Today there are dozens of various programs to view PDF files, in addition to the operating room Windows system 8 has a built-in program for opening and viewing them (it’s better not to talk about how “well” it works). That is why in this article I want to really consider useful programs, which will help you open PDF files, read them freely, enlarge and reduce images, easily turn to the desired page, etc.
And so, let's begin...
A free program that supports a bunch of functions for working with PDF documents. It probably makes no sense to list them all. Basic:
View, print, replace font, pictures, etc.;
A convenient navigation panel that will allow you to quickly and smoothly move to any part of the document;
It is possible to open several PDF files at once, easily and quickly switching between them;
You can easily extract text from PDF;
View protected files, etc.
Summing up, I can say that these programs are enough for me to view PDF files. By the way, this format is so popular due to the fact that so many books are distributed online. Another one is equally popular DJVU format, you might be interested in working with this format.
That's all, bye everyone!
This category of programs includes free programs for reading and commenting (annotating) PDF documents that can replace slow and bloated Adobe Reader. Despite many years of experience, Adobe Reader still lags behind its analogues in a number of parameters.
Note: Of course, it is necessary to take into account that Adobe is a commercial company, so there is special zeal in development free version she can't have it.
In any class of programs, it is necessary to determine criteria based on which favorites can be identified. However, they must be balanced against the fact that each user has their own needs and preferences. Therefore, within this category, diverse criteria have been taken that are likely to take into account most needs. The criteria themselves:
- Ability to open PDF files. No, this is not a joke. Not all PDFs are created equal. The test set consisted of about a dozen different files. Various 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 programs reviewed was able to correctly display the test file with an Adobe 3D image. During the tests, a strict selection took place. Any reader that could not correctly read a PDF document, with the exception of this 3D file, was immediately excluded from consideration.
- File opening speed. In this case, the criterion was somewhat softer. It was a matter of seconds. If the difference in opening was a second or two, then it was acceptable. Agree that delays of a few seconds cause indignation. Especially if the document is small.
- Graphical user interface (GUI). In this case, both functionality and ease of use were taken into account. In slightly different words, how aesthetically pleasing the controls and functions are located, as well as how easy the entire interface will be for ordinary users to use.
- Experience in reading documents. This factor includes both intuitiveness (what to expect? where to look? what to click? etc.; essentially all navigation elements) and the speed of rendering text and images.
- Annotation (commenting) tools. One of the important aspects of programs for PDF reader is the ability to mark, comment and add images to an existing document. And subsequently save the result without watermarks of trial versions.
- Optical Character Recognition (OCR). OCR is the ability to convert a scanned image into readable text. And this is a fairly important feature. This feature makes the text inside the document searchable and copyable. Unfortunately, only one of the products reviewed contains this feature. Details later in the discussion.
- Installation process. In addition, all programs were considered from the point of view of ease of installation. There is a sad tendency to include various third-party and unnecessary, and sometimes even harmful, software products to the installer.
Note: Software not tested on Windows 8. However, on the developer sites there is information about Windows support 8 is.
Review of free programs for reading PDF files (readers)
From the entire set of available free readers Of the PDF documents, the first two stand out the most. They include extensive capabilities for viewing and commenting on PDF files. But, about this in more detail and in order.
PDF-XChange Viewer full featured reader
This full-featured horse remains the top choice in this category. Subject to the exclusion of files with 3D images indicated above. The program was able to quickly open and accurately display all files from the test build. At the same time, you can change the size of the pages and turn them over. Export documents and their parts to various image formats.
A tiled window interface with multiple tabs allows you to read and comment on multiple documents at once, without having to navigate through multiple open copies of the program. Plus, for quick movement, not only different options displaying documents in the program window, but also maintaining navigation history. You can go through all the viewed parts different documents with just a few clicks.
In addition to viewing capabilities, PDF-XChange includes a wide range of tools for annotating and bookmarking PDF documents. The Annotation Toolbox contains a variety of drawing tools, including a grid display for creating a precise drawing. Comments can be hidden, exported, or imported.
The program also supports document encryption, security and document properties management. All controls are easily accessible and easy to use. Unfortunately, unlike some other PDF readers, XChanger lacks the ability to add digital signatures.
One of the important parts of any PDF reader is searching for text in a file. And this is where PDF-XChanger outperforms all its peers. It can convert and save a scanned image or text as a picture in a PDF document into readable and searchable text. The OCR process allows you to obtain a convenient and indexable document.
Note: If you are using various services or programs that can index text PDF documents, then, most likely, you already remembered those foolish documents that, by a happy occasion, were compiled from many beautiful pictures, including text.
It is worth noting that the interface is somewhat reminiscent of Windows XP. However, once you open the program, you will not have any particular complaints. The graphical interface is designed quite neatly and pleasantly.
Unfortunately, the installer includes a special browser panel. So if you do not like to use portable versions and prefer to install programs, then you should be careful during the installation process to avoid installing unnecessary and unnecessary software.
Foxit Reader PDF reader alternative to PDF-XChange
A worthy contender in this category is Foxit Reader, especially if you don't need OCR tools. The program was able to open and accurately transfer all the same files, even a little faster than PDF-XChanger.
Foxit includes similar features for viewing and navigating documents, adding the ability to read documents aloud. Like XChanger, all documents open as tabs, allowing you to quickly read and comment on multiple documents at once.
While other programs in this category have been relatively static in their development, Foxit has been constantly evolving. The latest version of Foxit already offers different GUI display options. Depending on how accustomed you are to different kinds of views, you may like both the "classic" interface and the "ribbon" interface. The Ribbon is somewhat similar to Microsoft Office panels.
Of course, the annotation form tools can cause some problems initially, but other than that, navigation and editing, the controls are fairly well organized. Speaking generally about the interface, it is largely intuitive.
The array of annotation tools is as vast and impressive as PDF-XChange's. The user can fill out forms, fully comment on documents and save all work in the form in which he did it. Foxit includes some unique controls that allow you to add pictures, media files, and so on.
The program supports some functions for collaborative editing and sharing via social media. The program allows you to sign and check for validity documents with an electronic signature using the commercial service DocuSign. Although Foxit can open encrypted files, it unfortunately lacks features to configure file security.
Carefully! Foxit comes with various unwanted components that will try to install toolbars into the browser and change system settings. The components themselves change regularly. Users need to take great care during the installation process to avoid problems.
Sumatra PDF Viewer is an excellent simple program for reading pdf files
If all you need from PDF readers- this is reading and printing. Then Sumatra is what you were looking for. Perhaps the utility is not so rich in capabilities and has a number of limitations in image rendering, but this is compensated by a large set of different viewing options. As you probably already understood, Sumatra does not allow editing or commenting on documents.
Note: To be somewhat honest, not many ordinary users know about the very possibility of commenting. Most people use this class of programs exclusively for reading documents.
Quick Selection Guide (links to download programs for reading PDF files)
PDF-XChange Viewer
|
Reasonable download speed. Printing documents. Extensive commenting capabilities without adding watermarks. There is OCR (image recognition). It can recognize not only scanned images, but also PDF documents themselves. Huge number settings, including encryption, properties and security. Beautiful and pleasant interface. |
||
| The installer contains unnecessary and unnecessary software. |
Foxit Reader
| Fast. Various types user interface. Extensive commenting options. Partial integration with social media. Can check and add electronic signatures. Large set of functionality. Can read encrypted files. | ||
| No OCR support. The installer contains unwanted components that will constantly try to change browser and system settings. Therefore, during installation, care must be taken in selecting components. The operating instructions are downloaded separately. |
22/05/2017
Cool PDF Reader – convenient program to view and convert pdf files, distinctive feature which is small in size and has an abundance of functions. This program is considered one of the smallest - its size is less than one megabyte, but the program has enough functions for the average user who only wants to view and convert pdf files. The program allows you to view documents in full screen mode, as well as print them in just a few clicks. In addition, you can easily change the scale of the document, or rotate it at an angle convenient for you. Another feature of the program is conv...
