When you need to open a PDF file, your choices are usually limited to two options: use standard application for operating room Windows systems 8 or 10 (usually installed by default with the operating system, or available for download in the Windows Store), or use good old Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Both options are great, but there are many others. free programs for reading PDF documents that can do even more. Whether you want to join documents, convert them to different formats, or extract images, our review will highlight other PDF readers that will do it quickly and easily.
Once installed, each application will offer to use a default PDF reader. We recommend not changing your settings until you try something new software and don't make sure it's right for you. If you are satisfied with the result of the application, then in order to set the default PDF reader, you should click once right click mouse over the file, and then select “Open with”. Select the exe file of your new application, check the box next to “Always use this application to open .pdf files” and click “OK”.
Foxit Reader more flexible and powerful than the built-in Windows PDF reader. Once you install it, you will no longer have the desire to return everything back.
A clear interface and many of the tools you could want in a software application. PDF reader-files.
Foxit Reader is perhaps the best program among the known alternatives to Adobe Reader. It is quite obvious why Foxit Reader is considered the best free application for reading PDF files.
The “Ribbon” interface is borrowed from Microsoft Office, so you can trust your intuition to easily guess where to find the tools you need. Tabbed document browsing makes it easy to work on multiple PDFs at once. There are also great features like form filling and PDF comments.
Because PDF is so common, it is a common target for viruses and other malware, Foxit Reader offers a Safe Browsing mode that controls click-through and Javascript functionality.
Program extensions, which can be downloaded and installed additionally, allow you to convert PDF files to other formats (and vice versa), as well as combine different PDF files into one. Format conversion is easily accessible because the function is built into context menu Windows Explorer.
Foxit Reader's power and versatility make it the best free PDF reader available. Try it now, you won't be disappointed.
Nitro PDF Reader doesn't come close to the functionality of Foxit Reader, but text highlighting and the ability to leave comments are very convenient features
An excellent PDF program that supports track changes and sticky notes.
Just like Foxit Reader, Nitro PDF Reader's interface resembles that of Microsoft Office software—but that's not a bad thing. Initially, the program appears as an advanced software that allows you to perform many functions when viewing documents.
But this free reader offers more than just document viewing. In addition to adding text highlights, notes, and comments, Nitro PDF Reader lets you add sticky notes to the documents you work with.
Nitro PDF Reader allows you to convert documents to PDF and vice versa. You can also extract all images from a PDF file with one click, and also sign the electronic document with your electronic signature. Without a doubt, Nitro PDF Reader is one of the best free programs for working with PDF files.
Few free PDF programs allow you to not only read, but also edit files. PDF-XChange Editor is one of them.
Classic free PDF reader, fully adapted for the Windows 10 operating system.
The free version of PDF-XChange Editor offers accessible features such as comments and the ability to add or extract pages (however, this feature is only available in paid version"Pro")
Key and distinctive function free version The PDF-XChange Editor program has an optical character recognition function. You have the option to scan a printed document, save it in one of the available formats, and convert the result to PDF.
During installation, we recommend choosing a “Custom” installation rather than a “Full” installation, and then selecting the components that you do not want to install. They are presented in a tree view, so you need to click on the “+” button to display all the components of the installation.
If you don't work with the PDF format very often, you can overlook the lack of functions such as text highlighting or leaving comments. SlimPDF Reader is not replete with an arsenal of options, but it contains all necessary tool for comfortable reading.
The simplest free PDF reader that doesn't take up much space on your disk.
SlimPDF Reader is perhaps the most easy program, which takes up only 1.43 MB of free space, the main merit of which is considered to be simplicity.
SlimPDF Reader is really nothing more than just a document viewer, but that's not a drawback. The control buttons and navigation are easy to use and self-explanatory. One of the main advantages of the program is its lightning speed.
Search, Print and Rotate are some of the few features of SlimPDF Reader, but you also get a free trial version Converter from PDF to Office formats.
If you're looking for a free, no-frills PDF reader, SlimPDF Reader is the perfect choice. The only drawback of the program is the inability to view a two-page spread on the screen.
