The 20 Greatest Free PDF Readers of 2023
Although they’re over 25 years outdated, PDFs are nonetheless one of many major kinds of paperwork on the web. Whether or not you’re making an attempt to entry your W-2, a contract, or an book, it’ll most likely be a PDF.
However to view these vital paperwork, it is advisable to obtain a PDF reader in your laptop.
There are lots of of PDF readers, and a few can value you virtually a thousand {dollars} per yr, so we sifted by the web to seek out one of the best 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 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 may create, share, and safe your PDFs on the cloud.
To create PDFs, you may add scans, convert Phrase paperwork, PowerPoint shows, 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 consider 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 can be a superb possibility for those who create PDFs usually to your job and want a option 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 programs like Field, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive.
The PDF reader’s compatibility with different programs helps you to open, view, share, and touch upon PDFs from anyplace and on any system you need.
What we like: Acrobat Reader DC’s most outstanding function is that it could 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
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Javelin PDF Reader is an easy PDF reader that allows you to launch and print normal 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 rapidly, 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 rapidly, Javelin might be the PDF reader for you.
Core Options
- View and skim 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 may convert any paperwork, shows, 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 most suitable choice.
What we like: Google Drive permits groups to share paperwork and collaborate seamlessly, due to a user-friendly interface and intuitive design.
Core Options
- View PDFs instantly 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 must do is click on on the PDF hyperlink.
You can even 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: Probably the most accessible possibility on this listing, internet browser readers, make it simple to open, learn, and regulate PDFs. For those who don’t must convert recordsdata into PDFs, you don’t must obtain a PDF reader. You may simply use your internet browser.
Core Options
- View PDFs instantly in your browser
- Rotate PDFs
- Print PDFs
6. Canva
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Canva is greater than a free graphic design and modifying resolution. You can even view pdfs with a free account. And you are able to do way more than view — you may manipulate each component 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 changing into more and more standard for graphic design and video modifying. So many individuals use it each day, which makes it an especially handy software for viewing and updating pdfs.
Sometimes, the content material barely shifts once you open the pdf in Canva, however the payoff is large for those who’re already conversant in Canva. And as a web-based app with an intuitive interface, it’s simple to make use of and broadly obtainable to virtually each system.
Core Options
- Edit PDF content material quick
- Merge PDF recordsdata and set up pages with ease
- Break up, insert and extract PDF pages
- Edit PDFs from any system
- Collaborate along with your workforce
- Share and ship recordsdata
- Entry free photos, icons, graphics, and fonts
- Get computerized language translation
7. Kindle
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Do you know that one of the vital standard free e-reader apps can also be an ideal PDF reader? The app is free, making it a wonderful possibility for studying and storing PDFs to entry them on the go.
After downloading the app to your system, you may electronic mail your file on to your cell 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 system 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 simple entry. Utilizing Kindle to learn and retailer vital PDFs means you may entry them on the go.
What’s extra, for those who obtain them, you may entry them even for those who don’t have web or wifi entry.
For those who’re already a Kindle person or conversant in the interface, it is a nice possibility — irrespective of which system you utilize.
Core Options
- Learn PDFs and different file sorts
- Entry on any system
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 primarily based in your wants.
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What we like: As a result of it’s simple to make use of and requires no downloads, DocFly is a implausible possibility for anybody needing a fast option to view or edit pdfs and convert them to different file codecs.
The free model is proscribed to three month-to-month recordsdata, however it’s an ideal resolution for those who simply want a fast repair.
Core Options
- Overview 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
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LightPDF is available in a browser-based app that almost any internet browser can use, in addition to an iPhone app. The free model permits you to 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.
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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 consider or edit PDFs with out a lot know-how.
And whereas the free model is proscribed to three recordsdata a day, that’s ample for most individuals’s wants.
Plus, with AI changing into more and more standard and vital, this selection could quickly be among the many high selections.
Core Options
- View and edit PDFs
- Merge or break up PDFs
- Watermark or annotate PDFs
- Convert quite a lot of file sorts to PDFs
- Convert PDFs into quite a lot of codecs
- Compress PDFs
- Use AI to edit PDFs
- Safe and signal PDFs
10. PDF Escape
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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.
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What we like: The most effective 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 types
- Create fundamental PDF types
- Safe PDFs
- Share PDFs on-line
11. Sejda On-line PDF Editor
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Sejda provides a free on-line PDF editor that you should use to rapidly and simply handle your PDF paperwork.
In keeping with 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 may add recordsdata out of your native laptop, Dropbox, and Google Drive; Sejda makes it simple for the tip person—you. Additionally they provide a free desktop model for Mac with a low-cost annual improve.
Core Options
- Join with Dropbox, Google Drive, or onerous 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 Greatest Free PDF Readers for Home windows
1. Ashampoo PDF Free
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Ashampoo is a free Home windows obtain lets customers create, merge, and edit PDFs. A light-weight model of their extra sturdy paid PDF software program, it’s lots sturdy 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.
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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 software
- 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 even write scripts in Javascript to change your paperwork.
What we like: If you need a low-memory PDF reader that you would be able to simply edit and consider 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 offers 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, e book, and presentation and shortcuts that assist 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 skim the knowledge they’re in search of rapidly.
Core Options:
- The small, transportable PDF reader can be utilized on a USB stick
- Easy person interface
- Learn and annotate PDFs
4. Slim PDF
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Slim PDF is among the smallest PDF readers on this planet, taking on simply 15 MB of house 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 obtainable 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 proper steadiness between being light-weight and highly effective.
Core Options
- Open and consider 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, they usually expertise plenty of pop-up advertisements, however the trade-off is a minimal file dimension — which is nice for customers in search of velocity.
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What we like: Any simply accessible PDF reader of small file dimension can drastically 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 Greatest Free PDF Readers for Mac
1. Highlights PDF Reader
Touted because the PDF reader for analysis, Highlights goes far past studying or viewing PDFs. It’s filled with easy-to-use options that make taking notes on PDFs simple.
You may open any PDF file, spotlight textual content, snag useful photos, and add feedback. That data is pulled right into a separate display screen so that you don’t miss important data.
What we like: Highlights is among the greatest choices for taking notes on current paperwork, whether or not to 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
- Monitor notes in a separate doc
- Merge annotations and kind by class
- Entry on any Apple units
2. Preview
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Although Preview is the pre-installed PDF reader on each Mac, it’s extra highly effective than you assume.
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 desires to make use of one PDF reader for private {and professional} issues.
What we like: Preview is your best option for somebody who desires 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 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 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 teachers in thoughts, Skim’s annotation and markup options put it above the competitors.
Core Options
- View, edit, and annotate PDFs
- Spotlight vital textual content and take snapshots
- View all of your notes and highlights
- Handy studying in full display screen
- Permits highly effective shows with built-in transitions
- Save passwords in Keychain
- Export notes as textual content
4. Wondershare PDF Reader
Whereas Wondershare isn’t utterly free, it does provide a free trial. Nonetheless, this can be a superb possibility 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, however it additionally permits for digital signatures, provides watermarks, and makes it simple to create types.
What we like: Wondershare’s free model provides a strong 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 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 precise PDF editor can assist your workforce with collaboration and file administration.
This text was initially revealed in August 2018 and has been up to date for comprehensiveness.