12/12/2016
Foxit Reader is an alternative popular package for working with pdf files. The program has a very clear interface, the ability to view files in several tabs, high speed work and full compatibility with popular operating systems. An important factor is the presence of the Russian language in the program, which greatly facilitates working with it. The program has the ability to view documents in full screen mode, leave comments and graphic bookmarks in the text, print documents, view files without leaving Windows Explorer and install various plugins, skins, mods...
26/09/2016
PDF-XChange Viewer is a fast viewer of the famous PDF format, characterized by high speed and many different functions. For example, the program allows you to easily add comments and annotations to PDF documents, as well as set a password for opening these files. In addition, the program has the ability to easily scan text and images and add them directly to PDF files, which is quite convenient. It is also possible to import and export any file content. It doesn’t matter whether it’s text or pictures. You can add any images to the file, or vice versa, cut out these images...
04/05/2015
PDF Shaper is a collection of necessary tools for optimal work with PDF files. The program can convert a PDF document, or several at the same time, into MS Word, or rather into RTF format. But converting documents from PDF to Word is not the only advantage of PDF Shaper; it can also extract certain elements, such as pictures, tables, etc. In addition to these functions, it can split one PDF document into several, or, conversely, combine several documents into one. At the same time, the program works with encrypted documents, and can also restrict access with a password. Very easy to use, even a beginner can...
28/04/2015
Recently, more and more electronic books, magazines, brochures are appearing on the Internet, and all these files are usually in PDF or DjVu format. This program will help you view DjVu, PDF, TIFF and similar files on Windows OS. STDU Viewer lightweight, easy to use and a worthy replacement Adobe Acrobat. The program contains all the necessary tools for reading and searching for fragments in a document. The program is available in several languages, including Russian. Among the advantages, we can note a wide range of scaling options: scale to the screen, scale to the selection, display the entire page on the entire screen or only...
28/03/2015
PDF Architect - simple program, designed to convert a range of texts and images into a convenient PDF format. The utility allows you to read created documents and any files with a similar extension. For ease of interaction with the application, you can create a number of bookmarks at once with the necessary documents, and when to switch between them. PDF Architect allows you to resize the document and rotate it. To create your own document with this format, you must complete activation via email. Thanks to this function, any user can create a PDF file from a taken image, text or Comicbook file. The program allows...
24/03/2015
SoftDigi PDFViewer is a small application created specifically for viewing various files from PDF extension. The program has a visually pleasing interface that allows you to combine various PDF documents into one common file. Allows you to set minimum document security parameters, necessary information O this file. The application has functions such as moving pages, deleting unnecessary pages, exporting, changing places. SoftDigi PDFViewer allows you to easily insert fragments from other files into a PDF document, as well as quickly export pages to a number of different graphic formats. Effectively exports pages...
27/01/2015
Sumatra PDF – in full free program to view formats such as XPS, CBR, DJVu, CHM, CBZ and PDF. The program has a very modest interface, since the developers focused on its speed and minimalism. Unlike the popular Adobe Reader viewer, this program works an order of magnitude faster, has only a set necessary functions and allows you to edit documents that are simultaneously open in other applications. In addition, Sumatra PDF has a special plugin that can be embedded in a number of popular browsers. This will allow the user to open files directly from the browser window...
10/12/2014
Adobe Reader is one of the most popular programs for work and PDF viewer files. The PDF format is used to create a kind of electronic books, but its capabilities are not limited to this. Some user manuals or training materials are often written in PDF format. IN latest versions format, it became possible to embed Flash video into a document. Adobe program Reader perfectly supports all these features and allows you to view all types of documents, regardless of what format modification was used to create them. Among other things, the main Adobe Reader package also includes...
PDF is one of the most common formats for documentation, e-books and instructions. In PDF format, you can save information in any form, and it will be displayed the same everywhere, i.e. The formatting and layout of the document will always be the same. This is why the PDF format has earned its recognition.
