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10 Best Free PDF Editor for Windows 1. PDFelement PDFelement is an outstanding Windows 10 PDF editor which tops the list. It is a worthy alternative to Adobe Acrobat, which has been widely regarded as the industry standard when it comes to PDF editing. Skim is a powerful PDF reader for Mac which allows the users view PDF documents and edit then in a user-friendly manner. The application can also be customized according to users’ requirements. Main features of this PDF reader for Mac are. Skim is a popular, open-source and free PDF reader that doubles up as a research tool with it set of features. It’s pretty much the same as Preview on Mac, but it works well for those quick annotations, comments, and highlights.
The 15 Best Free PDF Readers of 2018. Written by Clifford Chi @BigRedDawg16. The 5 Best Free PDF Readers for Mac 1. PDF Reader Premium. Picture Credit: App Advice. With over 50 million downloads, PDF Reader Premium is one of the most popular PDF readers for Apple Devices. It has powerful functionality that lets you view your PDF in multiple.
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, the newsletters from school — they're probably all in PDF format.
More and more operating systems, smartphones, and other devices contain built-in abilities to show PDF files. Even so, a dedicated PDF reader often has a number of advantages over the built-in PDF reader you may already have, like viewing options, better search, and a lot more.
Need to edit or change a PDF file, and not just open it for reading? An easy way to do that is to convert it to Word format. If you want to make PDFs use a PDF creation app.
of 10
SumatraPDF
What We Like
- Open source and lightweight.
- Available in 69 languages.
What We Don't Like
- No ability to edit or annotate PDFs.
- No anti-aliasing, so some fonts look wonky.
SumatraPDF is an easy to use free PDF reader for Windows. While it is easy and simple to work with, it's also open for heavy customization if you so choose.
Different types of viewing modes are available, like Single Page, Facing, Book View, and Presentation. The latter view is great for distraction-free reading.
There are tons of keyboard shortcuts you can use that make it easier to move around a PDF file, which you can refer to in the SumatraPDF Manual.
You can download SumatraPDF in portable form (uses only 6 MB) or install it like a regular program.
PDFlite is another free PDF reader that's based on SumatraPDF. It looks extremely similar and works the same.
of 10
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
What We Like
- Handy drag-and-drop feature makes it easy to combine PDFs.
- Excellent integration with the Adobe Cloud system.
What We Don't Like
- Accessibility checker identifies problems, but it doesn't tell you how to fix them.
- The free version is very limited in its features.
Adobe Systems, the creator of the PDF file format, has a free PDF reader called Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.
Tons of feature are included in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. You can take snapshots of text and images, view a PDF in Read Mode for a more concise reading pane, and have Adobe Acrobat Reader DC read text out loud.
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC works with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. The Adobe Acrobat Reader mobile app is also available for Android, Windows Phone, and iOS.
A download manager is used download Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. So while the download manager is really small in size, the actual download for the PDF reader is much larger (possibly around 50 MB).
On the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC download page, you may be asked to install McAfee Security Scan Plus and/or another program alongside Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. You must manually deselect the offer if you don't want it installed as well.
of 10
MuPDF
What We Like
- Supports XPS and CBZ files as well.
- Easy to use.
What We Don't Like
- Interface is a little too bare bones.
- Zoom feature is less than perfect.
MuPDF is a super-lightweight free PDF reader for Windows and Android.
When you launch MuPDF, you are immediately prompted to choose a PDF file before you even see the program interface. Once you have, there are literally no options to be seen but instead the full program window is dedicated to showing the PDF.
Click the top left program icon on MuPDF's title window, then select About MuPDF to see all the supported shortcut keys you can use to flip through pages, zoom in, and search for text.
When you extract the files from the download, open 'mupdf.exe' to run the program.
of 10
Expert PDF Reader
Best Free Pdf Reader
What We Like
- Faster than other free options.
- Intuitive interface.
What We Don't Like
- Editing features are rather limited.
- Tries to install other software during set up.
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 advanced options like signing and adding text to a PDF.
