The program that reads PDF. The best free PDF (readers)
PDF is a special file format that is designed to represent electronic documents. Most books, magazines and brochures apply to the World Wide Web in this format. Nevertheless, many users have problems opening PDF files. The fact is that operating systems do not have standard tools to interact with this format. Therefore, when trying to open PDF using the same NotePad, a chaotic character set is displayed instead of the desired information. How to fix it? Will help special program For reading PDF.
What program to open the PDF file? If you are constantly working with PDF files, then the best solution will be downloaded to the dextop program supporting this format. Such utilities are quite a lot. Consider the same popular programs that allow you to open PDF in Windows 10 and other version of this operating system.
Acrobat Reader.
Many PC users are convinced that the best PDF - Acrobat Reader program from Adobe's not expensive company. And this utility was not just like that. The fact is that the creators of PDF is Adobe. This format has been developed since 1993 and it was intended for the presentation of printing products. In 2007, PDF succumbed to standardization from the ISO organization. This led to the fact that this format became publicly available and began to be used everywhere.
Acrobat Reader is a powerful program for working with PDF. With this utility, you can not only read documents, but also interact with them. For example, it is possible to copy the file, change it, etc. Among the main characteristics of Adobe Reader it is worth highlighting:
- The ability to reproduce sound and video files;
- Printing documents;
- The possibility of reading e-books;
- Strat Meeting feature, providing multiplayer operation;
- Ability to increase individual document items.
Perhaps the main advantage of Acrobat Reader is the distribution system. You can download this utility from the developer's official website for free. Another difference between Acrobat Reader from most such programs - optimization. Specialists from Adobe tried to fame. The utility is not published to the gland. Thanks to this, Acrobat Reader works quickly even on computers with weak technical characteristics.
It is impossible not to mention backward compatibility. PDF was refined for 30 years. During this tremendous period of time, more than 10 versions of this format were released. Acrobat Reader is able to work with any PDF file, regardless of its specification. Also can not but rejoice cross-platform. Adobe released a prog not only for PC. There are versions of utilities for other platforms: Android, iPad, Linux, etc.
Open PDF file via Acrobat Reader is very simple. You must click on the PCM document, after which the drop-down list appears on the screen. It needs to choose the option "Open with the help". In the window that appears, click on the Acrobat Reader option. The prog will start and prompted the document.
Another program to pay attention to is PDF-XCHANGE VIEWER. The main chip of this utility is the presence of special plug-ins, providing convenient work with browsers. Thanks to them, Change Viewer is able to interact with Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, etc. This utility, in addition to integration with popular browsers, has a number of advantages. For instance:
- Support graphic formats (BMP, JPEG, PNG and TIFF);
- Ability to edit the document;
- Conveniently implemented copying text.
In addition, the utility has an additional set of small functions that make the reading process more convenient. For example, Change Viewer, unlike Adobe Acrobat Reader, supports annotations. Another advantage of the program is optimization. Specialists have long worked on algorithms, so that the program consumes the minimum number of system resources. Change Viewer is distributed on a free license, and anyone can download the utility.
Hamster PDF Reader.
Hamster PDF Reader is a universal program that allows not only to view the documents, but also print them. In addition to PDF, this utility maintains DJVU and XPS formats. Among the interesting features of this program are worth noting:
- Convenient text scaling system;
- The ability to configure the interface for your own needs;
- Copying separate PDF File PDF fragments to clipboard.
Can not but rejoice the advanced search system. Thanks to her you can find the desired fragment of text on key phrases or words. It is impossible not to mention the abundance of additional modes: reading, printing, presentation and display on the full screen. You can download the program completely free. Hamster PDF Reader works correctly on all Windows OS starting with XP and ending 10. 
Hamster PDF Reader has a number of advantages. But it was not without a spoon of tar. If we talk about the shortcomings of the program, then the main minus is the speed. The utility pretty slowly opens some files. In addition, disappointing no labels for text. In the rest of the utility, no complaints cause.
Also, it is also impossible not to mention Stdu Viewer. This program is distributed completely free. And her main advantage is that it is capable of working with a whole bunch of formats. In addition to PDF STDU Viewer supports BMP, DJVU, PSD, EMF, JPEG, GIF, WWF, etc., among the interesting features of this utility should also be noticed:
- Working with multiple documents at the same time;
- Printing files that are protected from printing;
- Customize the screen for reading;
- Separate operation mode for touch screen devices.
