Rating of programs for reading PDF files. About the best free PDF viewer and its competitors

Adobe Reader is the most popular application for reading documents in PDF format. An important factor in the distribution of Adobe Reader is its availability on many disks with drivers, games and other applications. The developer has attached documentation to his product in PDF format, but standard Windows tools they don't allow you to read it. Needs to be added to disk special program. In the vast majority of cases, her choice is not original - it is Adobe Reader.

New versions of applications, the development of which began a long time ago, often become overgrown with a mass of secondary functions, the interface becomes more complicated, and the speed of operation decreases. And now more progressive and nimble competitors are slowly ousting the old man from the market. But this has nothing to do with Adobe Reader. On the contrary, the latest versions of the program are much easier to learn than their older brothers. The program is developing, first of all, towards supporting new PDF standards, allowing you to display more complex documents using latest technologies visualization.

The Adobe Reader working window contains a toolbar with a small number of buttons (nothing superfluous), as well as a small sidebar, from which the main ones are called service modes applications. There is no status line, in its usual sense.

Toolbars are highly customizable. You can add or remove buttons on them, move them, block changes.

Ease of reading documents is ensured by a powerful scaling system. You can show the entire page on the screen and set its scale horizontally or vertically. The latter option is not found in other applications. Additionally, you can bind relative to page content. The document appears slightly larger by eliminating margins.

Viewing supported on full screen. Unlike some competitors, this mode absolutely lives up to its name. There are no control elements left on the screen, only the pages of the open document. There is also a second, less radical regime. It hides all panels except the window title and the main menu. Big savings happening again free space on the screen.

The program has a powerful search system. You can search text not only in open document, but also in all PDFs inside the specified folder. Full word search is supported and case sensitive. You can search not only directly in the document text, but also in bookmarks and comments.

Adobe Reader now supports forms. It allows you to enter, save and send information. There is support for barcodes. You can set up rules for automatically filling out forms. If your permissions allow, you can add comments to forms. And, the main thing that distinguishes Adobe Reader from other applications is the ability to check spelling in text input fields.

There is support for document authentication and protection viewing. You can specify trusted persons, certificates. The Accessibility Assistant allows you to change the rules for displaying the current document if its security does not prohibit such actions. This is necessary, for example, for users with low vision. Adobe Reader makes it easier for people with disabilities to view and navigate PDF documents. disabilities. Advanced features include automatic text scrolling, PDF reflow, keyboard-only control, and reading document text out loud.

A separate panel allows you to view a list of comments on a document. You can search for text in them. It is possible to sort them by type, by condition, by reviewers. The Revision Inspector monitors all changes made to the document. You can view your own adjustments, history of changes, and a list of what needs to be done.

The program contains a module for reading RSS news. You can subscribe to channels and read them in a separate dialog window. To be honest, it’s not entirely clear why the tool for PDF viewer I also needed an RSS reader. Network functions They don’t stop there. You can also organize online conferences with using Adobe Reader, as well as joint viewing of documents.

You can work with digital signatures. Certificates are used for this. By setting up directory servers, you can determine the location of certificates and store them.

Last Adobe version Reader supports all modern standards used in PDF documents. For this reason, the product includes a 3D viewing component that uses hardware acceleration. A special panel of models allows you to view their list, open, rotate, and scale.

The program has quite detailed local help system. But most full information provided online, at official page applications. It's already in English.

If there are no specific requirements for the application, then Adobe Reader is today optimal choice for reading PDF documents. Support for all standards means you don't have to worry about whether any complex file will display correctly. In addition, the program is built into modern browsers, which makes it possible to quickly view documents downloaded from the Internet online.

The only moment where alternative application may be on top - this system requirements. Adobe Reader has quite large size distribution, takes up quite a lot of space in RAM and runs a little slower than some competitors. However, the program was tested on a rather old machine, and even the discovery electronic versions magazines, books with a volume of tens of megabytes did not lead to noticeable slowdowns Adobe works Reader.

Hello, teapots and teapots. Today we’ll talk about programs that can be used to open PDF files. You've probably encountered something like this, right? Mostly people who use literature downloaded on the Internet encounter such files.

So, what is the PDF format? PDF format(English) Portable Document Format) is the format electronic documents, which uses the PostScript system. It is this format that allows us to provide printed products in electronic form.

As is the case with, the site’s editors use different programs For opening PDF files and, accordingly, considers his program the best, but also rated others existing species programs. Let's take a look at them.

The first and perhaps best program on the list is Adobe Reader. This paid program, but it can be found on the Internet already hacked. We will consider free option Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. In principle, it has all the most necessary functions. Opening files, recognizing them and converting them to Word format and Excel. It can be used both on computers and mobile devices. The interface is quite clear. Is a leader among computer users.

Interface – 5.
Functionality – 9.
Performance – 8.
System requirements – 6.
Quality – 9.

The second program, which in our opinion is a good and functional tool for PDF files, is Foxit Reader. An analogue of Adobe Reader, but it is free, which is actually its advantage. Another plus is that this program loads much faster than its “paid” counterpart. But there is one significant drawback - the processed text and images are not always of high quality. And so, in terms of its functionality it rightfully takes second place in our rating.

Interface – 6.
Functionality – 8.
Performance – 9.
System requirements – 8.
Quality – 5.

In third place, less functional program - STDU Viewer. In principle, it is only suitable for opening PDF files. But, unlike other programs, it opens most other formats - PDF, DjVu, TXT, TCR, TIFF, Comic Book Archive (CBR or CBZ), XPS, JBIG2. Therefore, we give her “bronze”.

Interface – 7.
Functionality – 6.
Performance –8.
System requirements – 7.
Quality – 6.

