Looking for the best free PDF reader apps? My team and I put the top-rated software to the test and my my recommendations for viewing PDF documents online, on your desktop, and on mobile devices.
For most people, Adobe Acrobat Reader remains a great tool for anyone who needs to read or lightly modify PDF files, and I especially like its cross-platform compatibility, letting you freely view documents across all your devices.
In this round-up, you’ll also find some of the best free PDF editors, best PDF readers for Mac, and best PDF readers on Android we’ve tested. And while some may include optional subscriptions and licenses, I’ve checked to ensure there are no hidden fees for any app featured here — they’re all completely free PDF readers.
Want to do more than reader PDFs? We tested the best PDF editors for personal and professional use.
Best free PDF reader overall
Top free PDF viewer to read PDF files
Specifications
Operating system: Windows, macOS
Reasons to buy
+
Flawless free tools
+
Multi-platform support
+
Clean and simple interface
Reasons to avoid
—
Incessant ‘upgrade to Pro’ ads
—
Core tools paywalled
If you want to read, comment, annotate, fill, or sign documents, Adobe Acrobat Reader is a seamless experience. But the free version is hamstrung with core features locked behind subscription plans.
As you expect from Adobe, Reader’s interface is intuitive, easy to find what you need. However, many of the tools aren’t really available. PDF conversion, document editing, this level of file control requires a subscription. They’re an enticing glimpse of all the power you’ll wield by subscribing to the Standard or Pro version. With two permanent upgrade ads on the screen, it’s impossible to forget what you’re missing out on. And it harms an otherwise clean user experience.
Of the tools available to you, there’s the free PDF reader and the ability to annotate, add comments, shapes, drawings. Filling and signing forms is excellently handled, with the app capable of highlighting sections that need attention. During our time here, this auto-detection function worked flawlessly.
It’s still one of the best free PDF readers out there — Adobe invented the filetype, after all. You can read PDFs on any device, it’s simple to use, with some great default tools. But we’re starting to wonder where Reader fits into the office landscape except as an entry point to the much more useful Adobe Acrobat Pro.
Read our full Adobe Acrobat Reader (2024) review.
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Best free PDF reader for businesses
Feature-rich platform for businesses
Specifications
Operating system: Web
Plan: Subscription
Reasons to buy
+
Price
+
Easy-to-use interface
+
Good PDF tools
+
Loads of document management tools
Reasons to avoid
—
Online only
—
Limited free plan
For a free PDF reader with editing, signing, and a whole host of other useful features, DocHub is a good pick. As a document viewer, it’s easy to use and performs well. But to really make the most of the extra tools here, a subscription is best.. It’s an impressive online tool.
DocHub is really the complete document management package. So, alongside the free PDF reader, which worked seamlessly in our review, you’ll also find an editor, eSignature tool, and form-filler. You even get unlimited cloud storage, Google integrations, and loads more tools that effectively streamline workflows.
If you only need to view PDFs for free, this will do the job well. However, there’s no denying that the rest of the feature-set is hobbled on the free plan. To really make use of DocHub’s full capabilities, you’ll want to opt for the subscription plan, which is a reasonable $14 a month (or $10 a month if you pay yearly).
Read our full DocHub review
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Best free PDF reader for cross-platform support
A great free PDF reader, creator and converter for almost every platform
Specifications
Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Citrix
Reasons to buy
+
Allows you to create PDFs
+
Safe mode disables Javascript
+
Lightweight download
Reasons to avoid
—
Some features require extensions
—
No OCR in free version
Foxit PDF Reader is more than just a free PDF reader – you can also create PDFs from scratch using this software. Integration with Microsoft Office allows you to easily turn documents you’re working on into PDFs. Or, you can scan a document or image and turn it into a PDF using Foxit Reader. The only thing that’s lacking in the free version is support for optical character recognition in scanned documents.
The software can be a little intimidating at first, but it’s relatively straightforward to navigate. That’s thanks to the fact that it uses the same ribbon-style menu as Microsoft Office. Tools for editing, signing, highlighting, and commenting are fairly easy to access. You can also merge or split PDFs by downloading free add-ons for the software.
Another advantage to Foxit PDF Reader is that it offers security. There’s a Safe Reading mode that allows you to automatically disable Javascript embedded in downloaded PDFs.
Note that with the software’s latest update, Foxit seems to have removed its PDF virtual printer driver, meaning you can no longer use the software to create PDFs.
Read our full Foxit PDF Reader review
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Best lightweight free PDF reader
We found this one to be fast and lightweight
Specifications
Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux
Reasons to buy
+
Small download size
+
Loads extremely quickly
+
Can convert file types
Reasons to avoid
—
No editing
—
Not many features overall
Slim PDF is the best free PDF reader if you’re looking for something incredibly lightweight. The software download is really small, so is the perfect choice if you’re limited by hard drive space. Plus, that means that it’s able to open and load your documents faster than most of its competitors.
In our review, we called it «a sleek, minimalist PDF reader that only takes up a couple of megabytes on your hard drive.» The downside to this small size is that Slim PDF is pretty basic. You can search and rotate documents, but that’s about it.
And you have to go in knowing that. Slim PDF feather-light when it comes to features. If you’re looking for a PDF editor, you won’t find it here. Nor will you find tools for signing, filling, commenting, or highlighting, let alone multiple reading modes. This application reads PDFs plain and simple, cut and dry.
While there is a menu option to convert a PDF to a Word document, doing this requires another software download. On the other hand, if your needs are similarly simple, the free PDF reader might just be the solution for you.
As a result, Slim PDF is truly just a PDF reader. It does a good job at this, though, leaving out the toolbars that can distract you from what you’re reading. If you frequently need to print PDFs, Slim PDF is one of the fastest and most simple options available.
Read our full Slim PDF review
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Best free PDF reader for tools
A document reader that’s feature-rich and packed with tools
Specifications
Operating system: Windows, macOS
Reasons to buy
+
Touchscreen mode
+
Plenty of annotation tools
+
Simple ribbon-style menu
Reasons to avoid
—
No document signing or filling
—
Lacks advanced features found in Nitro Pro
The Nitro PDF Reader is another powerful free PDF reader in the vein of Foxit Reader and Adobe Acrobat DC. What makes this tool different is that it has a touchscreen mode that’s perfect if you’re working on a tablet. Touchscreen mode is especially nice for reading e-books, since you can flick the pages rather than scroll or click on a button.
While you can’t fill and sign PDFs with Nitro Reader — this is, after all, a pared back version of Nitro’s Pro PDF editor, with no OCR or the ability to insert, remove, and reorder pages) — it remains an excellent tool that will make everyday document-wrangling much easier.
The software does a nice job of enabling collaboration. You can annotate documents with underlining and strikethroughs in addition to highlighting. Comments are also supported, and they appear like sticky notes that are easy to spot as you read through a document. Helpfully, the software also allows you to convert between PDF and other document formats.
The software has a ribbon-style menu that will be familiar to Microsoft Office users. The menu is pretty easy to navigate since there aren’t all that many options available in Nitro Reader. Overall, we found the app to be a remarkably powerful free PDF reader that’s packed with handy features you’ll use time after time, all presented in a clear, adaptable interface.
Read our full Nitro PDF Reader review
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Best free PDF reader with built-in OCR
Perfect if you need a free PDF reader with OCR included
Specifications
Operating system: Windows
Reasons to buy
+
Optical character recognition
+
Text editing
+
Splits and extracts pages
Reasons to avoid
—
Free version watermarks documents
—
PC-only
Rather than just being a free PDF reader, PDF-XChange Editor is also a free PDF editing program for Windows. The interface is a little more complex than some others but gives you easy access to plenty of helpful features.
For most users, the main reason to use PDF-XChange Editor is the fact that it comes with inbuilt Optical Character Recognition (OCR). This means that if your original PDF document is a photocopy, PDF-XChange will still recognize the text and allow you to edit it. Also, PDF-XChange Editor lets you reformat text, and even convert it into fonts that aren’t already loaded on your computer. You can use this platform to merge or split individual PDF files.
It’s not the perfect free PDF reader, however. There is one big, unignorable disadvantage to using the app: it’ll stamp a ‘Created with PDF X-Change Editor’ watermark on any PDF file you export. That disappears once you sign up to the Pro version, but it’s still an issue that’s going to put some people off.
During our tests, we ultimately felt that while nothing stood out as incredible, there was also nothing that stood out as frustrating or annoying either. Under the right circumstances, it’s a great product that has the ability to be your one and only PDF editor without any compromise.
