Although they’re over 25 years outdated, PDFs are nonetheless one of many fundamental sorts of paperwork on the web. Whether or not you’re attempting to entry your W-2, a contract, or an e book, it’ll most likely be a PDF.
However to view these essential paperwork, you’ll want to obtain a PDF reader in your laptop.
There are a whole bunch of PDF readers, and a few can price you nearly a thousand {dollars} per yr, so we sifted via the web to search out the most effective free PDF readers you may obtain on-line.
Beneath, we curated 20 free PDF readers whose capabilities vary from solely viewing PDFs to creating, modifying, and securing them.
The 20 Finest Free PDF Readers
The 11 Finest Free PDF Readers for Home windows and Mac
1. Foxit Reader
Foxit Reader is just like the Google Docs of PDF readers. You may create, share, and safe your PDFs on the cloud.
To create PDFs, you may 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 may grant and revoke doc entry. You may then observe who opens your doc and look at their exercise. This system will even notify readers about new updates to your PDF.
What we like: Foxit PDF Reader gives a number of safety choices to maintain your PDFs protected and personal, like passwords, digital signatures, and encryption.
Foxit can be a very good choice in the event you create PDFs commonly on your job and wish a solution to collaborate on the identical file.
Core Options
- Learn and print PDFs
- Entry from anyplace
- 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 methods like Field, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive.
The PDF reader’s compatibility with different methods helps you to open, view, share, and touch upon PDFs from anyplace and on any machine you need.
What we like: Acrobat Reader DC’s most outstanding 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 an easy PDF reader that permits you to launch and print commonplace and encrypted PDFs, annotate them, and bookmark them.
Since its obtain dimension is 2 MB and it doesn’t have additional options like modifying, the PDF reader is quick.
You may additionally discover a easy and clear person 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 essentially the most accessible PDF converter and PDF storage system. You may convert any paperwork, displays, and sheets into PDF recordsdata on the platform. You may 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 you need to do is click on on the PDF hyperlink.
You can too 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 regulate textual content dimension.
What we like: Essentially the most accessible choice on this checklist, net browser readers, make it simple to open, learn, and regulate PDFs. For those who don’t have to convert recordsdata into PDFs, you don’t have to obtain a PDF reader. You may 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 modifying answer. You can too view pdfs with a free account. And you are able to do rather more than view — you may manipulate each factor of your pdf, modifying textual content and graphics.
It’s as simple as opening the app, importing your pdf, and opening it.
What we like: Canva is turning into more and more standard for graphic design and video modifying. So many individuals use it each day, which makes it an especially handy device for viewing and updating pdfs.
Sometimes, the content material barely shifts while you open the pdf in Canva, however the payoff is big in the event you’re already conversant in Canva. And as a web-based app with an intuitive interface, it’s simple to make use of and broadly out there to nearly 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 crew
- Share and ship recordsdata
- Entry free photos, icons, graphics, and fonts
- Get computerized language translation
7. Kindle
Do you know that one of the vital standard free e-reader apps can also be an incredible PDF reader? The app is free, making it a wonderful choice for studying and storing PDFs to entry them on the go.
After downloading the app on your machine, you may electronic mail your file on to your cellular Kindle app. To seek out your Kindle deal with, go into settings and discover the “Ship to Kindle electronic mail deal with.”
By emailing it to your Kindle app, you may entry it on any machine you employ 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 essential PDFs means you may entry them on the go.
What’s extra, in the event you obtain them, you may entry them even in the event you don’t have web or wifi entry.
For those who’re already a Kindle person or conversant in the interface, this can be a nice choice — regardless of which machine you employ.
Core Options
- Learn PDFs and different file sorts
- Entry on any machine
8. DocFly
DocFly has received 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 primarily based in your wants.
What we like: As a result of it’s simple to make use of and requires no downloads, DocFly is a implausible choice 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 incredible answer in the event you simply want a fast repair.
Core Options
- Assessment and edit PDFs
- Merge or break up PDFs
- Create PDFs from different file sorts
- Convert PDFs to completely different file sorts
- Save and safe PDFs
- Entry PDFs from anyplace
9. LightPDF
LightPDF is available in a browser-based app that almost 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 embrace modifying, merging, rotating your recordsdata, and two-way conversion between PDF and varied different file sorts.
What we like: Something browser primarily based is user-friendly for almost anybody. LightPDF’s intuitive interface makes it simple to make use of and look at 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 turning into more and more standard and essential, this selection could quickly be among the many high decisions.