If you want to read PDF documents in a two-page format, Icecream Ebook Reader is a great choice.
Icecream Ebook Reader is great not only for formats that e-readers support, but also for reading PDF format.
As the name tells us, Icecream program Ebook Reader was originally designed to view documents in EPUB and MOBI formats, however this application Great for viewing PDF files.
Since the program is used as a reader for e-books, you have the ability to organize your books in a library and sort by searchable type, but no one prevents you from using the app to view PDF files normally.
The program has an unusual, but still quite pleasant to use interface. Navigation of PDF files is striking in its simplicity; there is a choice of viewing modes, including an eye-friendly night mode. You can quickly add bookmarks and create notes, accessible from the Content drop-down panel.
Most people don't think about the PDF readers they can install. They simply install the Adobe Reader they are used to. But Adobe's PDF Reader is no longer the only option, and there are truly high-quality free PDF viewing programs that work on the Windows operating system and more.
Some alternative PDF readers are lightweight applications with minimum set features designed for easy viewing PDF files, while others, on the contrary, have a whole rad additional options and opportunities. There are programs that provide features that Adobe Reader does not have.
Built-in PDF readers
If you are using , then you already have a PDF reader. It is not multifunctional, but it is fast. Browser display is perhaps the easiest way to read a PDF document without installing a separate application. It displays any PDF document like a regular web page, the only difference is the additional toolbar that appears when you hover over the document. is also working on its integrated PDF reader, called PDF.js, which is included in Firefox 14 (though it's disabled by default). Firefox browser definitely should have its own built-in PDF viewer, which the developers have been promising to release for quite some time. Now there is no doubt that we will definitely see it in Firefox 15 or, at worst, in Firefox 16 (if something goes wrong).
It also has its own PDF reader. It turns out that programs that read PDF files are increasingly being integrated into the browsers and operating systems we use every day, gradually eliminating the need to install separate tools for reading PDF documents.
Foxit Reader
Foxit is one of the first names that comes to mind when people start thinking about alternative PDF readers. This may be due to the fact that it was one of the first alternative PDF viewing tools.
Unfortunately, during installation this utility trying to install additional panel tools in and changes your home page. But, unlike lighter options, Foxit has built-in support for functions for creating notes, highlighting text passages and other features PDF editing-files. It is a true full-featured alternative to Adobe Reader.
Sumatra PDF
Sumatra PDF can be considered as the lightest PDF reader available. It is very fast and has a simple interface, and is also available in a convenient portable version that you can take with you anywhere.
This development, unfortunately, does not have additional features editing or other bonus features, but loads and displays any PDF files at lightning speed.
Sumatra also supports keyboard shortcuts, making quick PDF reading perfect. Supports other file formats, including e-books in ePub and CBZ formats, as well as comics in CBZ and CBR formats.
Nitro PDF Reader
Nitro PDF Reader stands out among its free analogues some unique features and a pleasant interface. The program has certain features that you will not find in another application. For example, QuickSign lets you capture a digital image of your signature and apply it to any PDF document. Nitro PDF also supports files from Microsoft Word and other formats to PDF, convert PDF files to text, and even extract images from PDF documents.
PDF-XChange Viewer
PDF-XChange Viewer is a fast PDF reader, although not as lightweight as some of the other programs reviewed. The utility does an excellent job of editing and making notes, although complex changes to documents will require more functionality paid applications, such as Adobe Acrobat.
Adobe Reader
Adobe Reader is still the standard for PDF readers, although admittedly it is not the fastest application. Most PDF documents open fine in other PDF readers, but there are also files that will only be displayed correctly in Adobe Reader. If you prefer another program to read these files, don't be surprised if you occasionally need to launch Adobe Reader to view complex PDF files that don't open properly in other applications.
For the same reason, built-in Chrome browser The PDF viewer sometimes offers its users (or download) Adobe Reader to correctly view a single file.
Need to download music from VK?