Read our full PDF-XChange Editor review
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Best free PDF reader for viewing only
If you only need to read PDF files, this one has you covered
Specifications
Operating system: Web, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
Reasons to buy
+
Cross-platform with apps for online, on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android
+
Customer support is responsive
+
Plenty of editing tools
+
No sign-up to read PDFs
Reasons to avoid
—
Full toolkit requires subscription
—
Advanced tools may prove steeper learning curve than most
pdfFiller serves up a very simple free PDF reader experience. If your needs are basic, it’s quick and easy to upload your document and read it via your browser, or through the Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS apps. Not only is the PDF viewing process free, you won’t even need to sign up to read files.
However, the platform is actually a full PDF editor, with plenty of additional features for document creation and editing like fillable forms, data redaction tools, online collaboration, digital signatures, and PDF converters. After a thorough review process, we ultimately felt that the platform is “a very versatile PDF document management system” for both personal and business use.
When it comes to a straight PDF viewer, pdfFiller’s free service feels hobbled by the inability to do anything beyond reading files. You can tweak documents, but they’ll remain locked on your dashboard and unavailable as a PDF file. To really get the most from the service — and, to be fair, it offers a fair amount — you’ll need to subscribe to one of three monthly/annual subscription plans. Enterprise licensing is available, too, for teams of ten or more.
Read our full pdfFiller review
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For more essential software, we tested the best Excel to PDF converters and the best PDF to Excel converters.
Best free PDF reader: FAQs
What is a PDF reader?
A PDF reader is a program used to open, view, and print PDF (Portable Document Format) files. First introduced in the 1990s, PDF files are an excellent way to distribute documents containing text, images, and various other media types.
Many modern browsers can read PDF files, but the best free PDF readers still have their place. These dedicated programs give users more ways to interact with the file and offer greater control over how the document appears on the screen.
PDF files were designed to appear and function the same on any piece of hardware, so you’ll find documents look the same on desktop, tablet, and phones.
Do I need a PDF editor or a PDF reader?
Deciding between a PDF editor and a PDF reader comes down to how you’ll use the software. PDF readers are primarily designed to view documents — although many include the best online collaboration tools like commenting, highlighting, and annotating content. Altering a PDF file is often limited to small edits and manipulation. A PDF editor lets you design and create documents from scratch and make large changes. They almost always include powerful tools for power-users, like built-in OCR software and digital signature tools.
Are free PDF readers safe?
If you keep your computer secure and download PDF software from the official source, you should be well-protected. But, as with many free tools, there are always risks. We’ve outlined five common reasons why free PDF editors may not be right for your organization — and the issues can be similar with free PDF readers. We’ve also looked at the main differences between paid-for vs free PDF editors.
Are the best free PDF readers worth it?
The best free PDF readers feature plenty of tools for viewing and sharing PDF files — however, they’re often slightly more limited compared to paid-for counterparts. In many cases, they offer a taste of how the software works, with upgrades and subscriptions that add more tools. If you’re only reading PDFs on your computer or mobile device, a browser will likely meet your needs. If you’re frequently in and out of documents, making minor edits, and sharing files, a full PDF reader will likely suit you best.
How to choose the best free PDF reader for you
When deciding which PDF reader is best to download and use, first consider which parts of your PDF file you need to change. If you’re just trying to add information to a form digitally, you’ll only need a basic editor that supports text insertion.
However, if you need to change the content of a PDF substantially, you’ll require a more powerful PDF software program that can make modifications to text or images already stored in the file. In some cases, especially if you want to change almost all the content of your file, it may be better to use a fully functioning PDF Editor or even the best PDF to Word converter instead.
How we tested the best free PDF readers
Our team of expert reviewers have gone hands-on with a massive range of PDF editing software and PDF viewers, including the best PDF readers for Windows and the best PDF readers for Mac. So, we know what to look out for — and what to avoid — when you need the best free PDF readers.
We test the best free PDF readers against the factors that users care about — from the interface and experience to performance and platform availability.
We also assess each tool against its use-case. Some want a lightweight reader, others need one packed with plenty of other PDF utilities for professional use — so we look at how well the free PDF readers deliver for their intended audience.
We also ensure that free means free — no hidden charges. Any subscriptions, lifetime licenses, and upgrade fees must be clearly signposted. While reviewing these programs and apps, we’ve highlighted any optional pricing structures.
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Steve is B2B Editor for Creative & Hardware at TechRadar Pro. He began in tech journalism reviewing photo editors and video editing software at Web User magazine, and covered technology news, features, and how-to guides. Today, he and his team of expert reviewers test out a range of creative software, hardware, and office furniture. Once upon a time, he wrote TV commercials and movie trailers. Relentless champion of the Oxford comma.
20 лучших программ для просмотра и редактирования PDF
В этой статье мы рассмотрели популярные приложения для работы с PDF: от онлайн-сервисов и бесплатных программ с открытым исходным кодом до профессионального платного софта. Среди них вы обязательно найдете оптимальный вариант под разные задачи.
Программы для Windows, MacOS и Linux
Онлайн-редакторы PDF
Сравнительная таблица
Для мобильных устройств
Программы для Windows, MacOS и Linux
Онлайн-редакторы PDF
Сравнительная таблица
Для мобильных устройств
Программы для Windows, MacOS и Linux
Бесплатный софт для просмотра и редактирования PDF имеют лишь базовые возможности. Они не могут полноценно править текст или изменять форматирование, но позволяют добавлять надписи и изображения, ставить подписи, разделять документы на части, конвертировать их в другой формат и т. п.
Для базового редактирования PDF-файлов подойдет сервис PDF24. Если нужно полноценно отредактировать исходную верстку, стоит попробовать Sejda PDF. В бесплатном варианте у нее есть определенные лимиты, но программа не накладывает водяной знак, в отличие от аналогов.
Платный софт предлагает более широкую функциональность: можно править и форматировать текст, работать с изображениями, менять верстку. Большинство таких программ имеют пробные версии с лимитом по времени использования, урезанными функциями или другими ограничениями вроде водяного знака.
Для полноценной работы с PDF без ограничений можно использовать Master PDF Editor или Wondershare PDFelement — их можно без проблем оплатить из России.
- Платформа: Windows, онлайн.
- Лицензия: бесплатно.
- Русский интерфейс: есть.
В первую очередь это онлайн-сервис, однако есть и полноценное приложение. Онлайн-инструменты и программа для редактирования полностью бесплатны. Нет лимитов по доступным возможностям, времени использования, размеру и количеству файлов.
PDF24 Creator представляет собой набор конкретных функций: создание PDF из изображений, перестановка и удаление отдельных страниц, сжатие, объединение или разделение, удаление пароля, конвертация и многое другое.
Из недостатков — ограниченные возможности по редактуре. Можно накладывать текстовые блоки и фигуры, делать произвольные пометки карандашом, но редактировать исходную верстку нельзя. Как вариант, можно распознать текст через OCR и сохранить файл в формате Word, а затем уже править его, но форматирование при этом может сбиться.
- Платформа: Windows, MacOS, Linux.
- Лицензия: бесплатно.
- Русский интерфейс: есть.
Foxit Reader — в первую очередь предназначен для просмотра (можно легко читать книги с экрана монитора или просматривать другой цифровой контент). Возможности по редактированию довольно скудные. С его помощью можно просматривать и печатать документы, делать пометки и оставлять комментарии, заполнять формы, накладывать штампы, ставить подписи, выделять слова и предложения, создавать закладки и т. п.
Foxit Reader не поможет, если нужно сжать или конвертировать файлы, добавить или вырезать отдельные листы, изменить текст. Возможности конвертации минимальные. Из достоинств стоит отметить наличие инструментов для совместной работы — возможности комментировать и поделиться файлом.
PDFsam Basic — мультиплатформенное приложение с базовыми функциями
- Платформа: Windows, MacOS, Linux.
- Лицензия: бесплатно.
- Русский интерфейс: есть.
Простая программа с открытым исходным кодом, которая напоминает PDF24, но заметно уступает в функциональности. Основные возможности ограничиваются объединением и разделением, извлечением и поворотом страниц.
Преимущества у программы все же есть, именно поэтому программа и попала в список. Во-первых, это поддержка не только Windows, но и других операционных систем. Во-вторых, наличие портативной сборки, которую можно носить на флешке и использовать без интернета (при запуске сработал SmartScreen, однако VirusTotal ничего не обнаружил).
Есть и более продвинутое решение от тех же разработчиков — PDFsam Enhanced. Однако она стоит от $69 до $129 в год в зависимости от функциональности, что довольно дорого, к тому же российские банковские карты платежная система не принимает.
Sejda PDF — возможность редактировать текст в бесплатной версии
- Платформа: Windows, MacOS, Linux, онлайн.
- Лицензия: условно-бесплатно, есть премиальный тариф.
- Русский интерфейс: нет.
Программа напоминает PDF24, где каждое типовое действие тоже вынесено в отдельную функцию (сжатие, объединение, конвертация в JPEG и другое). Однако Sejda PDF отличается более широкими возможностями редактирования. В частности, доступно не только добавление нового текста, но и правка исходного документа.
При этом ограничения бесплатной версии довольно гуманные. В основном они касаются количества доступных действий в день, размера файлов, количества страниц. Но главное, что программа не накладывает водяной знак на сохраненный документ.
К недостаткам стоит отнести не самые широкие возможности по редактуре. Если нужно поправить что-то не сильно сложное, то Sejda PDF отлично справится. Если же предстоит полноценная работа с документом: изменение изображений или сложное форматирование, то лучше присмотреться к полнофункциональным редакторам. Учитывайте также, что оплатить подписку российской картой нельзя.
- Платформа: Windows, MacOS, Linux.
- Лицензия: 2100 рублей.
- Русский интерфейс: есть.
Мощный софт для редактирования PDF от российских разработчиков. Интерфейс довольно нагруженный, но в целом удобный и в нем можно быстро разобраться. Все важные операции вынесены на отдельные кнопки, а панели инструментов гибко настраиваются под свои предпочтения.
В демо доступны все инструменты, но накладывается водяной знак, поэтому для полноценного использования придется купить лицензию. Стоимость для физических лиц составляет 2100 рублей. Так как компания российская, проблем с платежами не возникнет. На фоне остальных платных программ такая цена не кажется высокой.
Из достоинств можно отметить наличие подробного руководства на русском языке. Также разработчики предлагают техническую поддержку и обновления в течение года после покупки. Отличный вариант для тех, кто много и часто работает с документами.
- Платформа: Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android.
- Лицензия: $35,99 на три месяца, $79,99 на год или $99,99 бессрочно (без учета скидок).
- Русский интерфейс: есть.
Программное обеспечение от компании Wondershare (о другом их софте читайте также в статье «Топ-25 лучших редакторов для монтажа видео») имеет простой интерфейс, поэтому разобраться будет несложно. При этом все важные возможности на месте. Можно полноценно редактировать, добавлять и удалять изображения, создавать аннотации и даже убрать водяные знаки, которые оставил другой софт. Также доступен конвертер и другие полезные инструменты, позволяющие объединять PDF, извлекать страницы, распознавать текст, выводить на печать.
Перед покупкой можно скачать пробную версию, в которой множество ограничений, в том числе сохранение с водяными знаками. Недостатком также можно назвать сравнительно высокую цену, но проблем с оплатой нет. Пользователи из России могут использовать Qiwi.
- Платформа: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android.
- Лицензия: бесплатно.
- Русский интерфейс: есть.
Reader DC можно считать официальной программой для просмотра PDF, ведь именно компания Adobe изначально и разработала этот формат. Программа отлично справится с простыми задачами: просматривать, подписывать, заполнять, комментировать или печатать документы.
В целом это удобный и качественный инструмент (как и другие продукты компании), и его однозначно стоит попробовать. Приложение для ПК можно скачать с официального сайта, а мобильные версии из магазинов Google Play и App Store.
Для более сложного редактирования нужен Acrobat Pro DC, но купить лицензию на территории РФ проблематично. Обратите внимание, что при скачивании софта стоит снять галочки с установки дополнительного софта от McAfee. В остальном это одна из самых функциональных программ на рынке.
Из недостатков стоит отметить, что Reader DC — это скорее условно-бесплатная программа, которая навязчиво рекламирует платную версию. В интерфейсе ридера присутствуют премиум-функции, при клике на которые требуются переход на премиум тариф.
Прочие программы
LibreOffice — альтернатива Microsoft Office, свободно распространяемый офисный пакет, который можно использовать для открытия и распознавания PDF. Отлично подойдет для работы с документами без сложного форматирования и изображений. Кроме того, позволяет выводить файлы на печать, а также сохранять их в формате Word, Excel и PowerPoint.
Foxit PDF Editor — корпоративное решение с упором на безопасность, профессиональные функции и работу в группах. Мы не рекомендуем эту программу для домашнего использования. Уже на начальном этапе у неопытных пользователей могут возникнуть сложности, так как программа предлагает множество опций при инсталляции (кстати, установочный файл имеет размер более 800 мегабайт). Тем не менее у программы есть пробный период на 14 дней.
Infix — неплохой редактор PDF с простым и локализованным интерфейсом. Однако в демо-режиме накладывается водяной знак, а оплатить полную версию с российской карты нельзя.
PDF Commander с первого раза установить не получилось. Установочный файл не хотел открываться, так как система выдавала предупреждение о вредоносной программе, при этом проверка VirusTotal показала 6 срабатываний. Установка пошла только после отключения Microsoft Defender. Вероятно, антивирус реагировал на инструменты «Яндекса» (при установке не забудьте снять соответствующие галочки). В остальном это простой редактор с удобным интерфейсом, однако функциональность не дотягивает до Master PDF Editor. Стоимость без учета скидок составляет от 980 до 2940 рублей. Доступен пробный период на 5 дней.
PDF‐XChange Editor — мощный редактор с довольно сложным интерфейсом, который напоминает классические офисные пакеты. В бесплатной версии доступно 70% функций (по словам разработчиков), всеми остальными тоже можно пользоваться, но на страницу будет помещен водяной знак. К сожалению, недоступны именно те возможности, которых ждешь от редактора в первую очередь. Это правка текста, изменение изображений, перемещение страниц и т. п. Купить премиум-версию PDF‐XChange нельзя, так как продажи для пользователей из России и Беларуси приостановлены. Есть также бесплатный просмотрщик — PDF-XChange Viewer.
Soda PDF — популярный сервис для редактирования PDF, но на текущий момент, компания не работает с пользователями из России и Беларуси. Это касается как онлайн-сервиса, так и приложений.
PDFChef — редактор PDF-файлов от компании Movavi. К сожалению, она не представлена на российском сайте компании, а на международном ее невозможно оплатить. Пробный период дается на 7 дней. Тем не менее, без оплаты можно пользоваться простыми онлайн-инструментами.
PDF24 — подробнее об этой программе мы писали в начале статьи. Онлайн-инструменты для редактирования PDF-файлов ничем не уступают приложению. Если нужен онлайн-редактор, то в первую очередь стоит попробовать именно этот сервис.
iLovePDF — популярный онлайн-сервис для работы с PDF, также для загрузки доступны редакторы для Windows, MacOS, iOS и Android. На бесплатном тарифе в вебе доступно 26 инструментов, но есть ограничения на количество и размер файлов (подробнее их можно посмотреть тут). А вот десктопная программа, по сути, представляет из себя обычный ридер, так как практически все возможности заблокированы. При этом российские карты для оплаты подписки не подойдут.
PDF Candy выделяется большим количеством доступных инструментов — 47 в онлайн-версии. Если вы не нашли какую-то функцию в других сервисах, есть вероятность, что в PDF Candy она есть. Из недостатков можно отметить необходимость каждый раз ждать очереди на обработку. Возникает ощущение, что это сделано искусственно и не зависит от реальной загруженности сервиса на текущий момент. Кроме того, бесплатно можно выполнить только два действия в час. Это касается как онлайн-версии, так и приложения для компьютера. Однако в приложении обработка файлов начинается без задержек.
PDFescape — онлайн-версия доступна только на английском языке. В бесплатном варианте имеет урезанную функциональность, но в ней удобно аннотировать документы, а также добавлять текст, изображения ссылки и другие объекты. Десктопный PDFescape предлагает больше возможностей. Во-первых, есть русский язык. Во-вторых, можно полноценно редактировать документы. Требуется платный тариф, но банковские карты РФ не подходят. При регистрации можно активировать пробный период на 5 или 7 дней в зависимости от доступных функций.
Smallpdf — мультиплатформенное решение для работы с PDF-файлами. Поддерживает операционные системы Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, также есть расширение для браузера и веб-приложение. Из преимуществ — облачная синхронизация между устройствами. Интерфейс более удобный и продуманный, чем у PDF24, но в бесплатной версии есть ограничения (например, недоступно сильное сжатие). К недостаткам также можно отнести высокую стоимость — подписка обойдется в $108 за год. Карты РФ не принимаются, а пробную версию на 7 дней без платежных данных активировать нельзя.
LightPDF (ранее ApowerPDF) позволяет полноценно редактировать текст онлайн — на фоне конкурентов это серьезное достоинство. Из недостатков есть ограничения на размер файла (не более 5 мегабайт) и количество операций в день на бесплатном тарифе. Есть также десктопное приложение, но на фоне конкурентов оно выглядит не очень привлекательно. Если не оплатить подписку, то накладывается водяной знак, к тому же во время работы у нас возникли проблемы с кириллическими шрифтами, несмотря на то, что сама программа русифицирована.
Сравнительная таблица
| Название | Платформа | Лицензия | Русский интерфейс | Особенности |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PDF24 | Windows, онлайн | Бесплатно | Есть | Редактура и конвертация документов без водяных знаков |
| Foxit Reader | Windows, MacOS, Linux | Бесплатно | Есть | Для просмотра, подписи, комментирования и заполнения документов |
| PDFsam Basic | Windows, MacOS, Linux | Бесплатно | Есть | Базовые функции, есть портативная сборка |
| Sejda PDF | Windows, MacOS, Linux, онлайн | Условно-бесплатно, есть премиум-версия (оплата картой РФ не проходит) | Нет | Бесплатная версия без водяных знаков, полноценная редактура текста |
| Master PDF Editor | Windows, MacOS, Linux | Условно-бесплатно, есть пробная версия (2100 рублей) |
Есть | Полнофункциональная редактура |
| Wondershare PDFelement | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android | Условно-бесплатно, есть пробная версия (без учета скидок: $35,99 на три месяца, $79,99 на год или $99,99 бессрочно). | Есть | Полнофункциональная редактура |
| Adobe Acrobat Reader DC | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android | Бесплатно | Есть | Для просмотра, подписи, комментирования и заполнения документов |
| LibreOffice | Windows, MacOS, Linux | Бесплатно | Есть | Просмотр, распознавание, сохранение в PDF и форматы Word |
| Foxit PDF Editor | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, онлайн | Условно-бесплатно, есть пробный период (оплата картой РФ не проходит) | Есть | Для бизнеса |
| Infix | Windows, MacOS | Условно-бесплатно, есть пробная версия (оплата картой РФ не проходит) | Есть | В демо-режиме накладывается водяной знак |
| PDF Commander | Windows | Условно-бесплатно, есть пробный период (оплата картой РФ не проходит) | Есть | Для создания, конвертации и базовой редактуры документов |
| PDF‑XChange Editor | Windows | Условно-бесплатно, есть премиум-версия (оплата картой РФ не проходит) | Есть | Полнофункциональная редактура, есть портативная версия |
| Soda PDF | Недоступна для РФ | Недоступна для РФ | Недоступна для РФ | Недоступна для РФ |
| Movavi PDFChef | Windows, MacOS, онлайн | Условно-бесплатно, есть пробный период (оплата картой РФ не проходит) | Нет | Онлайн-инструменты сохраняют документ без водяного знака |
| iLovePDF | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, онлайн | Условно-бесплатно, есть премиум-версия (оплата картой РФ не проходит) | Есть | Онлайн, есть ограничения на количество и размер файлов |
| PDF Candy | Windows, онлайн | Условно-бесплатно, есть премиум-версия (оплата картой РФ не проходит) | Есть | Онлайн, бесплатно доступно два действия в час |
| PDFescape | Windows, онлайн | Условно-бесплатно, есть премиум-версия (оплата картой РФ не проходит) | Перевод есть только в десктопной версии | В онлайн-версии удобно аннотировать документы, а также добавлять текст, изображения ссылки и другие объекты |
| Smallpdf | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, онлайн | Условно-бесплатно, есть премиум-версия (оплата картой РФ не проходит) | Есть | В онлайн-версии есть ограничения по количеству файлов и доступных операций |
| LightPDF | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, онлайн | Условно-бесплатно, есть премиум-версия (оплата картой РФ не проходит) | Перевод есть только в десктопной версии | Полноценная редактура текста в бесплатной онлайн-версии |
Приложения для мобильных устройств
Adobe Fill & Sign — как понятно из названия, это бесплатное приложение предназначено в первую очередь для заполнения и подписи PDF-документов. Можно подготовить типовую форму с вашими данными (имя, адрес и т. п.), чтобы моментально заполнять соответствующие поля. Также можно создать подпись для подстановки в документы, чтобы каждый раз не расписываться заново.
Adobe Scan предназначено в первую очередь для сканирования. Основные функции доступны бесплатно, а премиум-тариф предлагает дополнительные возможности: экспорт в форматы Word, Excel, PowerPoint, объединение и сжатие, установка пароля, распознавание текста (OCR) и другое. Процесс сканирования происходит автоматически. Пользователю нужно лишь навести камеру на бумажный документ. Также доступен минимально необходимый набор инструментов для обработки получившихся фото или любых других картинок.
PDF Reader Pro — популярное мобильное приложение для просмотра и редактирования с высокими рейтингами и отличными отзывами в Google Play и App Store. Дизайн минималистичный, но при этом доступны все важные функции: сканирование, аннотирование, подпись, заполнение форм, конвертация, сжатие и даже полноценное редактирование документа. В Google Play программа бесплатная, в App Store придется заплатить $19.99 (также есть встроенные покупки). Из недостатков можно отметить не очень хороший перевод.
PDF Reader — простое бесплатное приложение, позволяющее открывать и просматривать PDF на мобильных устройствах. Как минимум его можно использовать для чтения, однако есть и дополнительные возможности. Можно объединять, разделять, аннотировать и подписывать документы.
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- Updated on September 11, 2024
Introduction:
PDF is a universal format accepted across business organizations. However, one must read the PDF well before sending it. Use free-to-use PDF readers for free download to view, read, and make basic edits to PDF files or books before sharing them. This SwifDoo PDF article includes some of the best PDF readers for Windows 11. They can easily read, view, annotate, highlight, summarize, and share PDFs.
1. SwifDoo PDF
SwifDoo PDF is a versatile PDF manager that offers varied tools to read, manage, and edit PDFs easily. The advanced program comes with a dedicated e-book reader to quickly view PDFs. It is the best PDF reader for Windows 11 that lets you view and edit PDFs for free. The professional tool also offers enhanced editing capabilities to highlight, underline, strikethrough, add notes, draw, and annotate PDFs. SwifDoo PDF is more straightforward and faster than many others. The efficient tool also has a read-aloud feature that reads the complete PDF to help you understand it better.
SwifDoo PDF is the best lightweight free PDF reader and editor for Windows 11 and older versions. It also supports an OCR functionality to read scanned PDFs easily.
SwifDoo PDF Outstanding Reading and Annotating Features
- Supports ChatGPT-powered AI tools to read and edit PDFs
- Offers free cloud storage to save and share PDFs
- Allows you to highlight and mark up PDF text easily
- It provides an advanced search to go through hundreds of pages swiftly
- Supports dark, light, and various other view modes to enjoy stress-free PDF reading
- Text-to-speech feature to reads PDFs aloud in natural-sounding voices
- It is the best Windows PDF reader that lets you rotate pages within PDFs
- It provides varied features to merge, split, or convert PDF
- It helps add a signature and password to PDFs.
Do you wish to enjoy a fantastic PDF reading experience? Download the best PDF reader for Windows 11 for free.
2. Adobe Acrobat Reader
Adobe Acrobat Reader is an efficient reader with flawless features for viewing, managing, annotating, and printing PDF files. It is the best PDF reader for Windows 11 and older Windows PCs, providing a fantastic way to sign and fill out PDF forms and add comments to PDFs. The professional reader collaborates with the cloud to easily share and access PDFs anywhere and everywhere.
Users may rely on Adobe PDF Reader for free download for Windows 11 to manage PDFs. However, the basic version of Adobe Acrobat Reader is slower at opening. It also blocks the majority of features behind the paywall, so users may need to switch to paid versions for better features.
3. Drawboard PDF
Are you looking for the best free PDF readers for Windows 11? Try Drawboard PDF to manage PDFs on Windows. This efficient PDF reader lets you view and read PDFs with utmost comfort. The professional reader also provides an enhanced tool to draw, annotate, and highlight text in a PDF.
Drawboard also lets you bookmark within the document to enable easy navigation. The reader provides efficient markup tools to manage PDFs efficiently. Moreover, it also allows you to add objects like shapes and notes. Users can rotate, organize, and delete pages with this efficient reader. This best PDF reader and viewer for Windows 11 has a pro version to ensure better reading and editing features for users.
4. Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge PDF Reader is an enhanced PDF viewer with a convenient option for viewing and annotating PDFs. Windows 11 has a built-in PDF reader, and Microsoft Edge PDF Reader helps use this built-in tool to view PDFs. It lets you search text within the PDFs to navigate easily. The efficient tool offers a zooming facility, page navigation, and dark mode to view PDF files.
Microsoft Edge PDF Reader is the best Windows 11 pdf reader. It also offers the capability to read text aloud. This PDF reader suffices for usage. It allows you to view, edit, and annotate PDFs. The reader also lets you easily convert PDFs to other formats.
5. Foxit PDF Reader
Foxit PDF Reader is an efficient PDF reader that lets you read, view, and annotate PDF files. It is the best PDF reader app for Windows 11, offering innovative text editing features. Users can easily add or modify text in PDFs using this efficient reader. The helpful tool also provides a great way to add signatures to each PDF and fill out interactive PDF forms.
The professional PDF reader lets you share and save PDF files via cloud collaboration. Users can view PDFs in dark or night mode to reduce reading stress. The trustworthy tool also offers a great way to encrypt PDFs by adding a password.
6. SumatraPDF
SumatraPDF is a lightweight PDF reader with a clean and simple interface for viewing PDFs. Its easy-to-use navigation tool allows users to zoom in and rotate PDFs for an immersive reading experience. This PDF book reader for Windows 11 also offers a great way to search and select text to navigate to essential parts in PDFs.
The efficient tool offers varied keyboard shortcuts. It is the best PDF reader for PCs in Windows 11 and includes accessible features to annotate and print documents. The user-friendly tool is perfect for reviewing and modifying PDFs. The professional tool also offers a great way to fill out forms.
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7. Firefox
Firefox has an inbuilt PDF viewer that helps users view PDF files inside the browser window. It negates the need to download and use additional software to view PDFs. The efficient PDF reader offers a page-up and page-down tool to navigate within the PDF easily. It is the best free PDF reader and editor for Windows 11 devices, and it provides different features for annotating and highlighting text in PDFs.
The Firefox inbuilt reader is efficient enough to work with easy keyboard shortcuts. Users can also fill out the form and add an image to the PDF using this reader.
8. LightPDF
LightPDF is an efficient PDF manager that allows easy PDF managing, editing, converting, merging, splitting, etc. The efficient software also allows summarizing PDFs for better understanding. This free download PDF reader enables users to add encryption to PDF by adding password protection and signature before sending a PDF file.
LightPDF is useful PDF reader software for Windows 11 laptops and desktop computers. It also offers an OCR feature to read from scanned documents easily. The efficient PDF reader offers an extremely amicable platform with versatile features.
Compare the 8 Best PDF Readers for Windows 11
There are hundreds of best PDF readers for Windows 11, each offering different capabilities and functionalities. One must wisely choose the best free and good-to-use PDF readers for your Windows 11 only after proper research. An individual’s requirements for a PDF reader may vary depending on their choice, needs, and preferences. Thus, we have included brief comparisons of the factors to consider while choosing a PDF reader for Windows 11.
Conclusion
The article includes the top PDF reader software program for Windows 11. Users may choose any of these PDF readers according to their preferences. However, it is always better to check and compare the features and functionalities of PDF readers before choosing one. Always select a PDF reader offering basic PDF editing features to simultaneously facilitate reading, editing, and sharing. Check out the brief comparison of these PDF readers before choosing a better PDF reader than Adobe.
Related FAQs
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Q： Does Windows 11 have a built-in PDF editor?
Windows 11 does not support a default built-in PDF editor to edit PDF files. However, users may rely on existing browsers, such as Microsoft Edge or Firefox, to view and edit PDFs. Users may also choose third-party software and online PDF readers and editors to easily read, edit, and annotate PDFs on Windows.
Charlotte has been in the software industry for 8+ years. She works for AWZWARE now as a passionate writer. She is good at providing simple guides to use various video, office and entertainment software. Charlotte also recommends many other useful tools to make your work and life easier. A food lover too.
In today’s digital landscape, where paper documents are quickly being replaced by digital workflows, having a reliable PDF reader for your Windows device has become essential.
Portable Document Format (PDF) files are consistently regarded as one of the most popular and versatile file formats for sharing and presenting documents seamlessly across different platforms. Your choice of PDF reader can significantly impact efficiency and productivity, making it crucial to find the ideal solution.
In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the significance of selecting the right PDF reader for your Windows system. Our goal is to provide a detailed overview of the best free PDF readers available, considering various factors such as features, pros and cons, as well as the distinction between free and paid options. As we explore the landscape of PDF readers, we’ll help you navigate through comprehensive options, such as Kdan Mobile’s PDF Reader, empowering you to make an informed decision that suits your individual needs and enhances your PDF experience on Windows.
Choosing a PDF Software for Windows: Factors to Consider
Source: Kdan Mobile
1. Features and Functionality
When selecting a PDF reader for your Windows system, it’s essential to consider the full range of features it offers to make sure it aligns with your specific needs. While basic features like viewing and printing are important, the true power of a PDF reader lies in its advanced functionalities. Some key factors include whether the reader supports advanced annotation and text editing features. The ability to fill out forms directly within the PDF reader can also streamline your interactions with various documents, making it convenient for both personal and professional use.
As you delve into your options, explore whether the PDF reader includes document editing capabilities, allowing you to seamlessly make changes to your content. The presence of extra features, such as premium templates, can add an extra layer of convenience, saving you time and effort in creating standardized documents.
Moreover, a modern PDF reader should extend beyond the boundaries of PDF files. Specifically, look out for compatibility with various file formats. This feature allows you to open and work with various document types, hassle-free. This all-in-one approach can streamline your digital experience, eliminating the need for multiple software applications.
In today’s security-conscious environment, protection of sensitive information is non-negotiable. Prioritize PDF readers that offer advanced encryption options, ensuring your confidential documents remain safe from unauthorized access. Features like password protection and digital signatures can provide an extra layer of security, making the PDF reader an indispensable tool for both personal and professional use.
By selecting a PDF reader tool that offers an array of functionalities, you’re empowering yourself to navigate the digital landscape with confidence and efficiency.
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2. Performance and User Experience
Beyond features, performance and user experience hold great importance in your decision-making process. As you embark on your quest for the perfect PDF reader for Windows, it’s crucial to evaluate how well the software handles the intricate dance of speed, smoothness, and efficiency.
Begin by assessing the speed and responsiveness of the PDF reader. This factor becomes particularly critical when dealing with larger, more complex PDF files (or tight deadlines!). A sluggish reader can hamper your productivity, causing delays and frustrations in your workflow. A reliable PDF reader should provide a seamless navigation experience, allowing you to swiftly traverse pages and sections, regardless of document size or intricacy.
User interface intuitiveness is another important aspect. A well-organized and user-friendly interface can significantly enhance your overall experience. Imagine a clean canvas where tools and options are readily accessible, enabling you to focus on your content rather than wrestling with the software such as backtesting software. An intuitive interface not only accelerates your learning curve but also promotes a sense of confidence and satisfaction.
In your exploration, consider how the PDF reader handles annotations, edits, and collaborative features. The process of adding notes, highlights, and comments should be intuitive and seamlessly integrated into your workflow. The ability to edit documents with ease is crucial for a versatile PDF reader. Additionally, if collaboration is a regular part of your document-related tasks, assess how well the software supports collaborative features, allowing multiple users to interact seamlessly within the same PDF.
Lastly, as you download and install a PDF reader, notice its download size. A more compact software package can expedite the installation process; it might also have a smaller footprint on your system’s resources. This can contribute to a cleaner viewing experience, minimizing disruptions and allowing your system to function optimally.
Ultimately, a PDF reader should feel like an accessible companion, an extension of your digital capabilities. Whether it’s your default PDF reader or a specialized tool, its performance and user experience are key to unlocking the full potential of your digital document interaction. By evaluating these factors, you’re setting the stage for a seamless, efficient, and enjoyable PDF journey.
3. Cost and Support
Cost and support take center stage in your decision to choose a PDF reader. Determining your budget upfront is a strategic step; you can opt for a free PDF reader or invest in a premium version that unlocks a host of advanced features and capabilities.
For those seeking a budget-friendly option, free PDF readers like Adobe Acrobat Reader DC can be a great starting point. These basic versions often offer bare-bones functionalities, making them suitable for users with basic use cases. However, if you’re an advanced user or require more sophisticated tools for tasks like editing, annotation, and form filling, investing in a premium PDF reader could be more beneficial. These advanced PDF readers offer a suite of features tailored to streamline complex workflows, making them particularly attractive to professionals and those who engage in frequent document editing and management.
Another crucial factor in your decision-making process is the level of developer support and regular updates that the software receives. Active developer support means that the software is up-to-date with bug fixes, patch management, security patches, and feature enhancements. This approach safeguardes your data by putting security and updates first. Regular updates also show a level of commitment to refining and enhancing the product, promising a constantly improving tool.
In your quest for the perfect PDF reader, don’t underestimate the value of others’ insights. User reviews and ratings can provide valuable glimpses into the performance, usability, and overall experience of a PDF reader. These firsthand accounts offer a practical understanding of the software’s strengths and weaknesses.
By focusing on these three main factors – budget, developer support, and user insights – you’re equipping yourself with the tools to make an informed decision. This decision, in turn, empowers you to select a PDF reader that aligns with your specific needs, enhancing your PDF viewing, editing, and collaboration experiences on your Windows system. Whether you’re an occasional user, an advanced professional, or somewhere in between, the right PDF reader can transform your digital document interactions into seamless and productive endeavors.
Recommended PDF Reader Apps for Windows
1. Kdan PDF Reader
For a seamless PDF experience on Windows, we recommend considering Kdan PDF Reader. With its clean interface and user-friendly design, it caters to both novice and advanced users. The free plan offers essential features such as viewing, basic annotation, and convenient cloud integration, making it an accessible option for everyday document tasks. However, for those seeking advanced capabilities, the Document 365 subscription option delivers powerful annotation tools, file conversion options, and expanded cloud storage services that allows you to edit PDF documents and keep everything in sync across multiple devices.
With its ability to create PDFs from scratch, add notes to documents, and edit in an editable doc format, Kdan PDF Reader aims to be your all-in-one PDF companion. Keep in mind that while the free version covers the basics, opting for the premium version unlocks a realm of advanced tools, making it a great investment for those requiring enhanced features and functionalities.
PDF Reader
- Empower your mobile workforce
- Edit, convert, and read PDF documents
- Available on iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows
2. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
Look no further than Adobe Acrobat Reader for a quality PDF experience. The free version allows effortless PDF viewing, storing, and sharing features, with seamless cloud integration. Yet, it’s the paid Adobe Acrobat Pro that truly shines. With advanced PDF editing, robust document security, e-signature support, and more, it truly is an all-in-one PDF tool.
Adobe Acrobat Reader stands as a trusted and widely used tool, continuously updated and ensuring a feature-rich environment that remains at the cutting-edge of PDF technology. It excels in supporting interactive elements like forms, enabling you to redefine PDF interactions.
While its strengths are undeniable, Adobe Acrobat Reader can be resource-intensive and occasionally triggers pop-ups encouraging paid subscriptions. Nevertheless, the intuitive interface and comprehensive tools make it a powerhouse for streamlined PDF tasks. Whether you’re considering the free version or exploring premium features, Adobe Acrobat Reader guarantees an easy-to-read, productive, and efficient PDF experience.
3. Foxit PDF Reader
Meet Foxit, a PDF powerhouse that seamlessly balances convenience and versatility. Its free versions offer a spectrum of capabilities – effortless PDF viewing, printing, and annotation – accompanied by the innovation of ConnectedPDF features, enhancing collaboration. For those seeking advanced prowess, Foxit’s paid PDF Editor Suite emerges as a game-changer. With its suite of advanced tools including editing, OCR, and redaction, it enables unparalleled precision and productivity in PDF management.
Foxit stands out for its swiftness and lightweight design, providing a seamless user experience. Its interface is your canvas, customizable to your preferences, and offering multiple document viewing options for optimum convenience. However, be aware that certain premium features are exclusively available in the paid version, while occasional ads may interrupt your workflow.
Overall, Foxit is a dynamic choice for harnessing PDF potential. Whether you’re navigating the free plan or embracing the premium capabilities, Foxit’s speed, customization, and advanced features guarantee a PDF experience that is efficient, streamlined, and tailored to your needs.
4. PDF-XChange Editor
PDF-XChange Editor presents a robust platform for your PDF endeavors, available in both free and paid versions. The free plan encompasses a plethora of functions, facilitating seamless PDF viewing, editing, and annotation, coupled with rudimentary OCR support for added utility. For those aspiring for enhanced capabilities, PDF-XChange Pro emerges as a noteworthy option. It introduces advanced editing features, OCR language packs, and an assortment of added functionalities to cater to diverse document needs.
One of PDF-XChange Editor’s distinct strengths is its agile performance – it operates swiftly, free from lags, even when handling complex documents. It shines in its capacity to add text boxes, headers, and other pertinent elements, showcasing its versatility for document customization.
The tool also provides a broad array of annotation tools, empowering users to craft detailed and informative markups, ultimately enhancing document collaboration and comprehension. However, there are areas for improvement. The interface retains an older design, which might not resonate with modern aesthetics. Navigating through certain features can be a challenge, impacting user experience.
5. Nitro PDF Reader
Nitro PDF Reader offers a versatile PDF solution. It only offers a paid option with a free trial. Nitro Pro elevates your capabilities with advanced editing, batch processing, and document signing, among others.
The tool boasts a user-friendly interface, streamlining PDF tasks for all users. Basic editing and form filling are well integrated, enhancing document interactions. A notable advantage is the free 14-day trial of Nitro Pro, allowing you to explore its advanced features before committing.
However, there’s a caveat. It is not regularly updated, which means that any existing bugs are not addressed quickly, and new features are not introduced often. Also, watch out for additional software being downloaded when Nitro is installed.
6. SumatraPDF
Sumatra PDF stands as a minimalist PDF solution, embraced for its clean interface and remarkable speed. It is an open-source PDF tool, making it a fan-favorite. The tool’s simplicity is a key strength, making it a swift and efficient option for basic PDF tasks.
The clean interface enhances user experience, providing a clutter-free environment that’s easy to navigate. Its minimalist approach ensures a focus on core functionalities, prioritizing speed and responsiveness. However, there are some notable downsides. Adjusting preferences can be a challenge due to limited customization options, potentially impacting tailored usage. Additionally, Sumatra PDF isn’t a full-blown editor, catering more towards straightforward viewing and interaction.
In conclusion, Sumatra PDF excels in its mission of being a free, rapid, streamlined PDF viewer. Its uncomplicated nature is perfect for those seeking quick access and viewing. Nevertheless, those in search of a comprehensive editing platform might need to explore alternatives that offer greater customization and advanced capabilities.
7. PDFsam Basic
PDFsam offers a straightforward solution for PDF manipulation, available in both free and open-source Basic version, and an Enhanced version. The Basic variant allows effortless page merging, splitting, rotation, and extraction, fulfilling essential document tasks. PDFSam Enhanced takes it a step further, introducing OCR, encryption, and page numbering for added utility.
PDFsam’s strength lies in its efficient page split and merge capabilities, simplifying document restructuring. It supports seamless rotation and page extraction, catering to diverse requirements. While it excels in its core functions, advanced features beyond splitting and merging are limited, impacting its versatility. Additionally, the user interface feels outdated, which might not resonate with modern design expectations.
8. PDFill PDF Tools
PDFill is a versatile PDF tool that allows seamless merging, splitting, and conversion of PDFs. Its free plan covers basic tasks like merging files and converting PNG to PDF files. Opting for the PDFill PDF Editor offers advanced features such as form filling, editing, and annotation. Its strength lies in its flexibility for both essential and intricate document tasks. However, its interface may appear outdated to some users. PDFill’s offerings cater to a range of needs, making it a valuable asset for users seeking reliable PDF manipulation options.
9. STDU Viewer
STDU Viewer is a versatile document viewer capable of handling various file formats, making it a handy tool for diverse content. It provides a free, multilanguage tool. With its tabbed interface, it facilitates multitasking by allowing you to open and switch between multiple documents seamlessly. Its lightweight design ensures fast loading times, enhancing efficiency.
While it excels in providing a user-friendly platform for viewing different formats, STDU Viewer lacks more advanced features, limiting its potential for comprehensive document manipulation. If you prioritize a lightweight viewer for multitasking and require compatibility with various file formats, STDU Viewer can be a beneficial addition to your document management toolkit.
10. Expert PDF
Expert PDF offers a seamless solution for document management, catering to both basic and advanced needs. Its free plan provides essential capabilities like viewing, text and image selection, and basic annotations, ensuring easy interaction with PDFs. For those seeking more, the paid Expert PDF Editor steps in, offering advanced editing, conversion, and form features, elevating your document manipulation experience.
The tool boasts a clean and straightforward interface that simplifies navigation. Its efficient text and image selection, coupled with basic annotation tools, enhance usability and comprehension. Expert PDF also has its cons: while it covers the essentials, more advanced features are lacking, which might deter those requiring intricate document modifications. Also, occasional ads can disrupt the user experience.
11. PDF24 Creator
PDF24 Creator is a powerful tool designed to streamline the conversion of diverse formats into PDFs, and seamless merging of documents. With a free, comprehensive package, it allows users to effortlessly transform files while combining multiple documents into a single PDF.
The tool’s versatility lies in its capability to convert various formats into PDFs, enabling users to unify their documents in a universal format. This free software is especially advantageous as there’s no paid version, ensuring accessibility for all users. However, it’s important to note some considerations. PDF24 Creator installs as a printer driver, which might not align with everyone’s preferences. Furthermore, during setup, it could prompt the installation of additional software.
12. SlimPDF Reader
SlimPDF caters to those seeking a straightforward and nimble PDF viewing experience. With a focus on simplicity, the free software provides lightweight and swift PDF viewing capabilities, ensuring effortless access to your documents. The tool’s strength lies in its commitment to being lightweight and fast, making it ideal for users who prioritize quick access to their PDF files. With no paid option, SlimPDF ensures universal accessibility to its features.
However, while it excels in its core function of viewing, it falls short in terms of advanced features. SlimPDF lacks the bells and whistles for annotation and editing that some users might require for more intricate document tasks.
In conclusion, SlimPDF offers a no-frills approach to PDF viewing, making it a suitable choice for users who seek swift access without the need for advanced features. While it may not fulfill advanced requirements, its efficiency and simplicity make it a valuable asset for basic document interaction.
13. PDFelement
PDFelement offers a versatile platform for PDF interactions, encompassing both a free and paid version. The free plan delivers essential editing, annotation, and form filling capabilities, making it an accessible choice for basic document tasks and viewing.
PDFelement Pro unlocks advanced possibilities, including advanced editing, batch processing, and an array of additional PDF features, catering to diverse document needs. A standout advantage of PDFelement is its provision of a free version, allowing users to access basic editing and annotation features without any initial cost. Its user-friendly interface further streamlines document management. However, the user interface design is somewhat difficult to navigate.
14. jPDFViewer
jPDFViewer offers a Java-based solution for PDF viewing that transcends platforms, making it a valuable asset for users across Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. With its free software offering, jPDFViewer provides dependable PDF viewing and printing capabilities, perfect for fundamental document tasks. A notable strength of jPDFViewer is its cross-platform compatibility, enabling users to seamlessly interact with PDFs regardless of their operating system. Being Java-based, it eliminates the need for platform-specific applications.
However, it’s important to recognize that while jPDFViewer excels in its basic PDF viewing function, it does not offer the comprehensive feature set of dedicated PDF readers. While lacking in advanced features, its reliability and platform independence make it an optimal choice for users seeking a stable and versatile basic PDF viewer across different operating systems.
Other PDF Viewer Options
In addition to dedicated PDF reader software, there are several online tools that offer PDF viewing and basic editing capabilities.
1. Google Drive: Google Drive allows you to view PDFs with ease, share PDF files, and collaborate with others. Limited annotation and editing features.
2. Smallpdf: Smallpdf is a popular online platform that offers various PDF tools, including PDF viewing, conversion, compression, and editing features. It allows you to view and make simple edits to PDFs without installing any software.
3. PDFescape: PDFescape is an online PDF editor that lets you view and make basic edits to PDF documents. It offers features like text and image editing, form filling, and annotation.
4. PDFCandy: PDFCandy is a suite of online PDF tools that offers viewing, conversion, and basic editing capabilities. It supports various file formats and is easy to use.
5. iLovePDF: iLovePDF is an online platform that provides a variety of PDF tools, including viewing, conversion, merging, and editing features.
Remember that while online PDF tools offer convenience and accessibility, they might have limitations compared to dedicated PDF programs on your computer. It’s essential to choose the option that best fits your specific needs and workflow when working with PDF documents.
Select the Right PDF Reader for Your Document Needs
In the evolving landscape of document workflows, the right PDF reader for your Windows system plays a pivotal role in maintaining efficiency and productivity. As paper documents yield to digital formats, the significance of selecting a reliable PDF reader cannot be overstated.
In this guide, we’ve emphasized the importance of your choice in shaping your PDF experience. The Portable Document Format (PDF) stands as a cornerstone of document sharing and presentation, requiring a compatible reader that aligns seamlessly with your workflow.
Summarizing the top 14 free PDF readers, each with its unique strengths, we’ve provided insights into the features that can elevate your interaction with PDF documents. Whether it’s Kdan PDF Reader’s accessibility and intuitive design, the power of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, or the nimbleness of SlimPDF Reader, our exploration ensures you’re equipped to make an informed decision.
We encourage you to explore and try out the options that best suit your individual needs. The right PDF reader can transform your digital document interactions into a seamless and productive endeavor. Among the numerous choices, we recommend Kdan PDF Reader for its user-friendly interface, essential features, and accessibility, making it a versatile companion for your PDF journey.
As you navigate the dynamic landscape of digital documents, remember that your choice of PDF reader can significantly impact your PDF experience. Invest the time to select a reader that aligns with your requirements, and embark on a journey of efficient and empowered PDF interactions.
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If you want to open a PDF document these days, the first solution that comes to mind is the web browsers, most of which now have an inbuilt PDF reader. This has reduced the need for a dedicated PDF reader or PDF viewer software. However, features like digital signature, form filling, annotation, etc. are still the cup of tea for an advanced PDF reader software.
For Windows 10/11, there are already tons of options if you want to download PDF viewer apps. But what are the ones you should go for? So, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best PDF readers for Windows PCs. The 2022 list includes the likes of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, SumatraPDF, Foxit Reader, etc. which are already a known name.
10 Best PDF Readers for Windows (2022)
Choosing the right PDF reader for Windows that suits your needs in the year 2022 isn’t a tough task, but you need to know about the available options. So, let’s tell you about different software for viewing and reading PDF documents and help you decide which one’s best for you:
1. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
If you’re looking for a powerful program to read PDF files, I’d like to recommend Adobe Acrobat Reader. It’s not uncommon to come across a PDF file that demands an advanced PDF reader. Here, I’m talking about the fillable forms that you can’t take care of using a basic PDF reader software for Windows.
Adobe Reader for Windows provides different reading modes, text highlighting, adding notes, filling forms, digital signatures, add stamps, etc. Adobe’s free PDF reader for Windows also supports a tabbed view, which means that you can open multiple PDF files simultaneously.
So, if your needs aren’t simple, you don’t want to just “read” PDF files, and you need advanced features, downloading Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is the right choice. It’s also the best PDF reader for large files that some lightweight programs are unable to process fully.
| Pros | Cons |
| + Can convert and edit PDF files + Offers advanced editing and signing tools + Offers multi-platform support |
– Pro version with extra functionality is paid – Minor app glitches |
Supported Platforms: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, XP
2. UPDF
If you want to immerse in a seamless PDF reading experience, UPDF is the tool to choose. It is an advanced AI-powered PDF reader for Windows that lets you open and read PDFs comfortably with different reading features.
With UPDF, you get an AI assistant for reading that can:
- Summarize the entire PDF, selected pages, or specific sections.
- Translate the PDF to any language.
- Get an explanation of complex phrases.
- Convert PDF to mind map for visual-based understanding.
- Engage in human-like conversation with the PDF.
Other than AI assistance, UPDF offers many other features to improve the reading experience. You can annotate PDF (highlight, mark, underline, draw, etc.), use various display modes, customize page scrolling, add bookmarks, view in slideshow mode, merge PDFs, and much more.
UPDF also allows you to organize PDFs, as you can add, delete, split, extract, replace, or rearrange PDF pages. Moreover, you get dedicated secure cloud storage to save and share PDFs easily.
In short, UPDF shines as a full-fledged PDF reader for Windows that offers a modernized and advanced reading experience.
| Pros | Cons |
| + Offers AI-powered reading assistance (summarize/translate/explain/mind map) + Annotates PDF + Multiple display modes + Slideshow mode + Edit/organize PDF |
+ Pro version with extra functionality is paid |
Support Platforms: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7
3. SumatraPDF
SumatraPDF is an open-source and lightweight PDF reader software that you can install and use on your Windows computer. Licensed under GPLv3 license, SumatraPDF supports formats other than PDF as well, including the likes of EPUB, MOBI, FB2, CHM, XPS, and DjVu.
