Choosing an e-reader for Android. The best programs for reading books on your phone

This category of programs includes free programs for reading and commenting (annotating) PDF documents that can replace the slow and bloated Adobe Reader. Despite many years of experience, Adobe Reader still lags behind its analogues in a number of parameters.

Note: Of course, here it is necessary to take into account that Adobe is a commercial company, so it cannot be particularly eager to develop the free version.

In any class of programs, it is necessary to determine criteria based on which favorites can be identified. However, they must be balanced against the fact that each user has their own needs and preferences. Therefore, within this category, diverse criteria have been taken that are likely to take into account most needs. The criteria themselves:

  • Ability to open PDF files. No, this is not a joke. Not all PDFs are created equal. The test set consisted of about a dozen different files. Different sizes, with different security settings, shapes and graphic content. Basically, these are the typical files used by most people. It is worth noting that none of the programs reviewed was able to correctly display the test file with an Adobe 3D image. During the tests, a strict selection took place. Any reader that could not correctly read a PDF document, with the exception of this 3D file, was immediately excluded from consideration.
  • File opening speed. In this case, the criterion was somewhat softer. It was a matter of seconds. If the difference in opening was a second or two, then it was acceptable. Agree that delays of a few seconds cause indignation. Especially if the document is small.
  • Graphical user interface (GUI). In this case, both functionality and ease of use were taken into account. In slightly different words, how aesthetically pleasing the controls and functions are located, as well as how easy the entire interface will be for ordinary users to use.
  • Experience in reading documents. This factor includes both intuitiveness (what to expect? where to look? what to click? etc.; essentially all navigation elements) and the speed of rendering text and images.
  • Annotation (commenting) tools. One of the important aspects of PDF readers is the ability to mark, annotate, and add images to an existing document. And subsequently save the result without watermarks of trial versions.
  • Optical Character Recognition (OCR). OCR is the ability to convert a scanned image into readable text. And this is a fairly important feature. This feature makes the text inside the document searchable and copyable. Unfortunately, only one of the products reviewed contains this feature. Details later in the discussion.
  • Installation process. In addition, all programs were considered from the point of view of ease of installation. There is a sad tendency to include various third-party and unnecessary, and sometimes even harmful, software products in the installer.

Note: The software has not been tested on Windows 8. However, there is information about support for Windows 8 on the developer sites.

Review of free programs for reading PDF files (readers)

Of the entire range of free PDF document readers available, the first two stand out the most. They include extensive capabilities for viewing and commenting on PDF files. But, about this in more detail and in order.

PDF-XChange Viewer full-featured reader

This full-featured horse remains the top choice in this category. Subject to the exclusion of files with 3D images indicated above. The program was able to quickly open and accurately display all files from the test build. At the same time, you can change the size of the pages and turn them over. Export documents and their parts to various image formats.

A tiled window interface with multiple tabs allows you to read and comment on multiple documents at once, without having to navigate through multiple open copies of the program. Plus, for quick navigation, there are not only different options for displaying documents in the program window, but also maintaining a navigation history. You can go through all the viewed parts of different documents with just a few clicks.

In addition to viewing capabilities, PDF-XChange includes a wide range of tools for annotating and bookmarking PDF documents. The Annotation Toolbox contains a variety of drawing tools, including a grid display for creating a precise drawing. Comments can be hidden, exported, or imported.

The program also supports document encryption, security and document properties management. All controls are easily accessible and easy to use. Unfortunately, unlike some other PDF readers, XChanger lacks the ability to add digital signatures.

One of the important parts of any PDF reader is searching for text in the file. And this is where PDF-XChanger outperforms all its peers. It can convert and save a scanned image or text as a picture in a PDF document into readable and searchable text. The OCR process allows you to obtain a convenient and indexable document.

Note: If you use various services or programs that can index the text of PDF documents, then, most likely, you have already remembered those foolish documents that, by chance, are made up of many beautiful pictures, including text.

It is worth noting that the interface is somewhat reminiscent of Windows XP. However, once you open the program, you will not have any particular complaints. The graphical interface is designed quite neatly and pleasantly.

Unfortunately, the installer includes a special browser panel. So if you do not like to use portable versions and prefer to install programs, then you should be careful during the installation process to avoid installing unnecessary and unnecessary software.