PDF is a special file format that is designed to represent electronic documents. Most books, magazines and brochures are distributed on the World Wide Web in this format. However, many users have problems opening PDF files. The fact is that operating systems do not have standard means to interact with this format. Therefore, when trying to open a PDF using the same Notepad, the screen instead of necessary information a chaotic set of characters is displayed. How to fix it? A special PDF reader will help.
What program should I use to open a PDF file? If you constantly work with PDF files, then the best solution will download a desktop program that supports this format. There are quite a lot of such utilities. Let's look at popular programs that allow you to open PDF in Windows 10 and other versions of this operating system.
Acrobat Reader
Many PC users are convinced that the best program for reading PDF is Acrobat Reader from the well-known company Adobe. And this utility gained its popularity for a reason. The fact is that the creators of PDF are Adobe. This format has been developed since 1993 and was intended for the presentation of printed products. In 2007, PDF was standardized by the ISO organization. This led to the fact that this format became publicly available and began to be used everywhere.
Acrobat Reader - most powerful program for working with PDF. Using this utility, you can not only read documents, but also interact with them. For example, it is possible to copy a file, change it, etc. Among the main characteristics of Adobe Reader it is worth highlighting:
- Ability to play audio and video files;
- Printing documents;
- Ability to read e-books;
- Strat Meeting function, providing multi-user work;
- Possibility to increase individual elements document.
Perhaps the main advantage of Acrobat Reader is its distribution system. You can download this utility from the developer’s official website completely free of charge. Another difference between Acrobat Reader and most similar programs is optimization. Adobe specialists did their best. The utility is not picky about hardware. Thanks to this, Acrobat Reader works quickly even on computers with weak technical characteristics.
It is impossible not to mention backward compatibility. PDF has been refined over 30 years. Over this huge 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. Cross-platform is also good news. Adobe released a program not only for PCs. There are versions of the utility for other platforms: Android, iPad, Linux, etc.
Opening a PDF file using Acrobat Reader is very easy. You need to right-click on the document, after which a drop-down list will appear on the screen. In it you need to select the “Open with” option. In the window that appears, click on the Acrobat Reader option. The program will start and the document will be opened.
Another program worth checking out is PDF-XChange Viewer. The main feature of this utility is the presence of special plugins that provide comfortable 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. Eg:
- Support graphic formats(BMP, JPEG, PNG and TIFF);
- Ability to edit the document;
- Copying text is conveniently implemented.
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 spent a long time working on algorithms, thanks to which the program consumes a minimal amount of system resources. Change Viewer is distributed by free license, and anyone can download the utility.
Hamster PDF Reader
Hamster PDF Reader – universal program, which allows you not only to view documents, but also to print them. In addition to PDF, this utility supports DjVu formats and XPS. Among interesting features This program is worth noting:
- Convenient text scaling system;
- Ability to customize the interface to suit your own needs;
- Copying individual fragments of a PDF file to .
We can't help but rejoice at the advanced search system. Thanks to it, you can find the desired fragment of text by key phrases or words. It is impossible not to mention the abundance additional modes: Read, print, present and display in full screen. You can download the program completely free of charge. Hamster PDF Reader works correctly on all Windows operating systems from XP to 10. 
Hamster PDF Reader has a number of advantages. But there was a fly in the ointment. If we talk about the shortcomings of the program, the main disadvantage is speed. The utility opens some files quite slowly. Additionally, the lack of text labels is disappointing. Otherwise, the utility does not cause any complaints.
It is also impossible not to mention STDU Viewer. This program distributed completely free of charge. And its main advantage is that it can work with a whole bunch of formats. In addition to PDF, STDU Viewer supports BMP, DjVu, PSD, EMF, JPEG, GIF, WWF, etc. Among interesting opportunities This utility is also worth noting:
- Working with several documents simultaneously;
- Printing files that are protected from printing;
- Setting up the screen for reading;
- Separate operating mode for touch screen devices.
