Though they’re over 25 years previous, PDFs are nonetheless one of many important kinds of paperwork on the web. Whether or not you’re making an attempt to entry your W-2, a contract, or an e book, it’ll in all probability be a PDF.
However to view these necessary paperwork, you have to obtain a PDF reader in your laptop.
There are lots of of PDF readers, and a few can price you virtually a thousand {dollars} per yr, so we sifted by the web to search out the most effective free PDF readers you’ll be able to obtain on-line.
Under, we curated 20 free PDF readers whose capabilities vary from solely viewing PDFs to creating, enhancing, and securing them.
The 20 Greatest Free PDF Readers
The 11 Greatest Free PDF Readers for Home windows and Mac
1. Foxit Reader
Foxit Reader is just like the Google Docs of PDF readers. You possibly can create, share, and safe your PDFs on the cloud.
To create PDFs, you’ll be able to add scans, convert Phrase paperwork, PowerPoint displays, and Excel sheets, and even mix a number of PDFs into a brand new file.
If you wish to collaborate, you’ll be able to grant and revoke doc entry. You possibly can then monitor who opens your doc and examine their exercise. This system may even notify readers about new updates to your PDF.
What we like: Foxit PDF Reader offers a number of safety choices to maintain your PDFs secure and personal, like passwords, digital signatures, and encryption.
Foxit could be a superb possibility when you create PDFs recurrently in your job and want a solution to collaborate on the identical file.
Core Options
- Learn and print PDFs
- Entry from wherever
- Collaborate and share
- Shield, fill, and signal PDFs
2. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
Adobe’s free PDF reader, Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, connects to the Adobe Doc Cloud and different cloud storage programs like Field, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive.
The PDF reader’s compatibility with different programs enables you to open, view, share, and touch upon PDFs from wherever and on any machine you need.
What we like: Acrobat Reader DC’s most exceptional characteristic is that it could possibly learn textual content out loud, guiding you alongside any difficult doc.
Adobe’s free PDF reader is nice for any busy skilled who must annotate PDFs on the go or their commute.
Core Options
- View and print PDFs
- Share and touch upon PDFs
3. Javelin PDF Reader
Javelin PDF Reader is a simple PDF reader that allows you to launch and print customary and encrypted PDFs, annotate them, and bookmark them.
Since its obtain dimension is 2 MB and it doesn’t have further options like enhancing, the PDF reader is quick.
You will additionally discover a easy and clear consumer interface. If you wish to learn and take notes on PDFs shortly, Javelin is the PDF reader.
What we like: Though fundamental in comparison with powerhouse Adobe, if you wish to learn and take notes on PDFs shortly, Javelin might be the PDF reader for you.
Core Options
- View and browse PDFs
- Navigate PDFs and hyperlinks
- Bookmark, spotlight and annotate PDFs
4. Google Drive
Google Drive is probably the most accessible PDF converter and PDF storage system. You possibly can convert any paperwork, displays, and sheets into PDF recordsdata on the platform. You possibly can then add any PDFs to the cloud for viewing functions.
In case your solely use for PDFs is viewing or changing recordsdata into them, Google Drive is the best choice.
What we like: Google Drive permits groups to share paperwork and collaborate seamlessly, because of a user-friendly interface and intuitive design.
Core Options
- View PDFs straight in your browser
- Management entry by way of sharing
- Remark and collaborate
5. Your Net Browser
Net browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari all have built-in PDF readers. To view a PDF in your browser, all it’s a must to do is click on on the PDF hyperlink.
You may as well open PDF recordsdata already saved in your laptop by dragging them to an open tab in your browser.
Extra options included in most browsers’ PDF readers: rotate, obtain, print, and alter textual content dimension.
What we like: Essentially the most accessible possibility on this checklist, net browser readers, make it simple to open, learn, and alter PDFs. For those who don’t must convert recordsdata into PDFs, you don’t must obtain a PDF reader. You possibly can simply use your net browser.
Core Options
- View PDFs straight in your browser
- Rotate PDFs
- Print PDFs
6. Canva
Canva is greater than a free graphic design and enhancing answer. You may as well view pdfs with a free account. And you are able to do far more than view — you’ll be able to manipulate each component of your pdf, enhancing textual content and graphics.
It’s as simple as opening the app, importing your pdf, and opening it.
What we like: Canva is changing into more and more fashionable for graphic design and video enhancing. So many individuals use it each day, which makes it a particularly handy instrument for viewing and updating pdfs.
Sometimes, the content material barely shifts whenever you open the pdf in Canva, however the payoff is big when you’re already accustomed to Canva. And as a web-based app with an intuitive interface, it’s simple to make use of and extensively accessible to virtually each machine.
Core Options
- Edit PDF content material quick
- Merge PDF recordsdata and arrange pages with ease
- Break up, insert and extract PDF pages
- Edit PDFs from any machine
- Collaborate along with your staff
- Share and ship recordsdata
- Entry free photographs, icons, graphics, and fonts
- Get automated language translation
7. Kindle
Do you know that one of the vital fashionable free e-reader apps can be an excellent PDF reader? The app is free, making it a superb possibility for studying and storing PDFs to entry them on the go.
