The best program for pdf files. About the best free PDF viewer and its competitors

22/05/2017

Cool PDF Reader is a convenient program for viewing and converting pdf files, a distinctive feature of which is its small size and 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 an ordinary 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 a convenient angle. Another feature of the program is the conv ...

12/12/2016

Foxit Reader is an alternative popular package for working with pdf files. The program has a very intuitive interface, the ability to view files in several tabs, high speed and full compatibility with popular operating systems. An important factor is the presence of the Russian language in the program, which greatly facilitates the work 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, mod ...

26/09/2016

PDF-XChange Viewer is a fast viewer of the well-known 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 to open 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. Also, it is possible to import and export any file content. And it doesn't matter if it's text or pictures. You can add any images to the file, or vice versa, cut these images ...

04/05/2015

PDF Shaper is a collection of essential tools for optimal performance with PDF files. The program can convert a PDF document, or several at the same time, to MS Word, or rather to 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 vice versa, 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 help ...

28/04/2015

V recent times more and more e-books, magazines, brochures appear on the Internet, and all these files are usually in PDF or DjVu format. This program will help you to view DjVu, PDF, TIFF and similar files on Windows OS. STDU Viewer lightweight, simple and worthy replacement for Adobe Acrobat. The program includes all necessary tools to read and search for fragments in a document. The program is available in several languages, including Russian. Among the pluses, a wide range of zoom options can be noted: scale to fit the screen, scale by selection, display the entire page to full screen or only to ...

28/03/2015

PDF Architect - simple program, designed to convert a number of texts, images into a convenient PDF format. The utility allows you to read the generated documents and any files with a similar extension. For the convenience of interacting with the application, you can create a number of bookmarks with the necessary documents at once, and when you need to switch between them. PDF Architect allows you to change the scale of the document, rotate it. To create your own document with this format, you need to go through activation by email. Thanks to this function, any user can create a PDF file from a taken image, texts or Comicbook files. The program allows ...

24/03/2015

SoftDigi PDFViewer is a small application built specifically for viewing various files with PDF extension. The program has an outwardly pleasant interface, allows you to combine various PDF documents into one common file... Allows you to set the minimum document security parameters, necessary information O this file... The application has functions such as moving pages, deleting unnecessary pages, exporting, swapping. 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. Exports p ...

27/01/2015

Sumatra PDF is a completely free viewer for formats such as XPS, CBR, DJVu, CHM, CBZ and PDF. The program has a very modest interface, since the developers focused on the speed of its work and minimalism. Unlike the popular viewer Adobe reader, this program works an order of magnitude faster, has only a set of necessary functions and allows you to edit documents 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 br ...

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 e-books, but this is not limited to its capabilities. In PDF format, some kind of user manuals or training materials are often written. V latest versions format, it became possible to embed Flash video into a document. The Adobe Reader program perfectly supports all these features and allows you to view all types of documents, regardless of what format modification was used when creating them. Among other things, the main package of Adobe Reader also includes ...

For convenience, we distinguish four types of programs: viewers (for reading and annotating), editors (for editing text and other content), managers (for splitting, compressing and other file manipulations) and converters (for PDF conversions to other formats).

Most applications can be classified into several types at once.

Type of: viewer, editor, converter, manager.
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux.

A very intuitive and user-friendly program with an impressive number of functions. When you launch Sejda PDF, you will immediately see all the tools grouped by category. Select the desired one, drag the required file into the program window and start manipulating. Most of this application can be done in a few seconds, even if this is your first time using it.

What you can do in Sejda PDF:

edit text, add images and shapes;
convert PDF to Excel formats, JPG (and vice versa), Word (and vice versa);
combine and split files by pages, compress their size;
protect documents with a password;
add watermarks;
discolor documents;
crop the page area;
sign documents.

There are restrictions in the free version of the program. For example, files should not exceed 200 pages and exceed 50 MB. In addition, you cannot perform more than three operations with documents during the day. Price full version Sejda PDF is $ 5.25 per month.

Type of: manager, converter, editor.
Platforms: Windows, macOS,.

PDFsam cannot boast of a polished to perfection, user-friendly interface. In addition, the program does not allow you to convert PDF and edit the contents of documents for free. But it has several useful managerial functions available to everyone without payment or any restrictions.

What you can do in PDFsam:

merge PDF in several modes (merge in parts or shuffle page by page);
split PDF by pages, bookmarks (in places with specified words) and size into separate documents;
rotate pages (if some of them were scanned upside down);
extract pages with specified numbers;
convert Excel, Word, PowerPoint formats to PDF;
Convert PDF to Excel, Word and PowerPoint formats ($ 10);
edit text and other content of files ($ 30).