The utility is cross-platform. However, STDU Viewer only supports two operating systems: Windows and Android. The program takes up virtually no space on your 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 criticism is the printing. The program carries out this procedure very slowly. This is because the page is converted to graphic file what takes a certain amount of time. Another disadvantage is advertising. Starting with version 1.6, developers began to insert banners into their program, which caused irritation.
Online services
If you need to open a PDF file, but you do not plan to use this format in the future, then in this case you should not download the desktop program. It is better to use special web services that allow you to open . We will talk about the most popular ones in this part of the article.
Google Docs
How to open PDF? The first thing that comes to mind is Google with its service called Documents. With its help you can view various documents, including in PDF format. However, to access the service you must have a Google account.
How can I open a PDF file? First you need to upload the document. To do this, go to Google Drive. Then drag the file into the work area. You can also click on the inscription “My disk”, click on “Upload files” in the drop-down list and select the PDF that you want to read. The document will begin downloading to Google Drive. This will take a certain amount of time. 
After downloading the file, it will be in the work area. To open a PDF, right-click on it, then select the “Open with” option from the drop-down list and click on “Google Docs.” The file will open and become available for reading, editing and other manipulations.
Google Docs, unlike most online services for working with PDF, has no restrictions on the size of the uploaded document. This means that using the site you can read magazines and even entire books. However, it is worth considering that what more file the longer it will take to load onto disk. For example, a book of 700-800 pages with good internet It will take about half an hour to download.
PDF-OnlineReader
PDF-OnlineReader is a browser program that is designed to open PDF files. In terms of functionality, the service cannot compare with Google Docs. For example, PDF-OnlineReader does not have tools for editing files. With this program you can only read documents in PDF format. However, PDF-OnlineReader provides its services completely free of charge and does not require registration. 
The program interface is entirely in English. But this is unlikely to be a problem. After all, navigation is very simple and intuitive. To open a file, just make a couple of clicks. You need to click on the “Download PDF” button and select the document from your PC. If you want to upload another file, then you need to click on “Upload Another Document”.
In principle, PDF-OnlineReader has all the functionality you need for comfortable reading. There are several viewing modes, text can be enlarged, etc. The ability to leave annotations has been implemented. You can also use the site to convert a PDF file to Word or HTML. This will be useful if you want to continue reading on your computer.
DocsPal
Among the services for reading PDF, one cannot help but pay attention to DocsPal. The web program has existed since 2010 and is very popular. One of the main advantages of the site is its modern and at the same time 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 into the work area or click on the “Browse file” button and select PDF. Next you need to click on “View file”. The PDF will open in reading mode. It is worth noting that the program supports not only this format. With DocsPal you can read Word documents, JPEG, PNG, DjVu, etc.
DocsPal has standard reading functionality PDF document ov. You can turn pages, zoom in or out of text. If we talk about interesting features Internet resource, DocsPal allows you to transfer the document as a hyperlink. This is very convenient if you constantly exchange files with work colleagues.
Phone apps
How to open a PDF file on Android phone? For this purpose in the open spaces Play Market there are many applications. We'll talk about the most popular ones right now.
PocketBook Reader
PocketBook Reader is a utility for reading books on a phone running on the Android operating system. This program supports almost all existing book formats. Of course, this includes PDF. 
Perhaps the main advantage of PocketBook Reader is convenient navigation. When launched, the program will scan internal memory phone and external storage devices. After this, the application will present the found documents in the form of a list or thumbnails. Managing your file library is very easy. Navigation is carried out using the volume buttons or touching the screen.
If we talk about functionality, then in this regard PocketBook Reader can compete with desktop programs. Among the interesting features of the utility it is worth highlighting:
- Various reading modes;
- Ability to change the font and background of a PDF file;
- You can document using the sensor.
The program supports searching within a PDF file. Thanks to this function, you can find the required piece of text using keywords. PocketBook Reader also supports page numbering and file navigation. Instead of flipping through the book, you can simply enter the number of the desired page and the program will immediately display it.
One cannot but rejoice at the note-taking system, which in PocketBook Reader is implemented at a very decent level. In a PDF document, you can highlight lines with multi-colored markers, add text comments, etc. In addition, the program allows you to move to the note you made at any time.
