Application for viewing PDF.  The best free PDF readers (readers)

Every PC user from time to time needs to work with a PDF file. Moreover, we do not always need to just open it. Some files need editing. Previously it was believed that the best program for PDF editingAdobe Reader, and with good reason, since the application has an extensive set of utilities. However, it also has its drawbacks (for example, heavy weight). Today we will look at the rating best programs for working with PDF and we’ll figure out which programs are ideal for professional work, and which are sufficient for home use. All programs can be divided into four groups: for reading, editing, manager programs (allow you to compress and split files) and converters (convert documents from one format to another). Let's look at all types of programs and their capabilities.

Top 10 best programs for working with PDF files.

Our rating opens with one of the most popular programs in this area. Main advantage Foxit Reader– light weight (3.5 MB), thanks to which this PDF program works quickly and is compatible even with very old versions of Windows. It is a type of viewer/converter and is ideal for those who just need to read documents. Foxit Reader has an excellent set of features for this:

  • View, highlight and comment function.
  • Ability to search by words and phrases.
  • Filling out documents and various forms.

The program has mobile version, in which you can convert PDF format into Word documents. However, this function is only available in paid version applications.

As already mentioned, this utility for a long time was considered the best of its kind, since it combines four types at once: using Adobe Reader you can not only view and convert files, but also edit them. It's worth noting that the free version includes read-only. The most useful functions of the application include (including paid ones):

  • View documents, the ability to highlight, comment and search through the text.
  • Editing texts.
  • Signing of documents.
  • Combining several files into one.
  • Compressing and converting files into various formats (including images).

Mobile Adobe version Reader also exists, but it only allows viewing on a free basis and conversion on a paid basis.

ATTENTION. You can do this for free, but only online.

This software program for reading PDF documents is the smallest in weight (600 kW), which makes it very convenient to use. Cool PDF Reader is a viewer that allows you to:

  • Read files.
  • Save and print them.
  • Convert to major document formats.

Another big plus is that the utility database contains 68 languages.

This manager is impressive with the number of features and capabilities available. All tools are conveniently divided into categories and are easy to use, which allows you to perform the necessary manipulations as quickly as possible. Main advantages:

  • Adding annotations.
  • Text selection.
  • Editing text.
  • Adding images.
  • Converting from different formats.
  • Merge and compress documents.
  • Password protection.
  • Adding watermarks.
  • Reducing page area, etc.

There is a paid and free version. If you are using free application, then the file volume should not exceed 200 pages and be less than 50 MB in size. The available number of operations is 3 per day.

This is not even a program, but a utility for viewing PDF files, available with any browser and does not require installation. It allows you to view documents directly in the browser, correct and supplement them, as well as insert links and graphics.

Let’s immediately say that this software has many disadvantages. For example, you won’t be able to convert or modify a file using it, and the interface is far from perfect. However, it is free and has some useful management features:

  • Merging in several modes.
  • Dividing a file into bookmarks, pages, and even different documents.
  • Rotate pages.
  • Convert some other formats to PDF format.

This program is very functional and will seem familiar to all Microsoft Office users. As in everyone Office programs, the number of tools is impressive, but you will need time to master them. The program includes:

  • Highlight text and the ability to add annotations.
  • Editing.
  • Recognition using OCR.
  • Extract individual pages from a document.
  • Encryption.
  • Compression.
  • Sort in the right order.
  • Converting and much more.

On this moment the program has several options, including paid and free.

PDF Hammer

The next program on the list does not have any special functions, but is very simple and easy to use. Hammer allows the user not only to view documents, but also to edit, combine and split them. A good bonus is the ability to protect a document by applying a password.

The main feature of this application is not even the huge number of functions, but the speed of operation and the load on the OS. Despite the impressive set of tools, the program works quickly without overloading the system. Key features of Soda PDF:

  • Edit text, add background and images.
  • Layer-by-layer processing (like in graphic editors).
  • Conversion.
  • Organizing documents.
  • Convenient reading and viewing modes.
  • Full protection (including signatures, passwords and watermarks).

This PDF manager was originally introduced as a converter, but was then upgraded into a full-fledged manager. The range of tools and capabilities is impressive, but system requirements also impressive. The key advantages of the program include:

  • Excellent text recognition.
  • Ability to edit, comment and otherwise change pages.
  • Allows you to instantly create PDF documents in context menu different versions Windows (including Windows 10).

We reviewed the top 10 most popular utilities for working with PDF files. Each of them has its own characteristics. When choosing a program that suits you, you should first consider the purpose of the installation. There's no point in downloading a large app with tons of tools if you just need to view files. It is also worth considering system requirements and operating speed. What programs do you use? Share in the comments!

