Programs for reading pdf. Best Free PDF Readers (Readers)

It is difficult to find that unique PC user who has never encountered a PDF file yet in his life. Most often it is used for high-quality presentation and visual demonstration of various teaching aids, specialized materials, books, magazines and other printed products.

Considering the fact that without special software tools it is simply impossible to view and even more to process such materials, because PDF files can seriously slow down the workflow or, instead of a pleasant pastime on the weekend, bring only a headache.

On our site you can download a pdf reader for windows 7 for free and fully use the program in Russian to view any documents in PDF format.


Naturally, to solve this problem and more comfortable viewing of this kind of materials, Adobe has released a program a long time ago. However, if simply viewing information is absolutely not enough for you, then you should pay attention to free Russian version of PDF Reader for Windows 7... As practice shows, using this software is much more comfortable than the standard viewer, which is already built into the Windows operating system by default.

The program window opens many times faster, and the software itself works much faster than its slower counterparts.
PDF Reader for Windows 7 allows you to navigate with enviable convenience between different pages of a file, which is easily displayed in full screen mode, so you will hardly be able to miss any important information. If necessary, the user can drastically change the existing scale of the open page or even expand it based on his own preferences.

In order to view a large amount of material online, you can even run a real slideshow, so as not to waste time manually switching between pages. This way you can get a complete picture of what information is contained in the file, if, for example, it is presented in the form of a presentation or is large.


Using the free PDF Reader for Windows 7, you can print such a PDF file in the format you prefer. To convert data from one format to another, you need to open a special section in the file called "Save As" and select the desired option. You can convert the original information to the following popular formats: GIF, WMF, EMF, TXT, JPG, PNG, BMP and EPS.

With such a wide range of useful features of the program, you can greatly facilitate your work or study process. Because PDF files, as a rule, can only be read, and without special software it is simply impossible to copy the necessary information from them. And this software allows the user to significantly reduce the time and effort spent on the forced interaction with these documents, minimizing any difficulties associated with this.

If you own the Windows 8 operating system, there is also a separate version of the program for you, however, it does not include automatic support for the Metro interface.


It should also be noted that it has become much more convenient to read documents using the free version of PDF Reader for Windows 7 in Russian, because the user has the ability to hide the toolbar, and also easily switch between the beginning and end of the text. All functions of the program are additionally supported by a hotkey system for complete comfort of software control.

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, mods ...

26/09/2016

PDF-XChange Viewer is a fast viewer of the well-known PDF format, featuring high speed and many different functions. So, 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 work 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. In this case, 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

Recently, 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 view DjVu, PDF, TIFF and similar files on Windows OS. STDU Viewer is a lightweight, simple and worthy replacement for Adobe Acrobat. The program contains all the necessary tools for reading and searching 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 is a 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 at once with the necessary documents, 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 designed specifically for viewing various files with the 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 security parameters of the document, the necessary information about this file. The application has such functions 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 Adobe Reader, this program works an order of magnitude 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 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 working and viewing PDF 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. In the latest versions of the format, it became possible to embed Flash video into a document. Adobe Reader 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 ...

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

Note: Of course, here it is necessary to take into account that Adobe is a commercial company, so it cannot have much zeal in developing the free version.

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

  • Ability to open PDF files... No, this is not a joke. Not all PDFs are the same. The test suite consisted of about a dozen different files. Different sizes, with different security settings, forms and graphic content. Basically, these are typical files used by most people. It should be noted that none of the reviewed programs was able to correctly display a test file with an Adobe 3D image. During the tests, a strict selection took place. Any reader that could not read the PDF document correctly, 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 about seconds. If the difference in opening was a second or two, then that was acceptable. Agree that delays of a few seconds cause resentment. Especially if the document is small.
  • Graphical user interface (GUI)... In this case, both functionality and ease of use were considered. In other words, how aesthetically 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 find? What to click? Etc; essentially all navigation elements) and the speed at which text and images are rendered.
  • 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 then save the result without watermarking trial versions.
  • Optical Character Recognition (OCR)... OCR is the ability to convert a scanned image into readable text. And this is quite an important feature. This feature makes the text within the document searchable and copyable. Unfortunately, only one of the products in question contains this feature. Details are further in the discussion.
  • Installation process... In addition to everything else, all programs were considered in terms 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: Software not tested on Windows 8. However, there is information on support for Windows 8 on developer sites.