Visit CNET.com if the official download links aren't working for you.
of 10
Nuance PDF Reader
What We Like
- Adding videos and images to documents is a breeze.
- Dictation features makes this app ideal for the visually impaired.
What We Don't Like
- 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.
A really valuable search function is included in Nuance PDF Reader. The words you search for show up with a bit of context for easier understanding as to where the search terms are at in the text.
You can also highlight text in Nuance PDF Reader, which is great if you're using a PDF for study notes or a reference document.
of 10
PDF-XChange Editor
What We Like
- Premium version is reasonably priced for what you get.
- Adding and placing text is exceptionally easy.
What We Don't Like
- PDFs created with the free version often include a big ugly watermark.
- Doesn't automatically detect fields when creating forms.
PDF-XChange Editor is another completely free PDF reader for Windows XP and newer.
The program interface can be a bit nauseating to look at because there are buttons, toolbars, and side panels all over the place. You can easily disable most of these, though, for a much cleaner viewing experience.
In addition to opening a PDF from your own local computer, you can also enter a URL of a PDF file for PDF-XChange Editor to open (the PDF will still be downloaded, but the program does it for you).
PDF-XChange Editor also lets you add notes, record and attach audio, highlight text, attach files, and add a strikethrough to words.
Lots of features are only available in the professional version of PDF-XChange Editor, but they're clearly marked as such and aren't difficult to spot.
of 10
Evince
What We Like
- Also ideal for reading comic books and power point presentations.
- Excellent integration with the GNOME desktop environment.
What We Don't Like
- Scrolling isn't always smooth.
- The window size cannot be adjusted, and there is no full screen mode.
Evince is another free PDF reader for Windows and Linux operating systems.
The interface isn't cluttered and you can customize the toolbar with any of the included tools, like a search function and different view modes.
Evince also supports auto scroll. This is an awesome feature that lets you adjust your mouse position on the screen so as to scroll through a PDF automatically. You can fine-tune the speed for different reading paces.
![Best Free Pdf Reader For Mac 2018 Best Free Pdf Reader For Mac 2018](https://www.pcwindowsguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/PDF-Reader-for-Android-2018-for-PC4.png)
of 10
Sorax Reader
What We Like
- Fast and lightweight.
- Doesn't even require installation.
What We Don't Like
- Limited zooming options.
- Doesn't come with help files.
Sorax is available for Windows as a free PDF reader.
You'll find all the basic features of a PDF reader, like the ability to search through text, copy text out of a PDF, zoom, and change the viewing mode.
Sorax also allows you to send the currently opened PDF to someone over email with the Email toolbar button.
A portable version of Sorax is available from the download page that's just around 8 MB and is available for both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows.
of 10
Foxit Reader
Javelin PDF Reader
What We Like
- Mobile version lets you access and manage metadata.
- Advanced encryption options.
What We Don't Like
- Occasional clunky performance.
- The installation process is unnecessarily complicated.
Javelin PDF Reader is just that: a free PDF reader. No extra features like editing or converting litters the program interface.
Everything is super clean and easy to read and understand. The search feature isn't the best to be had, but it works well as is.
Javelin PDF Reader can launch a PDF in full screen to make reading easier, and you can just click the screen to move down the PDF pages.
The download size of Javelin PDF Reader is only 2 MB for Windows. It can also be downloaded for Macs and mobile devices like Androids and iPads.
of 10
Cool PDF Reader
What We Like
- You can use it to convert PDFs to other formats including TXT, JPG, GIF, and PNG.
- Command icons tell you what they do when the mouse hovers over them.
What We Don't Like
- Very limited features compared to the alternatives.
- The help file isn't very helpful.
At under 4 MB for the portable version, Cool PDF Reader is a free PDF reader for Windows that's light on system resources.
While Cool PDF Reader may not require much disk space, it's not the best PDF reader available. There isn't a search function and scrolling isn't the smoothest.
However, it still works as a free PDF reader if you don't like the others on this list.
You can install Cool PDF Reader to your computer or use the Standalone Package to use it without installing anything.