Foxit Reader PDF reader alternative to PDF-XChange

A worthy contender in this category is Foxit Reader, especially if you don't need OCR tools. The program was able to open and accurately transfer all the same files, even a little faster than PDF-XChanger.

Foxit includes similar features for viewing and navigating documents, adding the ability to read documents aloud. Like XChanger, all documents open as tabs, allowing you to quickly read and comment on multiple documents at once.

While other programs in this category have been relatively static in their development, Foxit has been constantly evolving. The latest version of Foxit already offers different GUI display options. Depending on how accustomed you are to different kinds of views, you may like both the "classic" interface and the "ribbon" interface. The Ribbon is somewhat similar to Microsoft Office panels.

Of course, the annotation form tools may initially cause some problems, but other than that, navigation and editing, the controls are fairly well organized. Speaking generally about the interface, it is largely intuitive.

The array of annotation tools is as vast and impressive as PDF-XChange's. The user can fill out forms, fully comment on documents and save all work in the form in which he did it. Foxit includes some unique controls that allow you to add pictures, media files, and so on.

The program supports some functions for collaborative editing and sharing via social media. The program allows you to sign and check for validity documents with an electronic signature using the commercial service DocuSign. Although Foxit can open encrypted files, it unfortunately lacks features to configure file security.

Carefully! Foxit comes with various unwanted components that will try to install toolbars into the browser and change system settings. The components themselves change regularly. Users need to take great care during the installation process to avoid problems.

Sumatra PDF Viewer is an excellent simple program for reading pdf files

If all you need from a PDF reader is reading and printing. Then Sumatra is what you were looking for. Perhaps the utility is not so rich in capabilities and has a number of limitations in image rendering, but this is compensated by a large set of different viewing options. As you probably already understood, Sumatra does not allow editing or commenting on documents.

Note: To be somewhat honest, not many ordinary users know about the very possibility of commenting. Most people use this class of programs exclusively for reading documents.

Quick Selection Guide (links to download programs for reading PDF files)

PDF-XChange Viewer

Reasonable download speed. Printing documents. Extensive commenting capabilities without adding watermarks. There is OCR (image recognition). It can recognize not only scanned images, but also PDF documents themselves. A huge number of settings, including encryption, properties and security. Beautiful and pleasant interface.
The installer contains unnecessary and unnecessary software.

Foxit Reader

Fast. Various types of user interface. Extensive commenting options. Partial integration with social media. Can verify and add electronic signatures. Large set of functionality. Can read encrypted files.
No OCR support. The installer contains unwanted components that will constantly try to change browser and system settings. Therefore, during installation, care must be taken in selecting components. The operating instructions are downloaded separately.

When you need to open a PDF file, your choice is usually limited to two options: use the standard application for the Windows 8 or 10 operating system (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 other free PDF readers 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 that you do not change your settings until you have tried the new software and are sure it suits you. If you are satisfied with the result of the application, then in order to set the default PDF reader, you should right-click on the file once 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 is 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 all the tools you could want in a PDF reader.

Foxit Reader is perhaps the best program among the known alternatives to Adobe Reader. It's obvious why Foxit Reader is considered the best free PDF reader.

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 the Windows Explorer context menu.

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 the 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 the paid "Pro" version).

The key and distinctive feature of the free version of PDF-XChange Editor is the 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 does not have an arsenal of options, but it contains all the necessary tools for comfortable reading.

The simplest free PDF reader that doesn't take up much space on your disk.

SlimPDF Reader is perhaps the lightest program that 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 of the PDF to Office converter.

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 suggests, Icecream Ebook Reader was originally designed for viewing documents in EPUB and MOBI formats, but this application is great for viewing PDF files.

Since the program is used as an e-book reader, you have the ability to organize your books in a library and sort by type with search functionality, but no one prevents you from using the application for regular viewing of PDF files.

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.

We will look at the best e-readers for Android. Then we will choose among them the best program for reading in PDF (primarily), DJVU, FB2 formats (see readers for fb2). Each pdf reader, among other things, allows you to view a number of other popular e-book formats. Choose the appropriate application, depending on what books you download to your phone and what format you consider most suitable.

If you deal with PDF format, you must know that Android phones and tablets do not have a convenient program like Adobe Reader for reading documents and e-books. Reading pdf on Android is difficult without special software. However, it is not difficult to install one of the pdf readers. Here's what we offer to choose from:

PocketBook Reader - pdf reader for Android

PocketBook Reader is a mobile application for reading books on Android. With its help, it is convenient to read books from your phone and highlight text on pages. The pdf format allows you to create text notes “in the margins,” and PocketBook successfully copes with this task.

The PocketBook application is a universal viewer of various files; the reader recognizes most book formats, including PDF (Adobe DRM), EPUB (Adobe DRM), DjVu, TXT, CHM, html (basic), CBZ, CBR, CBT and others (see table below articles).

After scanning the smartphone/tablet, PocketBook Reader will present all contents in the form of thumbnails or lists. The library display mode is easily changed: the thumbnail view displays only the covers, while the list provides more information about each book, including title, author, and document format. In the next one you will see recently read books.

If we talk about more general aspects of the reader, navigation is available not only through books already in the library, but also through the SD card and phone memory. That is, the PocketBook Reader application is also a convenient navigation through your electronic library.

Apart from browsing the local content of your Android device, you can also go to the online library and download any book from there for free. This is a very convenient feature of PocketBook Reader, with convenient viewing and a download mechanism directly to a mobile smartphone or tablet.

Text navigation

  • Scroll through pages by touching the screen, sliding, or using the volume buttons
  • Quick search function for PDF files, including multi-page documents and books
  • Quick access to content and notes

Book display

  • 3 reading modes: page mode, two page mode, scroll mode and other display options
  • Changing Android Phone Screen Brightness
  • Manual and automatic adjustment of page margins for the most comfortable reading on small screens on phones, smartphones and tablets
  • Zoom in and out using two fingers. Double tap to zoom to screen size of a specific part of the page or column
  • Change text color and background color.
  • PocketBook reader supports four preset themes (night, day, sepia and newspaper)

Editing PDF documents

  • Taking notes (tagging text, adding comments, taking screenshots of books)
  • Export notes from PDF to file

Add. PocketBook Reader capabilities

  • Support for OPDS directories, work with network libraries. It is also easy to add any other source from where you can easily download books to read directly onto your tablet.
  • Support for ABBYY Lingvo dictionaries. It allows the user to use the translator to read foreign books and documents

Summary. The PocketBook mobile reader has many settings: font sizes, scale, text and background color, page margin settings and other options that affect reading comfort. Convenient navigation, wide support for book formats. An excellent universal program for reading books on a tablet. In general, PocketBook is a good e-reader for your phone.

PDF reader Universal Book Reader

Universal Book Reader is a free application for reading pdf documents and e-books on Android. It has a stylish and friendly interface, provides various modes for reading documents on smartphones and tablets. The built-in file browser allows you to open, read and save any e-book directly on your phone. In addition, UBR will help you open protected files in EPUB and PDF formats on Android (about supported book formats for Android).

In a word, if you need to open PDF on Android, the Universal Book Reader application is a completely worthy reader for Android. However, despite the Universal prefix, this program will be useful especially for opening EPUB and PDF formats - alas, other documents are not supported.

As usual, you can download the reader for Android from Google Play in Russian, the apk file size is about 20 MB.

PDF reader Radaee PDF Reader

If you need a very fast, snappy PDF viewer, check out Radaee PDF Reader. This is a free application that has fast rendering and support for various languages. Radaee PDF Reader is basically a PDF reading app for Android. As for editing, there are also several useful tools, but their composition cannot be called anything other than basic.

Main features of Radaee PDF Reader for Android:

  • Excellent caching and rendering performance, optimized for modern mobile processors. Fast rendering speed without preloading the cache.
  • Zoom (multi-touch), search, text selection and highlighting
  • 6 book display modes
  • Availability settings
  • Conveniently add annotations to a PDF document with one click
  • Editing and viewing media content

You can download the Radaee PDF Reader for Android using the link.