The utility is a cross platform. Nevertheless, Stdu Viewer supports only two operating systems: Windows and Android. The program practically does not take place on the computer. Stdu Viewer weighs only 7 MB. For comparison, the volume of the same Adobe Acrobat Reader is 110 MB. 
The only thing that causes complaints is this seal. The program performs this procedure very slowly. This is due to the fact that the page is converted to a graphic file before printing, which occupies a certain amount of time. Another minus is advertising. Starting from version 1.6, the developers began to insert banners into their prog, which caused irritation.
Online services
If you need to open the PDF file, but you do not plan to use this format in the future, then in this case you should not download the dextop the program. It is better to use special web services that allow you to open PDF online. We will talk about the most popular in this part of the article.
Google documents
How to open PDF? The first thing comes to mind is Google with its service called Documents. With it, you can view various documents including in PDF format. However, in order to access the service, you must have an account in the Google system.
How can I open a PDF file? First you need to download the document. To do this, go to Google Disk. Then drag the file to the workspace. You can also click on the inscription "My Disk", in the drop-down list click on "Download Files" and select PDF to be read. The document will start downloading on Google disk. It will take a certain amount of time. 
After downloading the file, it will be in the workspace. To open the PDF, press it with PCM, after which in the drop-down list, select the option "Open with the help" and click on "Google Documents". The file will open and will become accessible to read, edit and other manipulations.
Google Documents, unlike most online services to work with PDF, has no restrictions on the amount of downloaded document. And this means that with the help of the site you can read logs and even whole books. However, it is worth considering that the more the file the longest it will be loaded on the disk. For example, a book on 700-800 pages with a good Internet will be made about half an hour.
PDF-OnlineReader.
PDF-OnlineReader is a browser program that is designed to open PDF files. In terms of functionality, the service cannot be compared with Google documents. For example, there are no tools to edit files in PDF-OnlineReader. Using this program, you can only read documents in PDF format. Nevertheless, PDF-OnlineReader provides its services completely free and does not require registration. 
The interface is completely in English. But it is unlikely that it will be a problem. After all, navigation is very simple and understandable at an intuitive level. To open the file enough to make a couple of clicks. You need to click on the "Download PDF" button and select a PC document. If you want to download another file, then in this case you need to click on "Upload Another Document".
In principle, PDF-OnlineReader has the entire functionality that is needed for a comfortable reading. There are several viewing modes, text can be increased, etc. Implemented the ability to leave annotations. Also using the site, you can convert PDF file to Word or HTML. It will be useful if you want to continue reading on your computer.
Docspal
Among the PDF readers should not pay attention to DocSpal. The web program has existed since 2010 and is very popular. One of the main advantages of the site is modern and at the same time a simple interface. 
How to work with the service? You need to upload the file to the site. To do this, you need to drag the document to the workspace or click on the "Browse File" button and select PDF. Next, click on the "View File". PDF will open in read mode. It is worth noting that the program supports not only this format. Using DocSpal you can read documents Word., JPEG, PNG, DJVU, etc.
DocSpal has a standard functionality for reading PDF documents. You can overflow pages, bring up or remove text. If we talk about interesting chips of the Internet resource, then DocSpal allows you to transfer a document in the form of a hyperlink. It is very convenient if you constantly exchange files with colleagues.
Applications for phone
Through what to open the PDF file on android phone? For this on the expanses Play Market. There are many applications. We will talk about the most popular now.
PocketBook Reader.
PocketBook Reader is a utility to read books on the phone operating on the basis of the Android operating system. This program supports almost all existing book formats. Of course, their number includes PDF. 
Perhaps the main dignity of PocketBook Reader is convenient navigation. When starting, the program scans internal memory Phone and external drives. After that, the application will present the documents found in the form of a list or sketches. Managing the library files is very simple. Navigation is carried out via the volume buttons or touch on the screen.
If we talk about functionality, then in this plan, the PocketBook Reader can be removed with dexte programs. Among the interesting features of the utility should be allocated:
- Various reading modes;
- The ability to change the font and background PDF file;
- You can change the scale of the document using the sensor.
The program supports search for PDF file. Thanks to this feature, you can find the desired text fragment using keywords. Also, PocketBook Reader supports page numbering and moving through the file. Instead of flipping a book, you can simply enter the number of the desired page and the program immediately displays it.
It cannot but rejoice the system of notes, which in the Pocketbook Reader is implemented at a very worthy level. The PDF document can be allocated to multi-colored markers, add text comments, etc. In addition, the prog allows you to move to the note at any time.
Universal Book Reader is another reader for android devices. The program applies to a free license. Download it can any PLAY MARKET user. The application will not take a lot of space on the phone. The apk program program weighs only 20 MB. 
Using UBr, you can open files in EPUB and PDF format. The program has several modes. Some are suitable for smartphones, others are convenient to use when reading from the tablet. UBR allows you to leave text notes on pages. In addition, in the application you can allocate and copy certain text fragments to the clipboard.
One of the main chips of this program is the ability to open protected files. Few people know, but a password can be put on the PDF. Using the UBR, the protected file can be opened even without a code word.
In contact with
Some documents have an extension of format.pdf, unfortunately, in all versions of Windows, with the exception of "dozens", there is no embedded program for reading PDF files. Therefore, to this day, such a software remains in demand.
There are extremely many Internet on the Internet. There are both paid and free programsWith different functionality. Which one is suitable for you? We offer to figure out. It is enough to read our article and choose the program that satisfies your requirements and is suitable for functionality.
Best PDF Reading Programs
In the first place we have accourse Acrobat Reader from Adobe. Why exactly this software? Everything is simple this program It has enormous functionality and uses the greatest demand among users.It has everything you need to work with documents in PDF format. For example, you can copy, view the structures, print separate countries, change their orientation. In addition, it is constantly updated and is absolutely free, thanks to which it is installed on a huge number of computers around the world.
Characteristics are as follows:
- You can view, manipulate and comment 3D contents of documents;
- Scaling the PDF-file hotel sections;
- Play M / Media Content (Text, Graphic, Sound and Video Files);
- Read e-books;
- Print documents through wireless networks directly from the program interface;
- Organize online video conferencing or take part in them;
- Use digital signatures to protect your documents from editing;
- with the help of the newly minted function of Start Meeting over one document, several people can work at once;
- Russian-speaking interface.
A good set, agree? And it's absolutely free. But there is a paid version - Pro, there are no restrictions in it at all. With it, you can not only view the documents in PDF format, but also edit them.
Foxit Reader - a more modest alternative
Of course, the leader is Acrobat Reader. However, there are very interesting alternatives. For example, Foxit Reader.The fact is that the "reader" from Adobe is very cumbersome: large size, increased system requirements. And here the developers made a bet on a convenient interface and speed, cutting all unnecessary functionality.
Main characteristics:
- With this reader, you can add comments to the completed document and with them print it;
- Increased level of safety: without your permission, Foxit Reader will not connect to the Internet;
- speed. As already mentioned above, Acrobat Reader, though the most popular, but he is quite bulky and can not badly "download" an old computer, while Foxit will not allow this.
Still not decided on the choice? We continue!
Stdu Viewer - the fastest of PDF reading programs
In third place there is a modest and known program, the name of which STDU VIEWER. Its size does not reach both three megabytes. Of course, because of this I had to "shorten" functionality very much, but moreover, she perfectly copes with reading PDF documents. In addition, STDU supports other formats. For example, .txt, .tiff, .djvu.
Main characteristics:
- the ability to simultaneously view multiple pages on one screen;
- You can add your own bookmark when reading and return to it at any time;
- hyperlinks are supported;
- reading pages alone and in the form of a book;
- convenient search on the text of the documents;
- Demonstration of sketches and navigation in content;
- Instant go to the selected page.
Is this not enough for an ordinary user? Such a modest functionality can be forgiven due to the size of only two with a small megabyte!
PDF-XChange Viewer - Powerful competitor
PDF xChange Viewer is a free program for reading files in PDF format. But unlike STDU VIEWER, its functionality does not end. Edit documents will not work, but you can easily complement them.
For example, if you wish, you can fill in the table, save the shape, add an annotation or note, increase the size of the text or pattern and much more - up to the export of individual PDF pages in the image.