After downloading the app in your machine, you’ll be able to e-mail your file on to your cell Kindle app. To search out your Kindle deal with, go into settings and discover the “Ship to Kindle e-mail deal with.”
By emailing it to your Kindle app, you’ll be able to entry it on any machine you utilize Kindle on. Alternatively, to learn your PDF regionally on the Kindle desktop app, go to File > Import a Native PDF.
What we like: So many individuals use Kindle to maintain our libraries shut for straightforward entry. Utilizing Kindle to learn and retailer necessary PDFs means you’ll be able to entry them on the go.
What’s extra, when you obtain them, you’ll be able to entry them even when you don’t have web or wifi entry.
For those who’re already a Kindle consumer or accustomed to the interface, this can be a nice possibility — irrespective of which machine you utilize.
Core Options
- Learn PDFs and different file varieties
- Entry on any machine
8. DocFly
DocFly has gained accolades from publications as a free on-line PDF viewer and editor. Utilizing it is so simple as going to the web site, dragging your pdf file to its add window, and following the prompts based mostly in your wants.
What we like: As a result of it’s simple to make use of and requires no downloads, DocFly is a incredible possibility for anybody needing a fast solution to view or edit pdfs and convert them to different file codecs.
The free model is restricted to three month-to-month recordsdata, nevertheless it’s an excellent answer when you simply want a fast repair.
Core Options
- Evaluate and edit PDFs
- Merge or cut up PDFs
- Create PDFs from different file varieties
- Convert PDFs to totally different file varieties
- Save and safe PDFs
- Entry PDFs from wherever
9. LightPDF
LightPDF is available in a browser-based app that virtually any net browser can use, in addition to an iPhone app. The free model lets you use as much as 3 PDFs a day.
Options embody enhancing, merging, rotating your recordsdata, and two-way conversion between PDF and varied different file varieties.
What we like: Something browser based mostly is user-friendly for almost anybody. LightPDF’s intuitive interface makes it simple to make use of and examine or edit PDFs with out a lot know-how.
And whereas the free model is restricted to three recordsdata a day, that’s enough for most individuals’s wants.
Plus, with AI changing into more and more fashionable and necessary, this selection could quickly be among the many high decisions.
Core Options
- View and edit PDFs
- Merge or cut up PDFs
- Watermark or annotate PDFs
- Convert a wide range of file varieties to PDFs
- Convert PDFs into a wide range of codecs
- Compress PDFs
- Use AI to edit PDFs
- Safe and signal PDFs
10. PDF Escape
PDFescape touts itself because the “unique on-line FREE PDF editor & type filler.” Out there as a browser-based model, it’s simple to make use of, make fundamental edits to your PDFs, and create and fill PDF varieties.
What we like: The perfect half about these free browser-based choices is that every one you want is an web connection. As a result of PDFescape is so user-friendly, nearly anybody can view or edit PDFs.
Core Options
- View and edit PDFs
- Annotate PDF paperwork
- Fill out PDF varieties
- Create fundamental PDF varieties
- Safe PDFs
- Share PDFs on-line
11. Sejda On-line PDF Editor
Sejda presents a free on-line PDF editor that you should use to shortly and simply handle your PDF paperwork.
In response to Sejda, recordsdata keep non-public and are deleted after 2 hours. And it’s free for as much as 200 pages, 50 Mb, or three duties per hour, which fits most individuals’s wants.
What we like: You possibly can add recordsdata out of your native laptop, Dropbox, and Google Drive; Sejda makes it simple for the top consumer—you. In addition they provide a free desktop model for Mac with a low-cost annual improve.
Core Options
- Join with Dropbox, Google Drive, or exhausting drive
- Edit or add textual content and hyperlinks to your PDF
- Add photographs to your pdf
- Fill and signal PDF varieties
- Add shapes or block textual content in your PDF
- Discover and substitute textual content in PDFs
The 5 Greatest Free PDF Readers for Home windows
1. Ashampoo PDF Free
Ashampoo is a free Home windows obtain lets customers create, merge, and edit PDFs. A lightweight model of their extra sturdy paid PDF software program, it’s loads sturdy for many customers.
With easy phrase processor-style enhancing, the flexibility so as to add pages, merge paperwork, and sign-and-fill, Ashampoo covers the commonest fundamental PDF makes use of and wishes.
What we like: Ashampoo’s free PDF reader is a handy, free possibility for anybody needing to make easy changes.
Core Options
- View and search PDFs
- Create, merge, and edit PDFs
- Create PDFs from any Home windows utility
- Fill and signal PDFs
2. MuPDF
MuPDF is a typical PDF reader for viewing and enhancing PDF recordsdata.
You possibly can fill out textual content varieties, annotate paperwork, and use it to transform PDF recordsdata into different file varieties like HTML, SVG, and CBZ. You may as well write scripts in Javascript to change your paperwork.
What we like: If you’d like a low-memory PDF reader that you may simply edit and examine recordsdata on, MuPDF is the best choice.