The best PDF readers are free without advertising. Long story short: Adobe Reader isn’t the only document reader. There are many different and superior options out there.
The alternative PDF readers presented here run the gamut from minimal, lightweight applications built for nothing more than viewing PDFs to more full-featured applications that include annotations and highlighting. Some applications even include features you won’t find in Adobe Acrobat Reader, such as basic PDF-editing tools.
1. Sumatra PDF
Highlight:Most lightweight PDF reader, also available as a portable app.
Sumatra PDF is the best alternative to using your browser as a PDF reader because it’s easy on system resources. It’s also open source. If you want something even more minimalistic than that, you could download its portable app instead of the desktop version.
Sumatra PDF doesn’t have any editing options or other advanced features – it’s just a window that loads extremely fast and displays PDFs. It does, however, support tabs and it’s packed with keyboard shortcuts, making it even more ideal for rapidly reading PDFs. Furthermore, Sumatra supports other types of files, including ebooks in ePub and Mobi format and comic books in CBZ and CBR formats. Want support for more ebook formats? Try one of these dedicated ebook readers for your PC.
Download:Sumatra PDF
2. PDF-XChange Editor
Highlight: Packed with features, yet fast.
PDF-XChange Editor offers a bouquet of features, making it great for editing and annotations. And PDF-XChange Editor is free. You can buy a license to unlock pro features, but you can also use those features in exchange for a watermark.
If you find the cluttered look of the toolbar distracting, go ahead and edit it to your liking. Right-click anywhere onto the toolbar to launch a menu for quick changes. Click Customize Toolbars at the bottom to enter a static menu where you can take your time to manage those same options.
While PDF-XChange Editor and Foxit Reader have a similar feature set, I noticed that PDF-XChange Editor required twice the memory to run the same document. Keep this in mind if resource efficiency is a priority.
Download:PDF-XChange Editor
3. Nitro PDF Reader
Highlight: Blends into Microsoft Office applications and offers extensive features.
Nitro’s interface looks like it was lifted straight from Microsoft Office. And like the market leading office suite, this PDF reader is rich in features.
Unlike many other free PDF readers, with Nitro you can fill in forms and sign your documents using your digital ID. You can also add notes, extract images, or convert a PDF to a plain text document.
While the resemblance to Microsoft’s ribbon interface is somewhat charming, it may not be your cup of tea.
Download:Nitro Reader 5
4. Foxit Reader
Highlight: The most feature-complete free PDF reader.
Foxit Reader was one of the first mainstream Adobe Reader alternatives. It remains a great option because—among the free PDF readers—it offers the most features, with no strings attached.
You’ll notice that an extensive number of editing tabs dominates the interface. They cover a range of advanced options, including text markup, a typewriter option, form handling, digital signatures, managing reviews and tracking changes, and connected PDFs.
One of Foxit Reader’s best features is that you can add your own shortcuts to the Quick Action Toolbar in the top left. Right-click anywhere in the toolbar to access all customization options.
Foxit Reader managed to pack all those features into a cleaner interface than PDF-XChange Editor. But the feature richness comes at a cost: your system resources. You can, however, download a portable version of Foxit Reader.
Download:Foxit Reader
5. STDU Viewer
Highlight: One viewer to replace them all, great for navigating multiple documents.
This document viewer wants to be the only application you use for all your technical documentations, books, and other readings. STDU Viewer supports TXT, Comic Book Archive, PDF, DjVu, MOBI, EPub, several image files, and many more document formats.
STDU Viewer’s strong suit is managing multiple different documents at once. Not only can you open documents in tabs and expand a navigation panel, but you can also create and navigate bookmarks and highlights, view thumbnails of your open documents, and split windows to compare different pages within the same document. Another neat feature is that you can invert colors, such as from black on white to white on black, which can reduce eyestrain.
While STDU Viewer doesn’t have all the features of Nitro and Foxit Reader, it is a great alternative for those who have to read or refer to a lot of digital documents.
Download:STDU Viewer
6. Adobe Reader
Highlight: Simple interface and minimal features.
Adobe’s PDF reader remains the de-facto standard. At 105 MB, sans optional offers, it’s definitely the heavyweight champion among the readers featured here.
On the bright side, Adobe Reader maintains a pleasing interface and isn’t overloaded with features. You can comment, fill & sign, and convert to PDF or other formats (export). If you ever run into issues opening a PDF file or filling a form using an alternative PDF tool, you won’t suffer too much when you have to fall back onto Adobe Reader.
While you will find options to edit and combine PDF files listed under Tools, these are actually pro features that will set you back at least USD 15 per month.
Download:Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
Bonus: Read PDFs With Your Web Browser
Whether you’re using Google Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge, your browser already has a built-in PDF readerEdge vs. Chrome vs. Adobe Reader: Which PDF Viewer Is Best?Edge vs. Chrome vs. Adobe Reader: Which PDF Viewer Is Best?Can Edge now rival both Chrome and Adobe Reader when it comes to PDF documents? Here's a direct comparison of the three.Read More. It won’t have all the features, but using your browser as a PDF reader is a quick way to read PDF documents and it will save you lots of system resources.
The small footprint and easy access come at a cost. In-browser PDF readers aren’t always compatible with all types of PDF. Furthermore, browser-based PDF readers lack advanced features, like form filling, document signing, or annotation. It’s a compromise, but for the average user, it’s a small one.
Microsoft Edge
In Windows 10, Microsoft Edge is both the default browser and the default PDF reader.
PDF files open in an Edge browser tab. The only thing that distinguishes them from a regular web page is the PDF toolbar at the top. You can search the document, adjust the zoom level, print, and save the file.
You can also share the document or add it to your Favorites or Reading List. Unfortunately, Edge’s unique Web Notes feature is not available in PDFs.
Note: Microsoft Edge suffered from a PDF exploit back in 2016. This vulnerability has since been patched, but issues such as this are the reason why you should always install security updates.
To change your default PDF reader in Windows 10, go to Start > Settings. Within the Settings app head to Apps > Default apps, click on Choose default apps by file type and change the app association of the PDF file extension with an application of your choice. This can be another browser or a third party PDF reader.
Google Chrome
Chrome’s PDF interface is similar to Microsoft Edge’s. You’ll find the controls for the zoom level in the bottom right. In addition to everything Edge does, you can rotate the document, which is essential on a Windows 2-in-1 or tablet.
If Chrome is your default browser, but you’d rather not have it open PDFs for you, you can disable its built-in PDF reader. Open chrome://settings/content, scroll to the bottom of the content settings windows, and under PDF Documents check Open PDF files in the default PDF viewer application. Make sure you have selected a default Windows PDF viewer.
Mozilla Firefox
Among the in-browser PDF readers, Firefox offers the most comprehensive package. In addition to standard features offered in Chrome and Edge, you can expand a sidebar, rotate in both directions, and toggle the hand tool.
To disable the Firefox PDF viewer, go to Menu > Options > Applications. Next to the Content Type Portable Document Format (PDF), select your preferred Action.
While in-browser PDF readers and system default apps are great, sometimes you need more than that. Hence, the market for dedicated PDF readers remains highly competitive. Here are some more alternatives with advanced features.
The Best PDF Readers Do It All
These six apps are the best PDF readers around. But not all needs are the same. Even so, hopefully, one of these PDF document viewers is perfect for you.
In case you need to edit PDFs5 Free Tools to Edit PDF Files5 Free Tools to Edit PDF FilesPDFs are universally useful. However, they fall short when it comes to editing. We're here to show you the best free tools to edit your PDF files.Read More or convert your PowerPoint presentation to PDFHow to Convert a PDF to PowerPoint PresentationHow to Convert a PDF to PowerPoint PresentationWant to converting a PDF to a PowerPoint presentation? It's difficult at the best of times, but these file converters try to do a good job of it.Read More, we’ve got you covered there too! Also try these free online PDF editors and PDF annotation tools5 Free PDF Editor Websites to Create, Fill, Annotate or Alter PDF Files5 Free PDF Editor Websites to Create, Fill, Annotate or Alter PDF FilesThese web apps will help you get everything done with a PDF, without ever installing any software.Read More.
Explore more about: Adobe Reader, eReader, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, PDF, PDF Editor.
- For me PDF-XChange Editor is the perfect PDF editor and document manager. It brings all the essential tools -and even more than that.
- Microsoft Edge browser FTW, for excellent smooth scroll. I wish other reader had smooth scroll feature.
- 'Microsoft Edge browser FTW', do you even *know* what you're saying, LMAO
- Foxit Reader enables a PDF file preview in File Explorer preview pane - I don't know if any of the others do
- PDF-XChange Editor is painless to use even for beginners and very reliable. . I really enjoy theextensive features that making a professional PDF easy. And - 80% of features are free. And - Portable version! I can keep PDF-XChange on my stick and use everywhere whithout making any change in system
- Nitro free Reader does not exist; nowhere on Nitro's site. There is a free trial of Nitro Pro, but to continue using it's $159US - not exactly free.
- PDF-XChange and Foxit both are good (indeed, the best in replacing Adobe), but PDF-XChange Editor Free version offers more features for free than Foxit, works faster, its some features are more detailed.
- I use the Kdan PDF reader, which is the best pdf reader and is also free.
- One I keep ready for occasional use is PDF-Exchange. It has a search option that allow you to search through folders of PDFs. We have several thousand inspection reports in PDF files and remembering in which one we found X or did Y is well beyond my ability, so being able to search the entire folder, without pulling up each report and searching it, is a god send.
- I'm used to install Foxit reader, but I've come to understand it has become somewhat bloated and installs more then just a PDF reader.
- I use Sumatra + CutePDF Writer and i all set for my pdf needs
- Another option is LibreOffice. You can view and edit the PDF and export it as a PDF after editing. My biggest frustration with it is that you can create a PDF with fillable form fields but you can't fill form fields in a PDF you import. WTF?
- I've been using PDFX-Change Viewer (now updated to PDFX-Change Editor, which I don't use) for years. It's full-featured, flexible, and free. I know it so well that I'm not ready to consider any other PDF programs, though in the distant past I used Foxit for a year or so.
- I have used PDF Xchange viewer for a while, which now comes as PDF Xchange editor too which I use instead of the the viewerThis built-in editor/viewer is an advantage over mere PDF viewers, IMHO
It also has a plugin for most browsers - Thanks, most interesting. A question please......can I convert an excel workbook with several worksheets into an android app?I am struggling with this, as excel is obviously not a secure platform. But hoping it is do-able
- the is an addin for excel that can do this, its call, unicorn dreams or something like that
- Foxit has lost the plot, it has become bloated and now wants us to connect to the cloud
- Foxit Is The Best
- PDF-XChange Editor is my favorite PDF editor/viewer.
Tracker Software offers excellent PDF Tools that allows to work with bunches of documents without opening any PDF redactor. These Tools are not free but also not expensive.
And with Tools you will get PDF-XChange Editor and Lite without additional payment.- Did someone ask whats your favorite?
- 'smart' question. I've added the new information to that topic (it came to me as ad) because I see there is no information about Tools - new software. It's strange, seems for me.
- I am absolutely agree with Steve DJ. PDF-XChange Editor is amazing! I'm using it for years (yes, before it was Viewer). Nothing can compare with its quality and fast work+number of free features+price for full version. New version 6 works well in Windows 10. I like it more that Adobe, Foxit, ... and can recommend to take a look.
- agree!
- Yes indeed! I use PDF-XChange for many years with Nova PDF Lite. Both have adjustable spharpness wuth adaptable DPI for a charming quality. Great with my bad vision. NOVA PDF comes free once or twice a year with giveawayofthe day and the registered serial number is usable for newer versions!
- By the way, windows 8 and 10 have built in reader.
Firefox and Chrome have also.- By the way, this post is some 4 years old.
- Foxit Reader is the best!