As I mentioned above, this free and best PDF reader is very light, and its 64-bit installer is just about 5MB in size. So, if you’re looking for a good PDF reader software that can deliver a fantastic reading experience with fast performance and essential features, SumatraPDF is the right PDF reader for you. But, it lacks advanced features like annotations, document signing, and form-filling.
It supports various keyboard shortcuts to help you navigate quickly and improve your reading experience. Sumatra also comes with easy previewing of LaTeX documents, and you can configure different text editors to integrate Sumatra. The free PDF viewer also supports running in restricted mode.
| Pros | Cons |
| + Offers support for various file formats including ePub + It’s a lightweight app |
– No editing tools – No support for any advanced features |
Supported platforms: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, XP
4. Foxit reader
If you’re looking for a robust and free PDF reader for Windows 10/11 or older versions of Microsoft Windows, your search might end with Foxit Reader.
Just like Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, Foxit is a popular name in the world of document readers. However, compared to Adobe’s PDF reading solution, Foxit is comparatively lighter.
A while ago, Foxit also introduced its new online ConnectedPDF Document Management System. Its Text Viewer mode removes complex formatting and displays a plain Notepad-like view of the file.
The collaboration features further improve your PDF experience by letting you work online and share it with others. It’s an advanced software for reading PDF files, and it comes will all the necessary features.
| Pros | Cons |
| + Offers cloud sharing tools + Offers collaborative feature to work with others + Contains advanced editing features |
– Minor app glitches on older Windows versions – Consumes a lot of system resources |
Supported platforms: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, XP
5. Expert PDF Reader
Another free to use the software you can find is the Expert PDF Reader which is developed by Visagesoft. In terms of look and feel, it will give you the feels of old MS Office apps. But the fact that it’s great at doing its job makes Expert PDF Reader an option worth considering.
Speaking of features, this Windows PDF reader can handle almost any document you throw at it. Also, you can modify annotations, add rubber stamps, etc. in existing files even if they’re created using other software.
Furthermore, you can bookmark files, view page thumbnails, and use the tabs feature open to multiple PDF files at the same time with this free PDF viewer.
| Pros | Cons |
| + Supports various file formats + Handles large files efficiently |
– Lacks advanced tools and features – Not convenient for advanced users |
Supported Platforms: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7
6. Nitro Free PDF Reader
Nitro Reader is another famous name in the world of office and productivity software. I personally like this free PDF document reader as it tries to strike the perfect balance between usability and features. It doesn’t come loaded with tons of unnecessary features that one never uses. Its slick interface looks like just any other application from Microsoft’s Office suite.
Apart from all the basic features, Nitro Reader also comes with a handy QuickSign feature that makes digitally signing documents a simple task. You can also secure your documents and make sure that they are opened by the people who’ve received a digital certificate from you. So, go for Nitro Reader if you wish to use a no-nonsense PDF reader for Windows that also has a beautiful UI.
| Pros | Cons |
| + Easy to use interface + Offers various advanced features + Some features are unique to this app |
– Forces users to use a free trial of the pro version – Disables various features in the free version |
Supported Platforms: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, XP
7. Google Drive
Just like your web browser, Google Drive is another way of opening a PDF file without any external tools. However, what it offers is an online PDF reader instead of other full-blown Windows apps on this list.
It offers basic features such as PDF printing, download, and lets you find content in the document. You can simply choose the option to open a PDF via Google Docs and convert that PDF into an editable doc format.
Apart from opening a PDF in its bare minimum format, you can connect external Chrome apps to this PDF reader and extend its functionality. Overall, it can turn to be a great alternative to traditional PDF viewers if you mostly store documents in your Google Drive.
| Pros | Cons |
| + Convenient usage via browsers or other devices + Can access PDF files from any device |
– Lacks advanced editing features – Only has an online version |
Supported Platforms: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, XP
8. Web Browsers – Chrome, Firefox, Edge
If your primarly goal is viewing PDF files and you don’t need features that come with advanced PDF reader software for Windows, you don’t need dedicated software. Your web browsers, like Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Opera, come with a free PDF reader built-in.
They are a part of your web browser and updated regularly with new features alongside your browser. As you click on a PDF link, the web browser starts opening the PDF file on its own and provides you a clutter-free reading experience. All browsers allow you to use features like adjustable text size, rotation, download, and printing.
Just in case you want to open locally stored PDF files using your web browser, you need to simply drag it to an open browser window. You can also right-click on the file to choose your browser using the “Choose Another App” option. If you don’t open or view PDF files regularly, your web browser is the best PDF viewer you can get.
| Pros | Cons |
| + Efficient PDF handling + Convenient for most users |
– Lacks editing features – Unsuitable for advanced users |
Supported platforms: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7
9. Slim PDF
Just like SumatraPDF, Slim PDF is another lightweight to consider if you’re searching for the best PDF reader for Windows 10/11 OS. Slim PDF calls itself the world’s smallest desktop PDF reader.
It’s an easy to use PDF reader for PC users and has recently been updated with a redesigned UI and support for the dark mode the many would fancy. Just as one would expect, this free PDF software is simply focused on reading, viewing, and printing your PDF files.
Slim PDF loads very quickly and lets you complete your job in less time. Please note that this Windows PDF reader doesn’t support many popular keyboard shortcuts, so don’t get disappointed. Also, it doesn’t let you highlight your text word by word. Anyway, it’s a portable PDF reader software that just works.
| Pros | Cons |
| + It’s a lightweight application + Easy to use interface |
– Lacks advanced features – Less efficient file handling |
Supported Platforms: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, XP
10. Javelin PDF Reader
The second-last entry on our top PDF readers list for 2022 is Javelin PDF Reader. It comes with all the basic PDF reading functionality that one needs to complete daily chores. The overall interface is super clean, and you can choose from most of the common reading modes like full screen, continuous, side by side, etc.
With just 2MB download size, Javelin is pretty lightweight when compared to the likes of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC and Foxit Reader. This free PDF viewer for PC can open DRM-protected files with any issues and provides markup and annotation.
| Pros | Cons |
| + It’s a lightweight application + Convenient for users who only want to view PDFs |
– Lacks editing features – Unsuitable for advanced users |
Supported Platforms: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, XP
11. PDF-XChange Editor
PDF-XChange Editor is a free PDF reader for Windows 10/11 that has been completely revamped and simplified. It delivers quick loading times and provides a lightweight experience for reading, printing, annotating, saving images and text, etc. from a PDF file.
Prior to this, the software was called PDF-XChange Viewer, and it didn’t have the basic editing functions available for free. You also get features like OCR and digital signature as well. However, the UI might seem a little cluttered with too many options, maybe, a redesign would give some room to breathe.
As claimed by the developers, the free version of PDF-XChange Editor provides more than 60% of the features that ship with the paid version.
| Pros | Cons |
| + Easy to use interface + Offers basic features + Can create PDF files from existing files |
– Editing features require paid version – More expensive than the competition |
Supported Platforms: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, XP
Btw, What is PDF? Who created it?
PDF stands for Portable Document Format and it was developed by Adobe – the makers of Acrobat Reader – in the 1990s.
One of the biggest advantages of PDF is it retains the document attributes and formatting as intended by the creator. For example, you might have seen how an MS Word file looks different when opened in some other word processor app.
Also, PDF makes documents tamper-proof which means unauthorized people can’t make any changes to the original document. It’s a much-needed feature in the case of confidential information and in times when we are dealing with tons of fake news.
So, which one is the best PDF reader for Windows 10/11?
So, we have listed down the best PDF reader software for Windows 10/11 and older versions that you can try out in 2022. Depending on your usage and needs, your choices might defer. For example, you might need an open source PDF reader or a free one, or a paid one with more features.
In my opinion, you have got full-fledged PDF readers like Acrobat DC, Foxit, and Nitro. The Windows PDF readers pack all the features that you would need for everyday usage. But if you don’t want the hassle of installation, you can either go with your web browser or the online PDF reader in Google Drive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the default PDF reader on Windows 10?
Windows 10 doesn’t come preloaded with a dedicated PDF reader app. However, it’s default Edge browser lets you open PDF files easily when required.
How can I edit PDF file on my PC?
Most PDF viewer apps and your web browser don’t come with the capability to modify the file. You can find various free PDF editor apps that allow you to changes the content of a PDF file.
Is PDF better than a word file?
There is no straight answer to this question. But given the fact that PDF documents are not editable in most cases gives it an edge when the document includes an important piece of information.