Core Options
- Small file dimension
- Learn and annotate PDFs
- Fill out PDF varieties
3. SumatraPDF
Though SumatraPDF lacks some superior options like annotation, doc signing, and form-filling, Sumatra PDF offers an intuitive and quick studying expertise; its different key options make it a superb reader.
It has a number of viewing modes like a single web page, e-book, and presentation and shortcuts that allow you to navigate any PDF file. For those who simply must learn PDFs for work, think about using SumatraPDF.
What we like: The number of Sumatra PDF‘s viewing modes makes it simple for customers to entry and browse the data they’re in search of shortly.
Core Options:
- The small, transportable PDF reader can be utilized on a USB stick
- Easy consumer interface
- Learn and annotate PDFs
4. Slim PDF
Slim PDF is among the smallest PDF readers on the earth, taking on simply 15 MB of area in your laptop.
Regardless of its tiny dimension, this free PDF reader has many superior options that complement core functionalities, permitting you to print, search, zoom, and rotate PDF recordsdata.
It’s accessible for Home windows, Mac, and Linux.
What we like: Slim PDF is small however mighty. Slim PDF is a wonderful selection in order for you an answer that strikes the right steadiness between being light-weight and highly effective.
Core Options
- Open and examine PDFs
- Add feedback or annotate PDFs
- Fill & signal PDFs
- Darkish/gentle theme choices
5. CoolPDF
CoolPDF is a small obtain of lower than 4MB, and it’s quick. Some customers say there’s a studying curve to the interface, and so they expertise plenty of pop-up adverts, however the trade-off is a minimal file dimension — which is nice for customers in search of velocity.
What we like: Any simply accessible PDF reader of small file dimension can vastly profit Home windows customers who need one thing quick.
Core Options
- View and print PDF
- Crop PDF file
- Take textual content and graphics out of PDF doc
- Convert PDF to BMP, JPG, GIF, PNG, WMF, EMF, EPS, TIFF
- Extract PDF to TXT
- Assist PDF recordsdata of all variations
- Work with 72 totally different languages
- Zoom in/out and rotate web page shows
- Slide present PDF doc with full display screen
The 5 Greatest Free PDF Readers for Mac
1. Highlights PDF Reader
Picture SupplyTouted because the PDF reader for analysis, Highlights goes far past studying or viewing PDFs. It’s full of easy-to-use options that make taking notes on PDFs simple.
You possibly can open any PDF file, spotlight textual content, snag worthwhile photographs, and add feedback. That info is pulled right into a separate display screen so that you don’t miss important info.
What we like: Highlights is among the finest choices for taking notes on current paperwork, whether or not in your analysis or sending messages to a graphic designer to share particular suggestions.
The paid model is much more versatile, however the fundamental free model is sufficiently sturdy for many customers.
Core Options
- Learn and annotate PDFs
- Observe notes in a separate doc
- Merge annotations and type by class
- Entry on any Apple gadgets
2. Preview
Though Preview is the pre-installed PDF reader on each Mac, it’s extra highly effective than you assume.
On Preview, you’ll be able to view and annotate your paperwork, mix paperwork, fill out and signal varieties, edit photographs, share recordsdata, and even export a password-protected PDF.
Preview is your best option for somebody who needs to make use of one PDF reader for private {and professional} issues.
What we like: Preview is your best option for somebody who needs to make use of one PDF reader for private {and professional} issues.
Core Options
- Simply view or edit any PDF or different picture file format
- Fill and signal PDF varieties
- Safe PDFs
- Mix PDF paperwork
- Two-way conversion between PDF and different file codecs
3. Skim
Skim is a PDF reader initially designed to assist teachers learn and annotate scientific papers in PDF format. Nonetheless, the platform now improved its performance to let anybody view any PDF file on the reader.
On Skim, you’ll be able to spotlight textual content, take notes, take snapshots, export notes as textual content, and combine with third-party apps like BibDesk, a bibliography supervisor.
What we like: Designed with teachers in thoughts, Skim’s annotation and markup options put it above the competitors.
Core Options
- View, edit, and annotate PDFs
- Spotlight necessary textual content and take snapshots
- View all of your notes and highlights
- Handy studying in full display screen
- Permits highly effective displays with built-in transitions
- Save passwords in Keychain
- Export notes as textual content
4. Wondershare PDF Reader
Whereas Wondershare isn’t fully free, it does provide a free trial. Nevertheless, this can be a superb possibility for somebody who wants a pdf editor for one-off initiatives.
With Wondershare PDFelement, you can’t solely edit paperwork and convert them to PDFs, nevertheless it additionally permits for digital signatures, presents watermarks, and makes it simple to create varieties.
What we like: Wondershare’s free model presents a sturdy assortment of options and performance customers usually must pay for.
Core Options
- View and edit PDFs, together with including graphics
- Convert PDFs to and from totally different file varieties
- Batch and examine PDFs
- Annotate, fill, and signal PDFs
- Scan and create PDFs
Edit PDFs With Ease
PDF enhancing software program is a should for companies and professionals. The appropriate PDF editor can assist your staff with collaboration and file administration.
This text was initially revealed in August 2018 and has been up to date for comprehensiveness.