PDFelement Pro is a program designed for reading PDF files. However, the utility’s functions are not limited to just reading, since you can perform a wide variety of possibilities: from editing text to converting a file to other formats. The program does not require investment, so you can download it for free from us. PDF format is decrypted into English language as: Portable Document Format, which means portable document format. As a rule, it is most often used for reading books, articles,…

Sejda PDF is a program designed for reading, editing, creating, and converting PDF documents. It has a huge number of additional functions and is developing very dynamically, regularly expanding its range of capabilities. The program interface is very concise and understandable. Almost all necessary operations can be performed with one click. To open a PDF document for reading or editing, simply drag the required file into the program window and get to work. Download for free Sejda PDF 6.0.6 Password for all archives:…

Good day!

Magazines, books, scanned documents, forms, drawings and more are now often distributed in PDF format. Whether you like it or not, without special software for working with these formats - it’s neither here nor there... ✔

Actually, in this article I have collected some of the most popular products for working with this format. I think that the material will be relevant both for those who have encountered some problem and cannot read a specific PDF file, and for those who are looking for a convenient tool for everyday tasks. 👌

The article will present programs of different types, functionality, design, and requirements for system resources. I hope everyone will be able to choose a “software” for their current tasks.

And so, closer to the point...

👉 Remark!

For example, formats such as txt, fb2, html, rtf, doc are much more convenient to read in special formats. e-readers than in Word or Notepad.

Top 6 PDF Viewers

Adobe Acrobat Reader

My website page saved in PDF is open

One of the most common PDF readers (which is not surprising, since Acrobat Reader is a product from the developer of this format) .

It has some of the widest capabilities for reading, printing and editing PDF. I would like to note that not so long ago this reader was integrated with the “cloud” (Adobe Document Cloud), thanks to which it has now become much more convenient to work simultaneously on a PC and mobile gadgets!

It must be said that Adobe Acrobat Reader has amazing compatibility: some PDF files (especially large sizes), which are displayed incorrectly in any other readers, are presented here in normal mode.

Therefore, in my opinion, even if you do not use this particular program, it would not be a bad idea to have it in reserve...

Add. possibilities:

  • quickly convert PDF file to formats Word programs or Excel;
  • Now it is not necessary to have paper forms - you can fill them out in in electronic format and send by mail. Adobe Acrobat Reader allows you to do this;
  • In addition to the Adobe Document Cloud, you can configure your system so that the PDF will be available on such popular cloud drives as: Box, Dropbox and ;
  • The reader allows you to create annotations and comments on the files being viewed.

STDU Viewer

Very compact, free and universal program for reading a variety of formats: PDF, DjVu, XPS, TIFF, TXT, BMP, GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, etc.

I would highlight the key advantages: low demands on PC resources, you can open several documents at once in one window, the contents with quick links are displayed on the side panel. There is also a conveniently built-in bookmark system that allows you to return to the last place you read in one click.

In addition, easy page scaling, rotating pages 90-180 degrees, printing a document, adjusting gamma and contrast, etc. are available.

It is possible to convert PDF and 👉 files to text formats. In general, the program deserves attention and acquaintance!

Foxit Reader

A very convenient PDF file reader. I would like to immediately note its relatively low system requirements (in relation to the same Adobe Reader), convenient bookmark system, side menu (with contents open book) , modern interface.

In general, the abundance of all kinds of functions and capabilities is amazing. (in fact, you could say: a multifunctional program).

Peculiarities:

  • The program interface is as close as possible to Word, Excel, etc. (which causes a clear affection for the product);
  • opportunity quick setup toolbars (add what you often need and remove what you don’t use);
  • the program supports touch screen (in full);
  • the ability to create a PDF portfolio;
  • filling out PDF (Acroform) and XFA forms (XML form architecture);
  • support for all modern versions of Windows 7, 8, 10.

Sumatra PDF

Supported Formats: PDF, eBook, XPS, DjVu, CHM.

If you are looking for a very simple, compact and quick program to view PDF - then I’m not afraid to say that Sumatra PDF will be best choice! Both the program itself and the files in it open as quickly as your system allows.

Peculiarities:

  • the design is made in the style of minimalism (so popular lately). Main priority functions: viewing and printing files;
  • support for 60 languages ​​(including Russian);
  • There is a portable version that does not require installation (you can carry it with you on a flash drive, and if anything, you can open PDF on any PC);
  • unlike its counterparts (including Adobe Acrobat Reader), the program correctly scales pictures in black and white (very useful thing when reading books);
  • correctly reads and recognizes hyperlinks embedded in PDF;
  • Sumatra does not block open PDF file (relevant for those who work with TeX systems);
  • Windows XP, 7, 8, 10 (32/64 bits) are supported.