Adobe Acrobat Reader for Android - PDF reader with a big name

Adobe Acrobat Reader is a well-known, free pdf reader for Android, free of charge. The main functions of the Reader are reading, annotating, signing pdf files. Everything that is typical for the desktop version of Adobe Acrobat Reader is present here in full. In addition, Adobe's viewer offers access to PDF files via the cloud. This is a convenient opportunity to synchronize documents and books on different devices.

In fact, Adobe Reader is a very functional pdf viewer for the Android mobile platform. In addition to reading, you can

  • create notes (which is one of the features of the pdf format)
  • export documents to word and excel
  • save files to the cloud
  • create pdf documents directly on your phone or tablet. When it comes to editing, Adobe Reader on Android has virtually no equal.

The main functions of Adobe Reader for Android look like this:

  • Convenient viewing of pdf files on your phone
  • Quickly open PDF files via email, on the Internet, through any application with the Share function.
  • Search, scroll, zoom pages of a pdf document
  • Selecting a separate page, setting scrolling, special reading mode
  • Annotation and preview of pdf documents
  • Annotating documents, sticky notes and drawing, marking text
  • Printing, storing pdf documents in the cloud (Dropbox or Adobe Document Cloud)
  • Printing pdf documents from Android

EbookDroid - a program for reading books on Android

The EbookDroid program is not only a pdf reader for Android. The program opens EPUB and other e-book formats without any problems.

The EbookDroid interface is not very friendly, and the file download speed is not optimal (compared to other programs). However, the viewer is quite suitable for viewing pdf on Android. To read pdf, you need to install a separate plugin that is downloaded from the Internet automatically.

In the book display settings, you can change the reading mode (one-page / two-page), divide the spreads, trim pages by margins or manually, change the screen orientation, and hide unnecessary panels.

To organize pdf files and other documents in the library on your phone, EbookDroid uses local directories and network libraries. Synchronization with the cloud is not provided in EbookDroid.

In general, despite the rather gray interface, the EbookDroid reader is suitable for viewing pdfs. We must not forget that in addition to this format, the application displays books in djvu and fb2 without any problems.

AnDoc - pdf reader for Android

Librera Reader – free e-reader for Android

Librera Reader - a program for reading books, documents, music text (for musicians). It is multifunctional and easy to use. Designed for comfortable reading with maximum adjustment to the user's vision.

Readable document and book formats:

    PDF, DJVU, FB2, EPUB, MOBI, TXT, RTF, HTML, AZW, AZW3, CBZ, CBR.

    Text files that provide the display of pictures.

    Archival reading Zip, GZ (without the need to upload documents).

Setting up individual user parameters:

    Changing the format, style and size of text (adjusting indents and spacing).

    Change color settings to suit your vision at different times of the day.

    Setting the modes “for reading”, “for musicians” (provides for vertical movement of the musical text at a given speed).

    Converting information to another format.

You can add books to Librera Reader from the device’s memory or from external network sources. Provides access to OPDS catalogs.

Google Play Books – reader for ePub and pdf

Google Play Books is an Android reader that opens books from the Google Play library. Designed for easy reading for users with smartphones running Android OS. The advantage of the program is the careful adjustment of a comfortable mode for vision.

Formats supported by the program:

Customizable parameters:

    Creating an individual text mode (adjusting the parameters of texts and images).

    Color adjustment (day and night mode).

The application only has access to the Google Play library, which is extensive. You can add books from the device memory. They are subject to storage within one Google account, taking into account the progress read.

Other PDF Reader Apps on Android

  1. PocketBook Reader- a universal program designed for reading not only PDF, but also EPUB, TXT and other formats on a tablet and phone running Android. Files are conveniently leafed through, it has night and day reading modes, and the ability to organize an electronic library.
  2. Foxit MobilePDF– Android version of the famous competitor Adobe Reader for Android. Supports annotations, bookmarks, and works with cloud hosting. It works great on smartphones and tablets as a program for reading pdf documents.
  3. Concerning ezPDF Reader, then this pdf reader for your phone is unrivaled because it has a great interface and functionality. It can adapt to the desired screen, add annotations, and supports both files with a graphic layer and text.
  4. SmartQ Reader how to great reader for tablet, also works on most Android phones. Allows you to create a library and has a file manager. You can synchronize files on the Internet through the program.
  5. Office Suite Pro 6– an office suite that includes a program for working and reading PDF format, including editing and annotating. In addition, you can print documents directly from your phone, and you can also open password-protected documents.

Answers to readers' questions

They sent me a book by email in pub, text, mobi formats. But I can’t open more than one format, it displays “download a program for reading books on your phone in the Android Market,” and I don’t know which program. What to do?

Answer. Most Android readers support the e-book formats you listed. So install any application mentioned in the article on your phone and open any of the formats. Enjoy reading!

If you have ever downloaded books, reports or other text documents from the Internet, then you have probably come across files that have the pdf extension. Finding themselves 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 confuses many. In this article we will briefly look at a number of popular programs that allow you to open PDF files.

One of the most popular programs is certainly Adobe (Acrobat) Reader. This program is developed by Adobe. Adobe Reader provides the user with a full set of basic functions for reading and viewing PDF documents. If this is your first time encountering this type of document and you don’t know how to open a PDF file, then Adobe Reader is the perfect choice for you.

In addition to Adobe Reader, Adobe produces software for creating PDF documents. This is an Adobe Acrobat program. This program is paid and is available in two versions: Acrobat Standard and Acrobat Pro.

Screenshot of Adobe (Acrobat) Reader:

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

Another quite 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 problems even on the weakest computers. For a long time, this program was distributed without an installer, just as an EXE file ready for use.

At the same time, Foxit Reader is practically in no way inferior to Adobe Reader. It has all the necessary functions to fully work with PDF files. When people ask me how to open a pdf file, I recommend this program.

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

Screenshot of Foxit Reader:

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

Another light and fast program for reading pdf documents. In addition to simply reading pdf documents, Cool PDF Reader is equipped with a number of other features that set it apart from its competitors.

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

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

Moreover, the program is only 808 kilobytes in size and is not very demanding on computer resources.

Screenshot of Cool PDF Reader:

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

Sumatra PDF is an open source program. 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 interface;
  • Supports more than 60 languages;
  • Correct smoothing of images when scaling the document;
  • Regular updates;

Screenshot of the 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. The STDU Viewer program supports a large number of formats and is equipped with all the necessary functions to work with them. By installing this program, you will no longer have 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 of the STDU Viewer program:

  • View documents in formats: PDF, Comic Book Archive (CBR or CBZ), DjVu, FB2, XPS, TCR, ePub, multi-page TIFF, TXT, EMF, WMF, PalmDoc, BMP, JPG, JPEG, GIF, PNG, PCX, DCX , PSD, MOBI and AZW;
  • Simple and intuitive interface with tab support;
  • Ability to customize document display parameters (brightness, contrast, etc.);
  • View page thumbnails;
  • Creating 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;
  • 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 the STDU Viewer program:

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

A few words about 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. After this, the format actively developed. Almost every year it added support for new functions. Thus, during development, the following features were added to the Portable Document Format: password protection, Unicode support, interactive elements, links, digital signatures, transparency, text layers, forms, encryption and much more.

The main purpose of PDF is the publication of 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 necessary software to work with the format was paid;
  • The format did not support external links, which did not allow it to be fully used on the World Wide Web;
  • PDF files weighed significantly more than regular text documents. This also created barriers to using it online;
  • Processing documents in this format required significant system resources, which led to slow document display on weak computers:
  • In addition, there were other formats that created competition.

Now, none of these issues are relevant to the PDF format anymore. Adobe has released a free version of the program for viewing PDF files, and programs from other manufacturers have also appeared.

Over more than 10 years of existence, the format has come a long way in development and is currently a very powerful and flexible tool for creating documents.

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 a minimal set of features designed to simply view PDF files, while others have a whole host of additional options and features. 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 normal 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). The Firefox browser should definitely 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 tries to install an additional toolbar in and changes your home page. But, unlike lighter options, Foxit has built-in support for functions for creating notes, highlighting passages of text, and other PDF editing capabilities. 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 editing capabilities or other bonus features, but it 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 counterparts with 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 can also convert 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 annotating, although complex changes to documents will require more powerful 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, the PDF viewer built into the Chrome browser sometimes offers its users (or download) Adobe Reader to correctly view a single file.

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