Fourth place - Cool PDF Reader. Free, very multifunctional program. The advantages are its size (less than 1 MB) as well as the conversion of PDF format into files TXT format, BMP, JPG, GIF, PNG, WMF, EMF, EPS. Has more than 60 languages.

Interface – 7.
Functionality – 6.
Performance –7.
System requirements – 7.
Quality – 5.

Well, we can end our rating here, but after consulting, we decided to include in this rating such a program as Sumatra PDF . An elementary program for opening PDF files. Its advantage is that it is made in the style of “minimalism”. The simplest design, fast-acting, but, unlike the ones listed above, it is less functional.

Interface – 8.
Functionality – 4.
Performance –6.
System requirements – 7.
Quality – 5.

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, it is necessary to take into account that Adobe is a commercial company, so there is special zeal in development free version she can't have it.

In any class of programs, it is necessary to define 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 various files. Various sizes, With different settings security, forms 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 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 programs for PDF reader is the ability to tag, comment and add images to 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 to the installer.

Note: Software not tested on Windows 8. However, on the developer sites there is information about Windows support 8 is.

Review of free programs for reading PDF files (readers)

From the entire set of available free readers Of the PDF documents, 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 best 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 formats images.

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 movement, not only different options displaying documents in the program window, but also maintaining navigation history. You can go through all the viewed parts 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 a 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 are using various services or programs that can index the text of PDF documents, then, most likely, you already remembered those foolish documents that, by lucky chance, were compiled from 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 display options GUI. 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 can cause some problems initially, 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 PDF readers- this 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 use this class programs exclusively for reading documents.

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

PDF-XChange Viewer

Foxit Reader

Adobe Acrobat Reader - a program from the developer of the PDF format

The leader among programs for viewing PDF documents is the program from the developer company of this format- Adobe Acrobat Reader.

There are a great many reasons for this.

First of all, no one knows this format better than Adobe. It is for this reason that no one can keep up with Adobe and create a reader capable of working with all possible versions of this format. If you use any of the alternative programs, then sooner or later you will encounter a document that will be displayed only partially, or not shown at all.

Why use a program whose reliability is worth doubting?

It’s much easier to initially use a reliable product, and besides, it’s free.

It is also worth mentioning that the program from Adobe is available on all popular modern operating systems.

Foxit Reader is a program with big advantages and even bigger disadvantages

Starting with version 4.0, this program has become free. More precisely, it has a free branch.

Foxit Reader is quite small in size and also works quite quickly. But, I stopped using it after out of 10 documents from different manufacturers he couldn't open it. And those that he opened had distorted images.

After this, all the “bells and whistles” (bookmarks, virus checking, etc.) cease to play any role.

Although if you only come across PDFs with bare text, then perhaps it will suit you.

PDF-XChange Viewer - almost as good as Adobe Acrobat Reader

PDF-XChange Viewer allows you to not only view PDF documents. This program has received recognition from many eminent publications and the main reason for this is the ability not only to view, but also to have some functions for editing documents. In particular, PDF-XChange Viewer allows you to work with PDF forms and save documents with completed forms. It allows you to export documents to regular image formats.

It is also worth noting that the quality of processing documents and images inside documents in this program is much better than that of Foxit Reader. But it works at a speed comparable to Adobe Reader, and besides, it has quite a small volume.

Cool PDF reader - one megabyte viewer...

...even less.

Enough interesting program, which quite copes with the task of displaying PDF documents, but it has a very unpleasant feature - Cool PDF reader is not able to do smooth scrolling of documents, and rendering, that is, preparing to display the document, takes the most time of all the programs described in this article.

At the same time this program It can even export documents to various image formats.

22/05/2017

Cool PDF Reader – convenient program for viewing and pdf conversion files, distinctive feature which is small in size and has an 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 regular user who only wants to view and convert pdf files. The program allows you to view documents in full screen mode, and also print them in just a few clicks. In addition, you can easily change the scale of the document, or rotate it at an angle convenient for you. Another feature of the program is conv...

12/12/2016

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

26/09/2016

PDF-XChange Viewer is a fast viewer of the famous PDF format, characterized by high speed and a variety of various functions. For example, the program allows you to easily add comments and annotations to PDF documents, as well as set a password for opening 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. It is also possible to import and export any file content. It doesn’t matter whether it’s text or pictures. You can add any images to the file, or vice versa, cut out these images...

04/05/2015

PDF Shaper - a collection of necessary tools for optimal performance with PDF files. The program can convert a PDF document, or several at the same time, into MS Word, or rather into RTF format. But converting documents from PDF to Word is not the only plus PDF Shaper, she can also extract certain elements, for example pictures, tables, etc. In addition to these functions, it can split one PDF document into several, or, conversely, 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...

28/04/2015

IN lately More and more e-books, magazines, brochures are appearing on the Internet, and all these files are usually in PDF or DjVu format. This program will help you view DjVu, PDF, TIFF and similar files on Windows OS. STDU Viewer is lightweight, simple and a worthy replacement for Adobe Acrobat. Everything is included in the program necessary tools to read and search for fragments in a document. The program is available in several languages, including Russian. Among the advantages, we can note a wide range of scaling options: scale to the screen, scale to the selection, display the entire page on the entire screen or only...

28/03/2015

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

24/03/2015

SoftDigi PDFViewer is a small application created specifically for viewing various files with the PDF extension. The program has a visually pleasing interface that allows you to combine various PDF documents into one shared file. Allows you to set 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. Effectively exports pages...

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 its speed and minimalism. Unlike the popular Adobe Reader viewer, this program works much faster, has only a set of necessary functions and allows you to edit documents that are simultaneously open in other applications. In addition, Sumatra PDF has a special plugin that can be embedded in a series popular browsers. This will allow the user to open files directly from the browser window...

10/12/2014

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