Review of Free PDF Readers (Readers)

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

PDF-XChange Viewer full featured reader

This fully functional horse remains the top choice in this category. Subject to the exclusion of 3D image files above. The program was able to quickly open and accurately display all files from the test build. In this case, you can change the size of the pages, turn them over. Export documents and parts thereof to various image formats.

A tiled windowed interface with many tabs allows you to read and comment on multiple documents at once, without having to navigate multiple open copies of the program. Plus, for fast movement, not only different options for displaying documents in the program window are provided, but also maintaining the 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 commenting and bookmarking tools for PDF documents. The annotation toolbox contains many drawing tools, including a grid display to create an accurate drawing. Comments can be hidden, exported, or imported.

The program also supports document encryption, security management and document properties. 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 essential parts of any PDF reader is finding text in a file. And it is here that PDF-XChanger bypasses all of its counterparts. 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 produces a usable 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 idiotic documents, which, by a lucky chance, are composed of many beautiful pictures, including text.

It should be noted that the interface is somewhat similar to Windows XP. Nevertheless, having opened the program, you will not have any special complaints. The graphical interface is quite neat and pleasant.

Unfortunately, the installer includes a dedicated browser panel. So if you don't like using 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

Foxit Reader is a worthy contender in this category, 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 provides similar functionality for viewing and navigating documents, adding to them the ability to read documents aloud. As in 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 evolved continuously. The latest version of Foxit already offers different GUI display options. Depending on how accustomed you are to different views, you may like both the "classic" interface and the "ribbon" interface. The Ribbon is somewhat similar to the Microsoft Office bar.

Of course, the annotation form tools can cause some problems initially, but otherwise, which is navigation and editing, the controls are reasonably well organized. Generally speaking, the interface is very intuitive.

The array of annotation tools is as huge and impressive as PDF-XChange. The user can fill out the forms, fully comment on the documents and save all the works in the form in which he did them. Foxit includes some unique controls that allow you to add pictures, multimedia files, and more.

The program supports some functions for co-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 functionality to configure file security.

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

Sumatra PDF Viewer is a great simple pdf reader

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 features and has a number of limitations in image rendering, but this is compensated by a large set of different viewing options. As you've probably figured out by now, Sumatra does not provide editing or commenting on documents.

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

Quick Pick Guide (PDF Readers Download Links)

PDF-XChange Viewer

Reasonable download speed. Printing of 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. Nice and nice interface.

The installer contains redundant and unnecessary software.

Foxit Reader

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

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 converting PDF to other formats).

Most applications can be categorized into several types at once.

  • A type: 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, 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 page area;
  • sign documents.

There are restrictions in the free version of the program. For example, files should be no more than 200 pages and be larger than 50 MB. In addition, you cannot perform more than three operations with documents during the day. The full version of Sejda PDF costs $ 5.25 per month.

  • A type: 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 document content for free. But it has several useful managerial functions that are 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 ($ 10);
  • edit text and other content of files ($ 30).

  • A type
  • Platforms: Windows.

A very 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, Excel and PowerPoint formats and vice versa (paid);
  • compress files (paid);
  • sort pages in any order (paid).

These are just a few of the features that 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.

  • A type: viewer, manager, converter, editor.
  • Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS.

The 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 JPG, JPEG, TIF and BMP images to PDF (paid).

All of these features and more are available in the desktop versions of Adobe Acrobat Reader. The mobile versions of the program only allow viewing and annotating documents, as well as - after subscribing - convert them into different formats.

  • A type: 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 without a plethora of advanced features. The program is available on all major platforms.

Did you like the article? To share with friends: