What program can you use to open a pdf file. Which program to open a PDF file

This category of programs includes free programs for reading and commenting (annotating) PDF documents that can replace 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 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 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.
• Graphic 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: The software has not been tested on Windows 8. However, 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 noted 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 everything for fast travel provided 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 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 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 don't like to use portable versions, but 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 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

How to open a pdf file? Which program is best to use?

PDF is a portable document display format created by Adobe.

Main feature this type of file - all elements of the document are displayed the same, regardless of the device on which you open the file.

In PDF tables, there is no “wrong” line formatting, problems with displaying fonts, or accidental deletion of data from an important cell.

There are sometimes problems with opening this format, for example, if the appropriate software is not installed on the computer, this will be discussed in the article.

Main functions of the format:

• hyperlink support;
• the ability to edit only in special programs;
• free software to open pdf files.

Let's look at how you can quickly open the PDF format on modern computers and mobile phones. operating systems, as well as using online services.

Best online services

If a program for opening pdf files is not installed on your computer, but you need to open the file immediately, you can use free online services.

An undeniable advantage of such sites is that they can be used on any device that has access to global network.

KAKVSE

The first site, KAKVSE is one of the simplest and fastest online tools for viewing PDF, Doc or PostScript files.

You can view the file for free by uploading it to the site from your computer. The user can also enter active link on the document in the appropriate line.

Let's open the document by uploading it to the service:

After clicking the View button, wait a few seconds for the file to be uploaded to the service. It will then open in a new website window.

To navigate through the document, use the toolbar, which is located on the left of the page. You can also use hotkey combinations to navigate:

• Alt +N – next page;
• Alt +P – previous page.

To return to home page, press the Viewer Home key.

PDF Online Reader

The next good website to display PDF documents is Pdf Online Reader. The service has a well-designed toolbar and wide functionality.

To open the file, click on the main page Upload a PDF. Your device's file browser window will then open.

Select required file and wait for it to finish loading onto the site.

Navigation is carried out using the up and down arrows located at the top of the toolbar.

You can also go to the specified page, change the window scale and page width.

Besides standard features viewing, users can make some edits to documents:

• adding annotations;
• text selection. The text is highlighted automatically after the user has selected the fragment of interest;
• adding external or internal hyperlinks.

The functionality of the service is demonstrated in more detail in the video.

Google Docs

To open a PDF document, go to home page storage and click on the “Create” icon (on the left of the toolbar). In the drop-down menu, click "Upload Files".

All you have to do is drag and drop it into the window that opens. required document.

After a few seconds, the file will open in a new online viewer window.

Opening PDF in Windows

The Windows operating system has a huge number of utilities for PDF viewer. Let's take a closer look best programs For different versions this OS.

Windows 7

STDU Viewer

STDU Viewer is one of the best free programs for working with electronic documents and books for the operating room Windows systems 7.

The main goal of the application is to replace a huge number of viewers with one simple utility. Installation file takes up only 3 MB.

Among the features of the application are a convenient user interface, support for more than 40 languages, and a convenient file navigation system.

Adobe Reader DC

One more good program Opening pdf files for free is the well-known Adobe Reader - the official PDF viewer from Adobe Corporation.

Using the utility, users can do standard procedures with documents - open them, print and send them.

Windows 8/10

The eighth and tenth versions of the Windows operating system have standard program to view PDF files – Adobe Reader Touch.

You can find the Reader through a search on the taskbar or through the Start menu (All Programs tab).

The functionality of the program is minimal. The user can only view the document, adjust the zoom and print files. There are paid extended versions.

In addition to standard utilities, Windows 8/10 users can install third-party software, for example, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Reader DC, STDU Viewer, Cool PDF and others.

Advice: don't forget , that most browsers in Windows can open PDFs in viewing mode without any problems: Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Tor, Orbitum, Opera and others. To do this, right-click on the documents and in the “Open with” tab select one of available browsers.

PDF files on Mac OS

PDF Reader X

PDF Reader X for Mac OS allows you to quickly open files and easily organize all the documents on your computer associated with pdf.

Immediately after opening the program, the last viewed files (up to 10 pieces) are displayed on the left side of the main window.

The program contains convenient search By file system PC – easily find other documents. On the pages of the opened file, you can add your own notes and save them.

Skim is simple and at the same time functional program to open pdf files.

The main task of the application is to conveniently display text and graphic data in one document.

If you don't want to reboot your PC with large programs for viewing e-books and files, install Skim.

In addition to the browsing function, users can highlight text, add notes, create bookmarks, save images and text.

Programs for Android

On Android you cannot view electronic documents without special software. You need to download it yourself, because the device does not have standard readers or file editors.

Key Feature programs - availability three modes reading documents (page by page, two pages on the screen and a “scroll”).

Users can quickly navigate through a file using search keywords.

