Download the application for reading pdf files. How to open a PDF file

Windows setup

PDF is one of the most widely used formats for documentation, e-books and instructions. You can save information in PDF format in any form, and it will be displayed the same everywhere, i.e. the formatting and markup of the document will always be the same. This is why the PDF format has earned its recognition.

To begin with, I want to make it clear right away that the programs we are talking about open PDF files only FOR VIEWING, i.e. it is IMPOSSIBLE to change something in the document with their help. Some programs only allow or modify the text, but not the content. The PDF format itself is quite specific, and even with the help of editors, the process of editing it is not at all like working with a Word document.

In the simplest case, the file can be read in any modern browser: Google Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Internet Explorer, Edge. The functionality will be limited: only content viewing and printing. To do this, just drag the file to an empty browser tab. But if this does not open the PDF file, then try installing one of the programs.

Uncompromising Acrobat

In order not to have any problems with displaying PDF files, it is best to install the program of the format developer itself - Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Just select the language of the program "Russian" if the download page itself did not correctly determine. The installation process is trivial, click "Next" all the time.

Adobe has a complete package for working with PDF documents, including creating and editing - but it's paid.

Acrobat Reader provides a good set of features and customization flexibility for ease of use. It is completely free, both for home use and for commercial use, is on my list. At the first start, you will need to confirm the use of the free license. Most likely, you don't even have to go into the settings, because the program works great by default.

In the latest versions of Adobe Reader, there is still a very small opportunity to change the file. These are tools for selecting text and inserting comments. The title "Text Highlighting" is probably not a very good Russian translation, since more suitable "Highlight text". To highlight the text, click on the icon in the toolbar and select the text, and the add comment icon is located immediately to the left.

By default, the text is highlighted in yellow. You can only change the highlight color after highlighting with the default color. To do this, double-click on the selection and in the window click on the icon and select "Properties". From there, you can remove the highlight and add or change a comment.

Alternative programs for PDF

Acrobat Reader, of course, is far from the only PDF reader. The developers have managed to make the usual viewer a relatively heavy product. Basically, there are no problems, but the program takes a long time to install and sometimes slows down.

Foxit Reader

The program is lightweight and has a simple interface. As a result, Foxit Reader launches quickly and is less demanding on computer resources.

Particular attention is paid to security, namely, at the first start, it is proposed to set the safe mode, in which attachments in the document do not open and scripts do not run. Foxit Reader allows you to select text, insert comments, graphics, multimedia files (video and audio), but you can edit text only in the paid Foxit PDF Editor package.

However, over time Foxit Reader also got heavier, so I advise you to run its portable version.

The portable versions differ in that they are lighter and the installation is very quick or not required at all. At the first start, a window with two buttons will pop up, select "Not Now". For the program to become in Russian, you need to go to the menu "File -\u003e Preferences -\u003e Language -\u003e select Russian"

And restart the program with the "Restart Now" button.

Lightest - Sumatra PDF

This is already an open source project, the program is the most lightweight and not at all resource-intensive. Can open not only PDF, but also CHM, XPS, DjVu, CBZ and CBR files.

There are two versions available: for installation and portable (works without installation). Since Sumatra PDF is already very lightweight, I advise you to download the full version, so you can immediately install the program to open all PDF files by default.

The program has practically no settings, everything is easy and simple.

The .PDF format appeared in 1993 and was developed by Adobe Systems. Explanation of the abbreviation in the name of the extension - Portable Document Format.

PDF opener

The standard option for when you need to open a PDF file and view its contents. This program was created by the same company that developed the .PDF format, and is undoubtedly the most popular "reader". We also convert Pdf using this program. Free software (a paid subscription to the Pro version will allow you to create and edit files with the PDF extension).

What are PDF files used for

Most often, files with this extension are product manuals, e-books, flyers, work applications, scanned documents and brochures.

The reason for the popularity of this format is that PDF files do not depend on the programs in which they were created, or on any particular operating system or hardware. They will look the same from any device.

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 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.

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, characterized by high speed of work 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. At the same time, the program works with encrypted documents, and can also restrict access with a password. Very easy to use, even a beginner can help ...

28/04/2015

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 watch 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 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 to create them. Among other things, the main package of Adobe Reader also includes ...