Universal Book Reader is another reader for Android devices. The program is distributed under a free license. Anyone can download it Play user Market. The application will not take up much space on your phone. The APK file of the program weighs only 20 MB. 
With UBR you can open files in EPUB format and PDF. The program has several modes. Some are suitable for smartphones, others are convenient to use when reading from a tablet. UBR allows you to leave text notes on pages. In addition, in the application you can select and copy certain text fragments to the clipboard.
One of the main features of this program is the ability to open protected files. Few people know, but you can put a password on a PDF document. Using UBR, a protected file can be opened even without a code word.
In contact with
The .PDF format appeared in 1993, and was developed by Adobe Systems. Explanation of the abbreviation in the extension name - Portable Document Format.
Program for opening PDF files
The standard option for those cases when you need to open a PDF file and view its contents. This program was created by the same company that developed the .PDF format, and is undoubtedly the most popular “reader”. We also convert Pdf using this program. Free software ( paid subscription on Pro version will allow you to create and edit files with the PDF extension).
What are PDF files used for?
Most often, files with this extension are product manuals, e-books, flyers, work applications, scanned documents and brochures.
Reason for popularity of this format is that PDF files are independent of the programs in which they were created, nor of any specific operating system or hardware. They will look the same from any device.
How to open a pdf file? Which program is best to use?
PDF is a portable document display format created by Adobe.
The main feature of this type of file is that all elements of the document are displayed the same way, regardless of the device on which you open the file.
In PDF tables, there is no “wrong” line formatting, problems with displaying fonts, or accidental deletion of data from an important cell.
There are sometimes problems with opening this format, for example, if the appropriate software is not installed on the computer, this will be discussed in the article.
Main functions of the format:
- hyperlink support;
- the ability to edit only in special programs;
- free software to open pdf files.
Let's look at how you can quickly open the PDF format in modern computer and mobile operating systems, as well as using online services.
Best online services
If a program for opening pdf files is not installed on your computer, but you need to open the file immediately, you can use free online services.
An undeniable advantage of such sites is that they can be used on any device that has access to the global network.
KAKVSE
The first site, KAKVSE is one of the simplest and fastest online tools for viewing PDF, Doc or PostScript files.
You can view the file for free by uploading it to the site from your computer. The user can also enter an active link to the document in the appropriate line.
Let's open the document by uploading it to the service:
After clicking the View button, wait a few seconds for the file to be uploaded to the service. It will then open in a new website window.
To navigate through the document, use the toolbar, which is located on the left of the page. You can also use hotkey combinations to navigate:
- Alt +N – next page;
- Alt +P – previous page.
To return to home page, press the Viewer Home key.
PDF Online Reader
The next good website to display PDF documents is Pdf Online Reader. The service has a well-designed toolbar and wide functionality.
To open the file, click on the main page Upload a PDF. Your device's file browser window will then open.
Select required file and wait for it to finish loading onto the site.
Navigation is carried out using the up and down arrows located at the top of the toolbar.
You can also go to the specified page, change the window scale and page width.
Besides standard features viewing, users can make some edits to documents:
- adding annotations;
- text selection. The text is highlighted automatically after the user has selected the fragment of interest;
- adding external or internal hyperlinks.
The functionality of the service is demonstrated in more detail in the video.
Google Docs
To open a PDF document, go to home page storage and click on the “Create” icon (on the left of the toolbar). In the drop-down menu, click "Upload Files".
You just need to drag and drop the desired document into the window that opens.
After a few seconds, the file will open in a new online viewer window.
Opening PDF in Windows
There are a huge number of utilities for viewing PDFs in the Windows operating system. Let's take a closer look best programs For different versions this OS.
Windows 7
STDU Viewer
STDU Viewer is one of the best free programs for working with electronic documents and books for the Windows 7 operating system.
The main goal of the application is to replace a huge number of viewers with one simple utility. Installation file takes up only 3 MB.
Among the features of the application are a convenient user interface, support for more than 40 languages, and a convenient file navigation system.