Main characteristics:
- the ability to add annotations in the form of stickers and own comments in any PDF files;
- Custom stamps from any drawings;
- Test notes;
- Print any page;
- transformation of pages into the image;
- work immediately with several documents - each in its tab;
- availability of additions for popular browsers;
- portable version;
- Support for Russian language.
To choose the necessary program, It should be relying solely on its functionality. If only reading documents is required, then the head is enough and STDU Viewer, and if you are more demanding and you need a professional solution, then the leader in this segment is certainly Acrobat Reader from Adobe.
On our site you can download pDF program Master immediately and without any registration. Text format PDF is one of the most famous, so it is not surprising that there are many utilities that helps to open such documents.
PDFmaster is distinguished by an excellent interface and will allow you to read the entire text without any problems or find the right part in the Volume Document. PDFMaster enters a free PDF module printer.
How to download a free PDF program
In addition, downloading the program from our official site, you can be sure that you do not harm your computer. All files are checked for viruses, and your system security threatens. PDF Master does not take a lot of space in your computer's memory, but with this simple and convenient program you can view any documents in PDF format without any problems. Our PDF Reader can download much faster than the classic product provided by Adobe, because PDF Master weighs much less. Using the elementary instruction, you can install a really useful utility with a pleasant interface on your computer. PDF Master will delight you by an intuitive menu, where there are many useful features that no longer gives one PDF reader. How to delete PDFMaster?At any time you can delete Software PDFMaster from his computer. All elements of the operating system on which the PDFMaster software was installed, returned to the previous form. The executable files of the PDFMaster program are also deleted from the operating system. Delete PDFMaster software in operating system Microsoft Windows family is possible through the "Programs and Components" menu in the PDFMaster menu, or from the installed program menu, select "Uninstall PDFmaster". |
This category of programs includes free programs for reading and commenting (annotation) PDF documents capable of replacing a slow and bloated Adobe Reader. Despite many years of experience, for a number of Adobe Reader parameters, still lags behind its counterparts.
Note: Of course, it is necessary to take into account that Adobe is a commercial company, therefore it cannot be a special zeal in the development of a free version.
In any class of programs, it is necessary to determine the criteria based on which you can identify the favorites. Nevertheless, they need to correlate with the fact that each user has its own needs and preferences. Therefore, within this category, versatile criteria were taken, which, with high probability, will take into account most needs. Criteria themselves:
- Ability to open PDF files. No, this is not a joke. Not all PDF files are the same. The test set consisted of about a dozen different files. Of different sizes, with different settings Security, forms and graphic content. Basically, these are typical files used by most people. It is worth noting that none of the considered programs could not correctly display the test file with Adobe 3D image. When conducting tests, hard selection occurred. Any reader that could not correctly read the PDF document, with the exception of this file with 3D, immediately excluded from consideration.
- File opening speed. In this case, the criterion was somewhat softer. It was about seconds. If the discovery difference was a second-two, then it was acceptable. Agree that delays in a few seconds cause indignation. Especially if a small document.
- Graphic user interface (GUI). In this case, both functionality and simplicity of use were taken into account. If a little in other words, how aesthetically, controls and functions are located, as well as how much the entire interface is easy to use by conventional users.
- Experience in reading documents. This factor includes as intuitiveness (what to expect? Where to look for? What is pressed?, Etc.; In fact, all navigation elements) and the speed of the rendering of text and images.
- Annotation Tools (Comment). One of the important aspects of reading programs PDF is the ability to marry, comment and add images to an existing document. And in consequence, to maintain the result obtained without watermarks of trial versions.
- Optical Symbol Recognition (OCR). OCR is the ability to convert the scanned image to the readable text. And this is a fairly important feature. This feature makes text inside the document available for search and copy. Unfortunately, only one of the products under consideration contains this feature. Details further in the discussion.
- Installation process. In addition to everything, all programs were considered in terms of the ease of installation. There is a sad tendency to include various third-party and unnecessary, and sometimes even harmful, software products in the installer.
Note: Software has not been tested on Windows 8. However, on the developer sites, Windows 8 support is available.
Review of free PDF file readers (readers)
From the entire set of available free PDF-documents readers, the first two are allocated. These include extensive features for viewing and commenting out PDF files. But, about it in more detail in order.
PDF-XChange Viewer Full Functional Reader
This is a full-featured horse remains the best choice In this category. Taking into account the exception of files with 3D images specified above. The program was able to quickly open and accurately display all files from the test assembly. In this case, you can change the size of the pages, turn them over. Export documents and their parts to various image formats.