Type of
Platforms: Windows.

Highly functional program with a classic interface in the style of Microsoft office applications. PDF-XChange Editor is not very beginner friendly. To master all the features of the program, you need to spend some time. Fortunately, all internal descriptions and tips have been translated into Russian.

What you can do in PDF-XChange Editor:

add annotations and highlight text;
edit text and other content;
recognize text using OCR;
extract pages from documents;
encrypt documents (paid);
convert PDF to Word formats, Excel and PowerPoint and vice versa (paid);
compress files (paid);
sort pages in any order (paid).

These are just a few of the features you can find in PDF-XChange Editor. The program is available in several versions with a different number of possibilities. Paid versions start at $ 43.5.

Type of: viewer, manager, converter, editor.
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS.

Popular universal program for working with PDF from the company. The free version is a very convenient document viewer, the rest of the functions are available by subscription at a price of 149 rubles per month.

What you can do in Adobe Acrobat Reader:

view documents, highlight and comment on text, search for words and phrases;
sign documents (paid);
edit text and other content (paid);
combine documents into one file (paid);
compress files (paid);
convert PDF to Word, Excel and PowerPoint formats (paid);
convert images JPG formats, JPEG, TIF and BMP to PDF (paid).

All these and other features are available in the desktop versions of Adobe Acrobat Reader. Mobile versions programs only allow you to view and annotate documents, as well as - after subscribing - convert them to different formats.

Type of: viewer, converter.
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS.

Fast and convenient PDF reader with different viewing modes. Ideal for users looking for a simple document reader with no clutter additional functions... The program is available on all major platforms.

The PDF format has become one of the most popular formats for distributing documentation, typographic layouts, and even books. This is explained by two factors. First, a PDF file, unlike a regular text file, cannot be changed by the recipient. This is important, for example, for documentation. Second, the recipient of the file can easily open it with the freely available free Adobe Reader. And at the same time, you do not need to install fonts, or adjust any spacing and indents - constant companions when you open a complex document prepared by someone in Word. Adobe's PDF viewer isn't the only tool today. We'll cover several products that will allow you to create or view a PDF file.

How to create PDF

In all modern office suites, whether paid Microsoft Office or free Libre Office, PDF format is supported. This is what the "Save As ..." dialog looks like in Word.

And for the rest of the programs, the applications that I will describe in this article create virtual printer, and printing to PDF is carried out as a normal printing option. You just choose "print to PDF" instead of a physical printer. This is how such a printer looks like in Foxit Reader.

if you have text file and you want to get a PDF from it and install office suite for the sake of this you do not want to, then you can do it from online services Google drive or Office Live. Both are free.

How to read PDF

Regular browser

Almost all modern browsers are able to view PDF format. Only it turns out they are still bad. Those who tried to view some really complex PDF through them will understand what I mean.

Scaling of the document is not so convenient in browsers, sometimes it leads to incorrect display of content. Plus, the navigation through the table of contents is not very convenient. The functionality for viewing PDF files ends only with the viewing function itself, which is somewhat reminiscent of the mode preview when printing.

Foxit Reader

Download Foxit Reader 6.1.5.0624 RUS

Foxit Reader is much better with PDF display and functionality. This is perhaps the most popular after Adobe Reader, and the most convenient "reader" for PDF files. It is smaller than Adobe Reader and faster.

Foxit Reader implements a convenient fragment search that works only in those files where the manufacturer has allowed text to be left. There is also a version of a PDF file that is closed from searching and extracting text, which can only be turned into text by an automatic recognizer like FineReader.

Those who have met this program for a long time will be greatly surprised by its new appearance... Foxit Reader is very close to Microsoft Office in appearance! It is difficult to list all the operations that it allows you to do with PDF files - there are a lot of them.

You can mark chunks of text with a marker, take notes on individual words and paragraphs, write text directly over the PDF file.

Cool PDF Reader

Download Cool PDF Reader

The Foxit Reader interface may seem overly sophisticated and complex to you. Then you better pay attention to Cool PDF Reader. It is the leader in the smallest program size. Its size is a little more than one megabyte, but this does not in the least prevent this program from performing well its responsibilities for viewing PDF files and searching through text.

In addition, the program can convert PDF to a number of graphic formats (GIF, BMP, PNG, WMF, JPG, EMF, EPS) and text (TXT). And Cool PDF Reader can also remove graphics from a PDF file for easy viewing. But this is a paid feature.

Viewing PDF in Windows 8

Finally, I'll tell you about PDF support in the operating room. Windows system 8. It is responsible for the function of viewing files of this format. standard application called "Reader", made in a "modern" full-screen interface.

There are no special settings, and the possibilities are minimal, although the search by fragment is implemented. At the same time, a very good and useful search results window has been made.

If you had to download books, reports or other text documents from the Internet, then you probably came across files that have the pdf extension. Once in such a situation, users often do not know how to open a PDF file. As a rule, programs for working with PDF are simply installed on the computer, which baffles many. In this article, we will take a short look at a number of popular programs that allow you to open PDF files.

One of the most popular programs is definitely Adobe (Acrobat) Reader. This software is developed by Adobe. Adobe Reader provides the user with full set basic functions for reading and viewing PDF documents. If this is the first time you come across this type of document, and do not know how to open a PDF file, then Adobe Reader is the perfect choice for you.

In addition to Adobe Reader, Adobe releases software to create PDF documents. This is Adobe Acrobat software. This program is a paid program and comes in two flavors, Acrobat Standard and Acrobat Pro.

Screenshot of Adobe (Acrobat) Reader:

You can learn more about Adobe Reader from the official website.

Another pretty popular program for working with PDF documents. Foxit Reader has gained popularity due to its simplicity and low requirements for system resources... Foxit Reader can be used without any problems even on the most weak computers. Long time this program was distributed without an installer, just as an EXE file ready to work.

At the same time, Foxit Reader is practically in no way inferior to Adobe Reader. It has all the functions you need to full-fledged work with PDF files. When I am asked how to open a pdf file, I recommend this particular program.

It should be noted that Foxit Reader is a cross-platform solution. Now there are versions of this program for such OS how: Microsoft Windows, Windows Mobile, Linux, iOS, Android and Symbian.

Screenshot of Foxit Reader:

To learn more about this software, visit the official website.

Another light and fast program for reading pdf documents. In addition to simple reading pdf documents, Cool PDF Reader is equipped with a number of other functions that distinguish it favorably from competitors.

Let's take a closer look at the main features of Cool PDF Reader:

View and PDF print documents;
Convert PDF documents to such formats as: TXT, BMP, JPG, GIF, PNG, WMF, EMF and EPS;
Extract text from PDF format to TXT;
Support for all versions of PDF format;
Support for 68 different languages;
View PDF files as a slide show;

At the same time, the program has a size of only 808 kilobytes and is not very demanding on computer resources.

Screenshot of Cool PDF Reader:

You can find out more about Cool PDF Reader on the official website.

Sumatra PDF is an open source software source code... In addition to PDF files, it can also work with files in ePub, XPS, MOBI, CHM, DjVu, CBZ and CBR formats. This program is available both as an installer and in a portable version.

Other features of the Sumatra PDF program include:

Simple and intuitive clear interface;
Support for over 60 languages;
Correct anti-aliasing of images when scaling a document;
Regular updates;

Screenshot of Sumatra PDF program:

You can find out more about the program on the official website.

STDU Viewer is a universal program for viewing electronic documents. STDU Viewer supports a large number of formats and is equipped with all the necessary functions to work with them. By setting this program, you will no longer have any questions about how to open a PDF file, or a document in another format. STDU Viewer will solve all your problems.

Let's take a closer look at the main features STDU programs Viewer:

View documents in formats: PDF, Comic Book Archive (CBR or CBZ), DjVu, FB2, XPS, TCR, ePub, multipage TIFF, TXT, EMF, WMF, PalmDoc, BMP, JPG, JPEG, GIF, PNG, PCX, DCX , PSD, MOBI and AZW;
Simple and intuitive tabbed interface;
Ability to customize document display parameters (brightness, contrast, etc.);
View thumbnails of pages;
Creation of custom bookmarks;
For text documents, the user can control the size and color of fonts;
Powerful search in text documents;
Support for several languages, including Russian;
The ability to print documents;

STDU Viewer is a fairly young program. The first version of STDU Viewer appeared in 2007. Then the program supported only three formats: PDF, DjVu and TIFF. As you can see, the program has come a long way during its development and now allows you to open a large number of different formats.

Screenshot of STDU Viewer program:

You can find out more about this program on the official website.

A few words about the PFD format

PDF or Portable Document Format is one of the most common electronic document formats. This format was developed by Adobe Systems. The first version of the format appeared back in 1993. Since then, the format has been actively developing. Almost every year it added support for new features. So, during the development in Portable Document Format, such features were added as: password protection, Unicode support, interactive elements, links, digital signatures, transparency, text layers, shapes, encryption, and more.

The main purpose of PDF is to publish printed products in electronic form. Most professional printing equipment supports the format, and can print such documents without additional processing or conversion.