Creating personal notes, highlighting text with multi-colored markers and scrolling with gestures make PocketBook one of the best mobile readers today.

ezPDF Reader

In this program I would like to highlight the quality of file display. All graphic elements (pictures, graphs, tables, notes) are highlighted in different colors.

Pages are turned using flips (a gesture that imitates flipping through a paper publication). Overall, users get the impression of reading a real magazine.

PDF is an acronym for Portable Document Format. It was created by Adobe to represent various text and graphic information. Typically, these files can only be viewed and printed, but some can also be edited using special programs.

PDF format usually contains information about goods and services; they can be instructions, a book with pictures. Some compare this format to doc format and docx. Only it is heavier and, so to speak, a “magazine version”. Indeed, when you open this type of file, you seem to find yourself in a kind of magazine that is very pleasing to the eye.

Since Adobe created such a format, it means there must be a program that opens this file. It's called Adobe Acrobat Reader. It is best to download the program from the official website of the developer, because that is where the latest version programs.

Downloading and installing PDF readers

Download the package from https://www.adobe.com/ru/(there is a free trial and paid version), we begin to install it. We will be prompted to additionally install an antivirus McAfee Security Scan. It's up to you to install it or not. The download and installation process takes about 10 minutes and proceeds in standard mode.

Besides Adobe Reader there are many third party programs, which also read and work with these files.

The main two that are popular besides Adobe Reader itself are Foxit Reader (recommended) and STDU Reader. The first can completely replace the program from Adobe, because it has a fairly large set of tools for working with PDF files.

Moreover, it is completely free. Official website http://www.foxitsoftware.com/russian/products/reader/

Second program - STDU Reader More suitable for working on weak computers. Besides, latest program works very well with most “book” formats.

Now you know which programs you can use to open a PDF file.

PDF (Portable Document Format) – a special universal format electronic documents, developed and patented by Adobe Systems Corporation. Designed for compact presentation, storing important printed documents in electronic form, as well as for opening and printing them on PCs running on different operating systems. Verbatim PDF translation means " portable document format" In PDF format, you can save information in any form and at the same time it will be displayed the same everywhere.

Today, a format with a similar resolution can be called most popular to present various printed products.

How to open pdf format

Having an idea of ​​how and how to open files in PDF format, users can work without any problems and view a lot of interesting and useful information.

Among most popular universal utilities for quick opening documents submitted in pdf resolution can be note:

1. Adobe (Acrobat) Reader.
2. PDF Viewer.
3. STDU Viewer.
4. Foxit Reader.

Each of the above programs has its own functionality, capabilities, set useful options and will help the user open the PDF on any personal computer, laptop, running on Windows, other OS. Moreover, regardless of the OS or PC version, documents will be opened in the form in which they were originally created.

We use Adobe (Acrobat) Reader

Adobe (Acrobat) Reader – universal free application that is designed for comfortable work with PDF. Using this utility, users can open, view, edit, copy, comment, review, and perform other operations with any documents.

The program has quite low system requirements and at the same time is capable of opening all existing modifications of the PDF format, allowing PC users to work with files through different forms.

Among main functions This utility can be noted:

By installing Adobe Reader on your PC, users 3D viewing available contents of the document. It is possible to play various audio and video files, the function of opening e-books, and the option to enlarge the necessary elements in the text. The program has an intuitive, user-friendly interface.

If this utility already installed on your PC, when you open a document with pdf format, it will be activated automatically. The required file will immediately be opened in Adobe (Acrobat) Reader.

Using additional services Adobe (Acrobat) Reader, you can create, convert PDF, and also export them in Word, Excel.

PDF Viewer

PDF-Viewer – easy to use, convenient, safe program for working with PDF. Applies to free basis. Utility intended for viewing, converting, reading, editing, printing, any PDF.

Using PDF-Viewer, users can perform various manipulations with the contents of documents. Using this utility, you can quickly convert files into other formats(PNG, TIFF. BMR).

After opening the software, you need to select, mark and open the desired document. Information about this document will be displayed near the file window, which can be called advantage of this program.

After opening, the document appears on the screen in a readable form. The program is intuitive, simple, user-friendly interface, large selection of settings, additional options. The main advantage of the free utility is that it works quickly not only on any OS, but also on weak PCs.

How to use STDU Viewer

STDU Viewer universal, very comfortable free utility for working, viewing, editing electronic documentation. The program is convenient, understandable, simple interface, large number useful options (scaling, conversion, display modes), simple navigation tools, allowing you to quickly and comfortably work and view the contents of selected files.

Using STDU Viewer you can add bookmarks while reading, marking the necessary fragments of text, turn pages at 90 degrees, view pages in spreads or one at a time. The program can display several pages on the PC screen simultaneously and support hyperlinks. Implements quick transition between the pages. When working with electronic documentation, you can change the resolution of the current page without changing the others.

To get started, run installed utility. In the menu select " File/Open"or right-click on a free field:

Going to Settings, you can tick the necessary items for convenient work with the electronic document.