To begin with, I would like to immediately clarify that the programs that will be discussed open PDF files only FOR VIEWING, i.e. It is IMPOSSIBLE to change anything in a document using them. Some programs only allow you to modify the text, but not the content. The PDF format itself is quite specific, and even with the help of editors, the process of editing it is not at all similar to working with a Word document.
In the simplest case, you can read the file in any modern browser: Google Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Internet Explorer,Edge. The functionality will be limited: only viewing content and printing. To do this, simply drag the file to an empty browser tab. But if the PDF file does not open this way, then try installing one of the programs.
Uncompromising Acrobat
In order not to have any problems with displaying PDF files, it is best to install the program of the format developer itself - Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Just select the program language “Russian” if the download page itself does not correctly determine it. The installation process is trivial, just click “Next” all the time.
Adobe has a complete package for working with PDF documents, including creating and editing - but it is paid.
Acrobat Reader provides good set capabilities and flexibility in configuration for ease of use. It's completely free for both home and commercial use and is on my list. When you first start you will need to confirm the use free license. Most likely, you won’t even have to go into the settings, because the program works great by default.
In recent Adobe versions Reader there is still a small opportunity to change the file. These are tools for highlighting text and inserting comments. The title “Text Highlighting” is probably not a very good Russian translation, because... “Text highlighting” is more suitable. To highlight the text, click on the icon in the toolbar and select the text, and the add comments icon is located immediately to the left.
By default, text is highlighted in yellow. You can change the highlight color only after highlighting with the default color. To do this, double-click on the selection and in the window click on the icon and select “Properties”. From there you can remove the highlight and add or change a comment.
Alternative programs for PDF
Acrobat Reader, of course, is far from the only PDF viewer. The developers managed to make an ordinary viewer a relatively heavy product. Basically there are no problems, but the program takes a long time to install and sometimes slows down.
Foxit Reader
The program is lightweight and simple interface. As a result, Foxit Reader launches quickly and is less demanding on computer resources.
Particular attention is paid to security, namely, at the first start it is proposed to install safe mode, which does not open attachments in the document and does not run scripts. Foxit Reader allows you to select text, insert comments, graphic objects, multimedia files (video and audio), but you can edit text only in the paid package Foxit PDF Editor.
However, over time, Foxit Reader has also become heavier, so I advise you to run its portable version.
Portable versions are distinguished by the fact that they are lighter and installation is very quick or not required at all. When you first start it, a window with two buttons will pop up, select “Not Now”. For the program to become in Russian, you need to go to the menu “File -> Preferences -> Language -> select Russian”
And restart the program with the “Restart Now” button.
The easiest one is Sumatra PDF
This is already an open project source code, the program is the easiest and not at all demanding on resources. Can open not only PDF, but also CHM, XPS, DjVu, CBZ and CBR files.
Two versions are available: for installation and portable (works without installation). Since Sumatra PDF is already very light, I recommend downloading full version, so you can immediately set the program to open all PDF files by default.
The program has practically no settings, everything is easy and simple.
Good day!
Magazines, books, scanned documents, forms, blueprints 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 for those who are faced with some problem and cannot read specific file PDF 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 can choose a “software” for themselves 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.Link -
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 PDF editing. 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 ones), 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 electronic form 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 PDF will be available on such popular cloud drives like: 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 panel on the side displays content with quick links. 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 DjVu files into 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), a convenient bookmark system, a side menu (with the contents of the open book), a modern interface. In general, the abundance of all kinds of functions and capabilities is amazing (in fact, one can say: a multifunctional program).
Peculiarities:
- the program interface is as close as possible to Word, Excel, etc. (which causes a clear affinity 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 everyone modern versions OS 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 recently). 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 the PDF on any PC);
- unlike its analogues (including Adobe Acrobat Reader), the program correctly scales pictures in black and white (a 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 requirements for the system, 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;
- the ability to view several 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 translators ABBYY Lingvo and Translate It!
- There are plugins for IE and Firefox browsers;
- the ability to send PDF by email 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 2016 (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 (there is a portable version). 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.
Additions on the topic are welcome...
All the best and happy reading!