At the beginning of its journey, the PDF format was not very popular. And there were objective reasons for this:

The software required to work with the format was paid;
There was no support in the format external links, which did not allow its full use on the World Wide Web;
PDF files weighed significantly more than regular text documents. It also created barriers to its use on the Internet;
Document processing in this format required significant system resources, which led to slow display of the document on slow computers:
In addition, there were other formats that created competition.

Now, none of these problems are relevant for the PDF format anymore. Adobe has released free version programs for viewing PDF files, programs from other manufacturers also appeared.

For more than 10 years of existence, the format has come a long way of development and this moment is a very powerful and flexible document creation tool.

Good day!

Magazines, books, scanned documents, forms, drawings and more are now often distributed in PDF format. Whether you like it or not, without special software for working with these formats - and not there, and not here ...

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 both for those who have encountered a problem and cannot read a specific PDF file, and for those who are looking for a convenient tool for everyday tasks.

The article will present programs of different directions, functionality, design, and requirements for system resources. I hope everyone will be able to choose a "soft" for their current tasks. And so, more to the point ...

Remark!

For example, formats such as txt, fb2, html, rtf, doc are much more convenient to read in special. readers rather than Word or notepad.Link -

Top 6 PDF viewers

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Opened a page of my site, saved in PDF

One of the most common programs for PDF reading (which is not surprising, because Acrobat Reader is a product from the very developer of this format) .

In her arsenal are some of the most ample opportunities for reading, printing and editing PDF. I note that not so long ago this reader was integrated with the "cloud" (Adobe Document Cloud), thanks to which, now it has become much more convenient to work simultaneously on PCs and mobile gadgets!

I must say that Adobe Acrobat Reader has amazing compatibility: some PDF files (especially large ones), which are not displayed correctly 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 superfluous to have it in reserve ...

Add. possibilities:

fast conversion of PDF file to formats Word programs or Excel;
now it is not necessary to have paper forms - you can fill them out electronically and send them by mail. Adobe Acrobat Reader allows you to do this;
in addition to the Adobe Document Cloud, you can customize your system so that PDF will be available on popular cloud drives such as: Box, Dropbox and;
the reader allows you to create annotations and comments for viewed files.

STDU Viewer

A very compact, free and versatile 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 sidebar displays content with quick links. Also, a bookmarking system is conveniently built-in, which allows you to return to the last read place in one click with the mouse.

In addition, easy page scaling, page rotation by 90-180 degrees, document printing, gamma and contrast adjustment, etc. are available.

There is a possibility convert PDF and DjVu files to text formats. In general, the program deserves attention and acquaintance!

Foxit Reader

Very handy PDF file reader. I would like to immediately note its relatively low system requirements(in relation to the same Adobe Reader), a convenient system of bookmarks, a side menu (with the contents of an open book), a modern interface. In general, the abundance of all kinds of functions and capabilities is amazing (in fact, we can say: a multifunctional program).

Peculiarities:

the program interface is as close as possible to Word, Excel, etc. (which causes an obvious disposition to the product);
the ability to quickly customize the toolbar (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 all modern versions of 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 for PDF viewing - I'm not afraid to say that Sumatra PDF is the 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). The main priority functions are: viewing and printing files;
support for 60 languages (including Russian);
there is a portable version that does not need installation (you can carry it with you on a flash drive, and if anything, you can open PDF on any PC);
Unlike its counterparts (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);
Supported OS Windows XP, 7, 8, 10 (32.64 bits).

PDF-XChange Viewer

Multifunctional program for viewing PDF files. Separately, I would like to note its relatively low system requirements, rich functionality, simple and user-friendly interface... By the way, the program supports the Russian language.

Peculiarities:

detailed setting of the font, displaying pictures, setting navigation, etc. allows you to comfortably read even large files;
the ability to view several files at once (including protected ones);
detailed customization of the viewing area and toolbar;
possibility of conversion PDF documents in picture 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 e-mail directly from the viewer (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 from home page of. site)

Hamster PDF Reader - relatively new program, which allows you to view not only PDF, but also such formats as XPS, DjVu. The program interface is made in the style of Office 2016 (similar to Foxit Reader).

The program is not replete with functions, but there is everything that most people need: setting the view (font, sheet, brightness, full screen mode etc.), printing, bookmarks, etc.

Another plus: the program does not have to be installed (there is a portable version). Thus, it can be written to a USB flash drive and always at hand to work with PDF.

In general, an interesting and uncluttered product that allows you to solve the most ordinary tasks.

Additions on the topic are welcome ...

All the best and good reading!