After pressing the " Open", the document opens in readable form.

Open the document using Foxit Reader

Foxit Reader is quite popular, lightweight, quick utility for reading, viewing, work pdf, various types electronic documentation. Disadvantage programs can be called English-speaking interface. At the same time, thanks to the convenient, intuitive menu, understanding the capabilities of the utility will not be difficult. a lot of work. If necessary, for more convenient work you can additionally download and install Russifier, which will completely translate all menu items.

The program is distributed free of charge. It works without problems even on weak PCs, does not require installation, and is independent of the configuration and version of Windows OS. Foxit Reader respects the security and privacy of users and never connects to the Internet without confirmation.

To open the desired file, launch the program on the computer. In the window that appears, select the desired menu item and confirm the action “ OK».

We find the desired document, open it (“ File/Open"), after which the document is displayed in a readable form.

You can open a pdf file and familiarize yourself with its contents using special programs. There are quite a lot of such programs on the Internet, let's get acquainted with some. You can choose one or several of them yourself - it all depends on your needs, on what you want to do with the pdf file after opening.

Documents in pdf format have become quite widely used; this format can be found in the form of instructions, manuals, various reference books, and e-books.
As a rule, the information in a pdf file is a combination of text, images, links to various resources; such documents are easy to view and convenient to read.

First, try opening the pdf file using the browser installed on your computer.
My pdf file opens Microsoft Edge, which comes with Windows 10, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Yandex Browser and Opera. In general, everything is most popular browsers cope with this task.

Right-click on the file and select which browser you want to open the pdf file with.

So you will read this document, and perhaps no others additional programs not required.

Open the pdf file on your computer using the following program:

Adobe Acrobat Reader– this program is well known to many, but don’t rush to install it right away.
Adobe Reader takes up many megabytes on your hard drive, but this is probably not the main thing, but the fact that working in it is somehow not comfortable; many editing tools are offered for registration paid subscription. It turns out that we install a rather heavy program on the computer, just to open a pdf file.

But Adobe Acrobat Reader also has an advantage! One day I came across e-book in pdf format, where a little man appeared in certain places, said the necessary phrases for about fifteen seconds, and disappeared. Along with the book, there were instructions in the form of the usual text document, and the instructions indicated that viewing this pdf file you need it in Adobe Reader.
And indeed, the video character did not appear in other programs.

But such multimedia pdf large is rare, and the creators of such documents warn about it. So, decide for yourself, I would not recommend installing Adobe Acrobat Reader right away, just take into account that there is such a program.

If you need it, you can download it from here.

Additionally, they offer to install something else, it’s up to you, but it’s better to uncheck the box and not check anything unnecessary. Click the “Install Now” button.

When the installer is downloaded to the computer, launch it as usual, and then the main download of the program will begin.

STDU Viewer – I recommend this program to open pdf files, and not only pdf, as it opens many other extensions. Portable version available. There is no point in describing it here, because there is a separate one.

PDF-XChange Viewer– a good program for those who need to not only open a pdf file, but also write their notes in it, highlight something, underline it, put an arrow. You can read it in a separate article.

Foxit Reader its capabilities are somewhat reminiscent of PDF-XChange Viewer. But still, it seems to me, it is a little superior to it.

Foxit Reader has plenty of tools.
I would like to note that it is possible to create a pdf file yourself:

• from any file
• from scanned documents
• from clipboard
• just a blank pdf

And all this is free.

You can insert your signature into the document. Of course this is unlikely to be needed to the average user, but this suggests that the program provides quite broad capabilities.

You can download Foxit Reader from official website.

During installation, check the box "Do not install free 30-day trial" trial version" In this case, Foxit Reader will be installed immediately in the free version, without any extended trial.

Sumatra PDF – the program is simple, easy, fast, without any bells and whistles. Opens files pdf, DjVu, ePub, cbz, mobi, xps, cbr, chm.
On this site we choose the required version, download and install on your computer. Or we launch it immediately after unpacking - if you chose the portable version.

Hamster pdf reader– according to the principle of “nothing superfluous”. Open the PDF file, select the scale, read and close. You can download it here.

Soda PDF has many functions that are grouped into modules. The program is free, but if desired, it can be supplemented with so-called modules. These modules can be paid for individually, or the entire package can be purchased at once.

You can download Soda PDF from official website, there is no Russian language on the site, but there is in the program itself.

The free version has the advantage of being able to open two different PDF files in one window.

I hope you will choose the right option for yourself.
There are, of course, other programs, but these, in my opinion, are the most understandable and functional, and have a free version!

Open a PDF file using online services

In conclusion, for those who, for whatever reason, do not want to install programs on their computer, I would like to provide links to online services.
There are many of them, I provide links to two sites. They quickly download and open pdf files and provide tools for minimal editing - add an arrow, highlight something.

In site number two, to open a file from your computer, click on the “Local File” button, or drag and drop your pdf document in a special frame.