Adobe Reader DC
Another one good program Opening pdf files for free is the well-known Adobe Reader - the official PDF viewer from Adobe Corporation.
Using the utility, users can do standard procedures with documents - open them, print and send them.
Windows 8/10
The eighth and tenth versions of the Windows operating system have a standard program for viewing PDF files - Adobe Reader Touch.
You can find the Reader through a search on the taskbar or through the Start menu (All Programs tab).
The functionality of the program is minimal. The user can only view the document, adjust the zoom and print files. There are paid extended versions.
In addition to standard utilities, Windows 8/10 users can install third-party software, for example, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Reader DC, STDU Viewer, Cool PDF and others.
Advice: Do not forget , that most browsers in Windows can open PDFs in viewing mode without any problems: Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Tor, Orbitum, Opera and others. To do this, right-click on the documents and in the “Open with” tab, select one of the available browsers.
PDF files on Mac OS
PDF Reader X
PDF Reader X for Mac OS allows you to quickly open files and easily organize all the documents on your computer associated with pdf.
Immediately after opening the program, the last viewed files (up to 10 pieces) are displayed on the left side of the main window.
The program has a convenient search by file system PC – easily find other documents. On the pages of the opened file, you can add your own notes and save them.
Skim is a simple and at the same time functional program for opening pdf-files.
The main task of the application is to conveniently display text and graphic data in one document.
If you don't want to reboot your PC with large programs for viewing e-books and files, install Skim.
In addition to the browsing function, users can highlight text, add notes, create bookmarks, save images and text.
Programs for Android
On Android you cannot view electronic documents without special software. You need to download it yourself, because the device does not have standard readers or file editors.
The key feature of the program is the presence of three modes for reading documents (page by page, two pages on the screen and “scroll”).
Users can quickly navigate through a file by searching for keywords.
Creating personal notes, highlighting text with multi-colored markers and scrolling with gestures make PocketBook one of the best mobile readers today.
ezPDF Reader
In this program I would like to highlight the quality of file display. All graphic elements (pictures, graphs, tables, notes) are highlighted in different colors.
Pages are turned using flips (a gesture that imitates flipping through a paper publication). Overall, users get the impression of reading a real magazine.
Open PDF on iOS (iPhone/iPad)
iBooks
On devices running iOS, electronic documents, including PDF files, can be opened with standard program iBooks.
Books also lets you open file attachments in e-mail and conductor.
Office Suite 6 iOS
If you prefer to use third-party software to view books and documents, we recommend choosing OfficeSuite 6.
This program is as close as possible in its functionality to a full-fledged document viewer and editor and is a kind of analogue of MS Office on a computer.
In the program you can view pdf or create documents in docx format, xls, ppts. Previously created docx office documents can be saved in pdf format.
PDF format in Windows Phone OS
One Reader
The program is distributed free of charge. She opens XPS formats, PDF, CBZ and password protected PDF.
Users can instantly transfer open files via email, bluetooth or upload them to SkyDrive cloud storage.
Foxit MobilePDF
Foxit MobilePDF is a cross-platform utility that has recently become available Windows users Phone.
The application provides high-quality display of files in landscape page orientation, so Foxit is very convenient to use on tablets.
With Foxit Mobile, you can open, view, and annotate documents in files.
Portable PDF editors
PDF files popular due to their cross-platform functionality and the quality of display of elements. As a rule, most free programs do not allow you to edit such files.
This is a privilege of paid software (Adobe Acrobat PRO, PDF Editor PRO and others).
However, there are still several free PDF editing programs available. As a rule, they are portable and do not require installation.
Because of this, the functionality is significantly reduced, but users can make basic edits without problems.
Foxit
One of these portable applications – Foxit PDF Editor Portable.
The developers offer a whole range of solutions for working with PDF, including mobile applications, auxiliary addons to the main program files, portable versions and much more.
The program allows you to edit basic elements (text, tables, delete pictures, change fonts).
Watch also the video tutorial about opening a pdf file:
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