. In addition to adding text highlights, notes, and comments, Nitro PDF Reader lets you add sticky notes to the documents you work with.
Nitro PDF Reader allows you to convert documents to PDF and vice versa. You can also extract all the images from a PDF file with one click, and also sign the electronic document with your electronic signature. Without a doubt, Nitro PDF Reader is one of the best free programs for working with PDF files.
Few free PDF programs allow you to not only read, but also edit files. PDF-XChange Editor is one of them.
Classic free PDF reader, fully adapted for the Windows 10 operating system.
The free version of PDF-XChange Editor offers accessible features such as comments and the ability to add or extract pages (however, this feature is only available in the paid "Pro" version).
The key and distinctive feature of the free version of PDF-XChange Editor is the optical character recognition function. You have the option to scan a printed document, save it in one of the available formats, and convert the result to PDF.
During installation, we recommend choosing a “Custom” installation rather than a “Full” installation, and then selecting the components that you do not want to install. They are presented in a tree view, so you need to click on the “+” button to display all the components of the installation.
If you don't work with the PDF format very often, you can overlook the lack of functions such as text highlighting or leaving comments. SlimPDF Reader does not have an arsenal of options, but it contains all the necessary tools for comfortable reading.
The simplest free PDF reader that doesn't take up much space on your disk.
SlimPDF Reader is perhaps the lightest program that takes up only 1.43 MB of free space, the main merit of which is considered to be simplicity.
SlimPDF Reader is really nothing more than just a document viewer, but that's not a drawback. The control buttons and navigation are easy to use and self-explanatory. One of the main advantages of the program is its lightning speed.
Search, Print and Rotate are some of the few features of SlimPDF Reader, but you also get a free trial of the PDF to Office converter.
If you're looking for a free, no-frills PDF reader, SlimPDF Reader is the perfect choice. The only drawback of the program is the inability to view a two-page spread on the screen.
If you want to read PDF documents in a two-page format, Icecream Ebook Reader is a great choice.
Icecream Ebook Reader is great not only for formats that e-readers support, but also for reading PDF format.
As the name suggests, Icecream Ebook Reader was originally designed for viewing documents in EPUB and MOBI formats, but this application is great for viewing PDF files.
Since the program is used as an e-book reader, you have the ability to organize your books in a library and sort by type with search functionality, but no one prevents you from using the application for regular viewing of PDF files.
The program has an unusual, but still quite pleasant to use interface. Navigation of PDF files is striking in its simplicity; there is a choice of viewing modes, including an eye-friendly night mode. You can quickly add bookmarks and create notes, accessible from the Content drop-down panel.