PDF-XChange Viewer

Multifunctional program for viewing PDF files. I would especially like to note its relatively low system requirements, rich functionality, simple and user-friendly interface. By the way, the program supports the Russian language.

Peculiarities:

  • detailed settings of the font, display of pictures, navigation settings, etc. allow you to comfortably read even large files;
  • ability to view multiple files at once (including protected ones);
  • detailed configuration of the viewing area and toolbar;
  • the ability to convert PDF documents into image formats: BMP, JPEG, TIFF, PNG, etc.;
  • integration with popular ABBYY translators Lingvo and Translate It!
  • There are plugins for IE and Firefox browsers;
  • ability to send PDF directly from the viewing window (very convenient when you have a lot of scanned documents);
  • allows you to extract text from PDF, and much more...

Hamster PDF Reader

Simple, convenient, tasteful! Hamster PDF Reader (preview with home page of. site)

Hamster PDF Reader - regarding new program, which allows you to view not only PDF, but also formats such as XPS, DjVu. The program interface is designed in the style of Office 2019 (similar to Foxit Reader).

The program is not replete with functions, but it has everything that most people need: viewing settings (font, sheet, brightness, full screen mode etc.), printing, bookmarks, etc.

Another plus: the program does not need to be installed (portable version available). Thus, you can write it to a flash drive and always have it on hand for working with PDF.

In general, it’s an interesting and uncluttered product that allows you to solve the most mundane tasks.

👉 By the way!

Hamster still has quite a lot (supports working with cloud disks, in 1-2 clicks you can compress and decompress all known archive formats).

All programs allow you to read pdf files, but not all can provide editing of the documents themselves. Therefore, before you decide on a program, you need to carefully study it detailed description and functionality.

How to open PDF files without programs?

Fortunately, modern OS(Windows, Mac OS) work with and without the .PDF extension special programs. MacOS integrates a utility called Preview. It will allow you to open and read the document without making changes. To edit you will have to download special software.

In Windows 10, the PDF opens in the built-in Edge browser. The function is also integrated into third-party browsers that work with earlier ones. Windows versions (Google Chrome,Opera, Mozilla Firefox, Yandex browser). The same Chrome will offer you to open a pdf immediately after downloading the file from mail or any site. The document is displayed in a separate tab, from where it can be viewed, printed or saved to HDD. By similar principle Viewing functions also work in other browsers.

In addition, you can always open pdf online on any special site, and also convert it into another human-readable format, for example Microsoft Word.doc, Excel .xls, Power Point .ppt, image in jpg or png format. To do this, use smallpdf or any other converter.

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PDF Creator - a program for working with PDF documents

There are many free programs for creating documents in PDF format, among them is PDF Creator, which compares favorably with similar utilities with its advanced capabilities and a set of various useful functions. Such programs are called virtual printers.

The PDF creator can work as a local or network printer. In case of network use, the utility is installed on the server. All users can work with 1 program local network. To do this, you need to select the desired option at the beginning of installation.

To view saved documents via Internet browsers Explorer and Firefox need to install plugins. They will provide the opportunity to save viewed web pages in PDF format. It is very important that the program supports Russian-language fonts.

Main features of the program

The program interface is multilingual, Russian and Ukrainian are present, so installation does not cause any problems. After installing the virtual printer, you can immediately start creating documents, but it is preferable to explore its capabilities and settings.

In the settings you can specify:

  1. Directory for saving files. IN otherwise they will be saved automatically in the default directory.
  2. Output file format. These can be PDF, JPEG, BMP, TIFF and other graphic types. Additionally, you can specify the resolution, the number of transmitted colors, and the degree of compression. Moreover, the compression level can be set separately for text and pictures.
  3. Specify the principle of forming the file name using tags: author, title, date, etc.
  4. Set up fonts and select color scheme: CMYK, RGB or grayscale.
  5. Protect the document from unauthorized actions. You can set the degree of encryption, prohibit or allow certain manipulations with it: copying, editing, printing.
  6. It is possible to combine multiple PDF files created by different applications.
  7. If desired, the created document can be immediately sent by email.

Creator can be used not for its intended purpose, but to convert files of various formats.

If the user often needs to create a large number of documents of the same type, you can activate them in the menu automatic saving to the specified directory with the specified parameters.

The source files, in addition to graphic ones, can be files created in Word and other text editors, a program for creating electronic presentations PowerPoint, spreadsheet files.

Users using this virtual printer, note that its capabilities are not inferior to paid analogues. The developers do not prohibit its use for commercial purposes.

Creator can be downloaded for free and without registration from the official website.

Latest version works for everyone Windows platforms. Before downloading creator, you need to find out the bitness of the installed operating system.

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