PDF (Portable Document Format) is widely used for sharing documents due to its platform independence and ability to preserve formatting. To view PDF files, you need a reliable PDF viewer. While there are several paid options available, there are also excellent free PDF viewer alternatives that offer a range of features without costing a dime.
In this article, we will explore some of the best free PDF viewers available and discuss their features, usability, and compatibility.
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is one of the most popular and widely used PDF viewers. It is free to download and provides a comprehensive set of features for viewing, printing, and annotating PDF documents. With Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, you can view PDFs with high fidelity, search for specific content, add comments and annotations, fill out forms, and digitally sign documents. It also integrates with Adobe Document Cloud, allowing you to store and access your PDF files across devices. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
Foxit Reader
Foxit Reader is another powerful free PDF viewer that offers a range of features. It provides a fast and lightweight solution for viewing, annotating, and printing PDF files. Foxit Reader supports multiple viewing modes, including single page, continuous, and thumbnail view. It allows you to add comments and annotations, fill out forms, and even create PDFs from other file formats. The software is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
PDF-XChange Editor
PDF-XChange Editor is a feature-rich PDF viewer and editor that offers a free version with extensive functionality. It provides a user-friendly interface and supports various viewing modes, including single page, continuous, and side-by-side view. PDF-XChange Editor allows you to add comments, annotations, and bookmarks to your PDF files. It also offers advanced editing features like text editing, image insertion, and page manipulation. The free version is available for Windows, but a paid version with additional features is also available.
SumatraPDF
SumatraPDF is a lightweight and minimalistic PDF viewer that focuses on speed and simplicity. It has a clean and intuitive interface and is known for its fast performance. While it may lack some advanced features found in other viewers, SumatraPDF is excellent for quick and efficient PDF viewing. It supports various viewing modes and allows you to navigate through documents easily. SumatraPDF is available for Windows
Google Drive Viewer
If you prefer a cloud-based solution, Google Drive Viewer can be a convenient option. It allows you to upload your PDF files to Google Drive and view them directly within your web browser. Google Drive Viewer supports basic viewing capabilities, including zooming, scrolling, and printing. It also offers the ability to search for specific content within the document. To use Google Drive Viewer, you need a Google account and an internet connection
Evince
Evince is a free and open-source PDF viewer for Linux-based operating systems. It is lightweight and offers a simple interface for viewing PDF files. Evince supports various document formats, including PDF, PostScript, DjVu, and more. It provides basic viewing features like zooming, searching, and navigating through pages. While Evince is primarily designed for Linux, there are also Windows and macOS versions available.
Nitro PDF Reader
Nitro PDF Reader is a free PDF viewer that offers a range of features, including viewing, printing, and basic editing capabilities. It allows you to add comments, highlight text, and fill out forms. Nitro PDF Reader supports tabbed viewing, enabling you to open multiple PDF files in a single window. It also integrates with Nitro Cloud, allowing you to store and share documents online. Nitro PDF Reader