The tile window interface with multiple tabs allows you to read and comment on several documents at once, without having to move across several open copies of the program. Plus, for quick movement, not only different options for displaying documents in the program window are provided, but also keeping navigation history. You can walk in all parts viewed different documents Just a few mouse clicks.
In addition to viewing options, PDF XChange includes a wide range of tools for commenting and creating bookmarks in PDF documents. An annotation toolbox contains many drawing tools, including a grid mapping to create an exact picture. Comments can be hidden, export or imported.
Also, the program supports document encryption, security management and document properties. All controls are easily accessible and easy to use. Unfortunately, in contrast to some other PDF readers, XChanger lacks the ability to add digital signatures.
One of the important components of any PDF reader is to search for text in the file. And it is here, PDF-XCHANGER bypassing all its analogues. It knows how to convert and save a scanned image or text in the form of a picture in the PDF document in readable and accessible text. The OCR process allows you to get a convenient and indexed document.
Note: If you use various services or programs that can index the text of PDF documents, then, most likely, you have already remembered those weak documents that are compiled from many beautiful pictures, including text.
It is worth noting that the interface is similar to Windows XP. However, by opening the program, you will not have any particular complaints. The graphical interface is accurately accurate and pleasant.
Unfortunately, the installer includes a special browser panel. So if you don't like to use portable versionsAnd prefer to install programs, then you should be cautious during the installation process to avoid installing extra and unnecessary software.
Foxit Reader Alternative PDF-XChange PDF File Reader
A worthy opponent in this category is Foxit Reader, especially if you do not need OCR tools. The program was able to open and accurately pass all the same files, even a little faster than PDF xchanger.
Foxit contains similar functions for viewing and navigating documents by adding documents to them out loud. As in XChanger, all documents open in the form of tabs, which allows you to quickly read and comment on several documents at once.
While other programs in this category were relatively static in their development, Foxit has constantly developed. Latest version Foxit already offers different display options for the graphical interface. Depending on how accustomed to different kinds of views, you may like both the "classic" interface and the "Ribbon" interface. The tape is similar to the Microsoft Office panel.
Of course, the tools forms of annotations initially can cause some problems, but, otherwise, and this navigation and editing, controls are well organized quite well. If we speak in general over the interface, then it is in many ways intuitive.
An annotation tool array is as huge and impressive as the PDF XChange. The user can fill in forms, fully comment on the documents and save all the works in the form in which he did. Foxit includes some unique controls that allow you to add pictures, multimedia files and so on.
The program supports some functions for co-edit and exchange through social media. The program allows you to sign and check on the validity of documents with an electronic signature, with the help of the commercial service Docusign. Despite the fact that Foxit can open encrypted files, in it, unfortunately, there are no functions to configure file security.
Caution! Foxit comes with various unwanted components that will attempt to install toolbar to the browser and change the system settings. The components themselves are regularly changing. Users need to be greater caution during the installation process to avoid problems.
Sumatra PDF Viewer Excellent Simple PDF File Reading Program
If all you need from PDF reader is reading and printing. That Sumatra is what you were looking for. Perhaps the utility is not so rich in opportunities and has a number of restrictions in image rendering, but it is compensated by a large set of different viewing options. As you probably already understood, Sumatra does not provide for editing or commenting documents.
Note: To be somewhat honest, then there are not many ordinary users about the possibility of commenting. Most use this class of programs solely to read documents.
Quick Selection Guide (links to download programs for reading PDF files)
PDF-XCHANGE VIEWER
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Reasonable download speed. Print documents. Extensive commenting options without adding watermarks. There are OCR (image recognition). It can recognize not only scanned images, but also the PDF documents themselves. A huge number of settings, including encryption, properties and safety. Beautiful and nice interface. |
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| In the installer there are unnecessary and unnecessary software. |
Foxit Reader.
| Fast. Different types of user interface. Extensive commenting options. Partial integration with social media. Can check and add electronic signatures. Large set of functionality. Able to read encrypted files. | ||
| No OCR support. In the installer, unwanted components are sitting, which will constantly try to change the browser and system settings. Therefore, when installing, care must be taken in choosing components. Operating instructions are loaded separately. |