Core Options
- View and edit PDFs
- Merge or break up PDFs
- Watermark or annotate PDFs
- Convert a wide range of file sorts 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.” Obtainable as a browser-based model, it’s simple to make use of, make fundamental edits to your PDFs, and create and fill PDF types.
What we like: One of the best half about these free browser-based choices is that each 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 types
- Create fundamental PDF types
- Safe PDFs
- Share PDFs on-line
11. Sejda On-line PDF Editor
Sejda affords a free on-line PDF editor that you should use to shortly and simply handle your PDF paperwork.
In accordance with Sejda, recordsdata keep personal 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 may add recordsdata out of your native laptop, Dropbox, and Google Drive; Sejda makes it simple for the tip person—you. In addition they supply a free desktop model for Mac with a low-cost annual improve.
Core Options
- Join with Dropbox, Google Drive, or laborious drive
- Edit or add textual content and hyperlinks to your PDF
- Add photos to your pdf
- Fill and signal PDF types
- Add shapes or block textual content in your PDF
- Discover and substitute textual content in PDFs
The 5 Finest 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 strong paid PDF software program, it’s loads strong for many customers.
With easy phrase processor-style modifying, the power so as to add pages, merge paperwork, and sign-and-fill, Ashampoo covers the most typical fundamental PDF makes use of and wishes.
What we like: Ashampoo’s free PDF reader is a handy, free choice 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 an ordinary PDF reader for viewing and modifying PDF recordsdata.
You may fill out textual content types, annotate paperwork, and use it to transform PDF recordsdata into different file sorts like HTML, SVG, and CBZ. You can too write scripts in Javascript to change your paperwork.
What we like: In order for you a low-memory PDF reader which you can simply edit and look at recordsdata on, MuPDF is your best choice.
Core Options
- Small file dimension
- Learn and annotate PDFs
- Fill out PDF types
3. SumatraPDF
Although SumatraPDF lacks some superior options like annotation, doc signing, and form-filling, Sumatra PDF gives an intuitive and quick studying expertise; its different key options make it a wonderful reader.
It has a number of viewing modes like a single web page, ebook, and presentation and shortcuts that allow you to navigate any PDF file. For those who simply have to 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 searching for shortly.
Core Options:
- The small, moveable PDF reader can be utilized on a USB stick
- Easy person 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 out there for Home windows, Mac, and Linux.
What we like: Slim PDF is small however mighty. Slim PDF is a superb alternative if you need an answer that strikes the proper stability between being light-weight and highly effective.
Core Options
- Open and look at PDFs
- Add feedback or annotate PDFs
- Fill & signal PDFs
- Darkish/mild 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 a lot of pop-up adverts, however the trade-off is a minimal file dimension — which is nice for customers searching for velocity.
What we like: Any simply accessible PDF reader of small file dimension can enormously 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
- Help PDF recordsdata of all variations
- Work with 72 completely different languages
- Zoom in/out and rotate web page shows
- Slide present PDF doc with full display screen
The 5 Finest 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 may open any PDF file, spotlight textual content, snag precious photos, and add feedback. That info is pulled right into a separate display screen so that you don’t miss essential info.
What we like: Highlights is among the greatest choices for taking notes on current paperwork, whether or not on 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 strong for many customers.
Core Options
- Learn and annotate PDFs
- Observe notes in a separate doc
- Merge annotations and kind by class
- Entry on any Apple gadgets
2. Preview
Although Preview is the pre-installed PDF reader on each Mac, it’s extra highly effective than you suppose.
On Preview, you may view and annotate your paperwork, mix paperwork, fill out and signal types, edit photos, 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 types
- 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 lecturers 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 may 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 lecturers in thoughts, Skim’s annotation and markup options put it above the competitors.
Core Options
- View, edit, and annotate PDFs
- Spotlight essential 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 supply a free trial. Nonetheless, this can be a very good choice for somebody who wants a pdf editor for one-off tasks.
With Wondershare PDFelement, you can’t solely edit paperwork and convert them to PDFs, nevertheless it additionally permits for digital signatures, affords watermarks, and makes it simple to create types.
What we like: Wondershare’s free model affords a strong assortment of options and performance customers sometimes have to pay for.
Core Options
- View and edit PDFs, together with including graphics
- Convert PDFs to and from completely different file sorts
- Batch and examine PDFs
- Annotate, fill, and signal PDFs
- Scan and create PDFs
Edit PDFs With Ease
PDF modifying software program is a should for companies and professionals. The suitable PDF editor can assist your crew with collaboration and file administration.
This text was initially revealed in August 2018 and has been up to date for comprehensiveness.