Every PC user from time to time needs to work with a PDF-file m. And not always we just need to open it. Some files need editing. Previously, it was believed that the best PDF editing program is Adobe Reader, and for good reason, since the application has an extensive set of utilities. However, it also has its drawbacks (for example, a lot of weight). Today we will look at the rating of the best programs for working with PDF and figure out which programs are ideal for professional work, and which are enough for home use. All programs can be divided into four groups: for reading, editing, manager programs (allow you to compress and split files) and converters (convert documents from one format to another). Let's consider all types of programs and their capabilities.

Top 10 best PDF software.

Our rating opens with one of the most popular programs in this area. The main advantage of Foxit Reader is its light weight (3.5 MB), which makes this PDF program fast and compatible even with very old Windows versions. By type, it refers to viewers - converters and is ideal for those who just need to read documents. Foxit Reader has an excellent set of features for this:

  • View, highlight and comment function.
  • The ability to search for words and phrases.
  • Filling out documents and various forms.

The program also has a mobile version, in which you can convert PDF-format into "Word" documents. True, this feature is only available in the paid version of the application.

As already mentioned, this utility has long been considered the best of its kind, since it combines four types at once: with the help of Adobe Reader you can not only view and convert files, but also edit them. It's worth noting that the free version is read-only. The most useful functions of the application include (including paid ones):

  • Viewing documents, the ability to highlight, comment and search by text.
  • Editing of texts.
  • Signing of documents.
  • Combine multiple files into one.
  • Compressing and converting files to all kinds of formats (including pictures).

A mobile version of Adobe Reader also exists, but it only allows free browsing and paid conversion.

ATTENTION. you can do this for free, but only online.

This software for reading PDF documents is the smallest in weight (600 KB), which makes it very easy to use. Cool PDF Reader is a viewer that allows you to:

  • Read files.
  • Save and print them.
  • Convert to major document formats.

Also a big plus is that the utility contains 68 languages.

This manager impresses with the number of features and capabilities available. All tools are conveniently categorized and easy to use, which allows you to perform the necessary manipulations as quickly as possible. Main advantages:

  • Adding annotations.
  • Text selection.
  • Editing text.
  • Adding images.
  • Converting from different formats.
  • Combining and compressing documents.
  • Password protection.
  • Adding watermarks.
  • Reducing page area, etc.

There are free and paid versions. If you are using a free application, then the file size should not exceed 200 pages, and be less than 50 MB in size. The available number of operations is 3 per day.

It is not even a program, but a utility for viewing PDF files, available with any browser and does not require installation. It allows you to view documents directly in the browser, correct and supplement them, as well as insert links and graphics.

Let's stipulate right away that this software has many disadvantages. For example, it will not be able to convert and modify a file with its help, and the interface is far from perfect. However, it is free, and has some useful managerial features:

  • Combining in several modes.
  • Splitting a file into bookmarks, pages and even different documents.
  • Rotate pages.
  • Convert some other formats to PDF format.

This program is very functional and will seem familiar to all Microsoft Office users. As with all Office programs, the number of tools is impressive, but you will need time to master them. The program includes:

  • Highlighting text and the ability to add annotations.
  • Editing.
  • Recognition using OCR.
  • Extract individual pages from a document.
  • Encryption.
  • Compression.
  • Sort in the desired order.
  • Conversion and more.

At the moment, the program has several options, including paid and free ones.

PDF Hammer

The next program on the list does not have any special functions, but it is very simple and convenient to use. Hammer allows the user to not only view documents, but also edit, combine and split them. A good bonus is the ability to protect the document by using a password.

The main feature of this application is not even a huge number of functions, but the speed and load on the OS. Despite the impressive set of tools, the program works quickly without overloading the system. Key features of Soda PDF:

  • Editing text, adding backgrounds and images.
  • Layered processing (like graphics editors).
  • Converting.
  • Organizing documents.
  • Convenient reading and viewing modes.
  • Complete protection (including signatures, passwords and watermarks).

This manager for working with PDF was originally introduced as a converter, but then was modernized into a full-fledged manager. The toolbox and features are impressive, but the system requirements are also impressive. The key benefits of the program include:

  • Excellent text recognition.
  • Ability to edit, comment and change pages in every possible way.
  • Allows you to instantly create PDF documents in the context menu of various versions of Windows (including Windows 10).

We have covered the top 10 most popular utilities for working with PDF files. Each of them has its own characteristics. When choosing a program that suits you, it is worth considering the purpose of the installation first. It doesn't make sense to download a bulky application with a huge number of tools if you just need to browse the files. It is also worth considering the system requirements and speed of work. What programs do you use? Share in the comments!

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