Need toedita PDF, and not just open it for reading?
You canconvert it to an MS Word formator load it directly in aPDF editor.
If you want to make one, use aPDF creation tool.
© Nuance Communications, Inc.
SumatraPDF
Open source and lightweight.
Available in dozens of languages.
No anti-aliasing, so some fonts look wonky.
Primary menu options are tucked inside another menu.
I’ve used SumatraPDF for years.
It’s an easy-to-use free PDF reader for Windows.
While itiseasy and simple to work with, it’s also open for heavy customization if you so choose.
Different types of viewing modes are available, likeSingle Page, Facing, Book View,andPresentation.
The latter option is great for distraction-free reading.
SumatraPDF can be downloaded in portable form or installed like a regular program.
PDFliteis another free PDF reader that’s based on SumatraPDF.
It looks extremely similar and works the same.
MuPDF
Supports XPS and CBZ files as well.
Interface is a little too bare bones.
Zoom feature is less than perfect.
© Nuance Communications, Inc.
I like MuPDF because it isn’t cluttered, is super lightweight, and runs on Windows and Android.
If you just need to read the PDF, and do nothing else, I highly recommend this app.
There are, however, some hidden menus.
The other way to use this program is with an initial menu.
Openmupdf-gl.exefrom the same download to use that version.
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Handy drag-and-drop feature makes it easy to combine PDFs.
Excellent integration with the Adobe Cloud system.
Accessibility checker identifies problems, but it doesn’t tell you how to fix them.
The free version is very limited in its features.
Adobe, the creator of the PDF file format, has a free reader called Acrobat Reader.
This program works with Windows, Mac, and Linux.
TheAdobe Acrobat Reader mobile appis available for Android and iOS.
you’re gonna wanna manually deselect these offers if you don’t want them.
LightPDF
Tabbed browsing.
Slick, modern design.
Includes a ‘focus mode’.
Lots of extra features.
Extra features are limited unless you pay.
Therearelimitations to the AI part, though.
This program runs on Windows and macOS.
Expert PDF Reader
Faster than other free options.
Editing features are rather limited.
Tries to install other software during set up.
Expert PDF Reader is another option for Windows.
There are also advanced options like signing and adding text to the PDF.
Nuance PDF Reader
Adding videos and images to documents is a breeze.
Dictation features make it ideal for the visually impaired.
you’re free to open only one PDF at a time.
I can see it being handy for studying, too.
Sorax Reader
Fast and lightweight.
Free from excess clutter.
Doesn’t come with help files.
This program also lets you send the currently opened PDF to someone over email with theEmailtoolbar button.
Sorax is available for Windows.
Javelin PDF Reader
Mobile version lets you access and manage metadata.
The installation process is unnecessarily complicated.
Javelin PDF Reader is ideal if you’re after something minimal.
It has no extra features like editing or converting that litters the program interface.
Everything is spotless and easy to read and understand.
The search feature isn’t thebestto be had, but it works well as is.
This PDF program runs on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
Command icons describe their function on mouse hover.
Very limited features compared to the alternatives.
The help file isn’t very helpful.
It makes sense, then, that it calls itself “the world’s smallest PDF viewer.”
While it might not require much disk space, it’s not the best option available.
There isn’t a search function, and scrolling isn’t the smoothest.
you could install Cool PDF Reader to your setup or use theStandalone Packageto use it without installing anything.
Premium version is reasonably priced for what you get.
Adding and placing text is exceptionally easy.
PDFs created with the free version often include a big ugly watermark.
Doesn’t automatically detect fields when creating forms.
This is for Windows versions all the way back to Windows XP.
Soda PDF
Web and desktop version.
Supports really long PDFs.
Includes useful editing tools.
This is both an offline PDF reader, like the other ones detailed above, and anonlinePDF reader.
The web app is indispensable if you gotta read a document ASAP.
Since it runs online, it also means you’re free to use it on any operating system.
