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Open PDF program. PDF Readers

The PDF format has become one of the most popular for distributing documentation, typographic designs, and even books. This is explained by two factors. Firstly, a PDF file, unlike a regular text file, cannot be modified by the recipient. This is important, for example, for documentation. Secondly, the recipient of the file can easily open it with the publicly available and free Adobe Reader. And at the same time, there is no need to install fonts or adjust any spacing and indentations - constant companions when opening a complex document prepared by someone in Word. Today, Adobe's PDF viewer is not the only tool. We will talk about several products that will allow you to create or view a PDF file.

How to create PDF

All modern office suites, whether paid Microsoft Office or free Libre Office, support the PDF format. This is what the “Save As...” dialog looks like in Word.

And for other programs, the applications that I will describe in this article create a virtual printer, and printing to PDF is carried out as an option for regular printing. Simply, instead of using a physical printer, you select “print to PDF.” This is what such a printer looks like on Foxit Reader.

If you have a text file and want to get a PDF from it, but you don’t want to install an office package for this, then you can do this from the online services Google Drive or Office Live. Both of them are free.

How to read PDF

Regular browser

Almost all modern browsers can view PDF format. They’re just doing it poorly so far. Those who have tried to view some really complex PDF through them will understand what I mean.

In browsers, document scaling is not so convenient; sometimes this leads to incorrect display of content. Plus, the navigation through the table of contents is not very convenient. The functionality for viewing PDF files ends only with the viewing function itself, which is somewhat reminiscent of the print preview mode.

Foxit Reader

Download Foxit Reader 6.1.5.0624 RUS

Foxit Reader does much better with PDF display and functionality. This is perhaps the most popular after Adobe Reader, and the most convenient “reader” of PDF files. It is smaller than Adobe Reader and runs faster.

Foxit Reader implements a convenient search by fragment, which works only in those files where their manufacturer has allowed text to be left. There is also a version of a PDF file that is closed from searching and extracting text; only an automatic recognizer, like FineReader, can turn it into text.

Those who have seen this program for a long time will be very surprised by its new appearance. In appearance, Foxit Reader is very close to Microsoft Office! It is difficult to list all the operations that it allows you to do with PDF files - there are a lot of them.

You can mark pieces of text with a marker, take notes on individual words and paragraphs, and write text directly over the PDF file.

Cool PDF Reader

Download Cool PDF Reader

You may find the Foxit Reader interface too fancy and complicated. Then you better pay attention to Cool PDF Reader. It is a leader in terms of minimal program size. Its size is a little more than one megabyte, but this does not in the least prevent this program from performing its duties well in viewing PDF files and searching text.

In addition, the program can convert PDF into a number of graphic formats (GIF, BMP, PNG, WMF, JPG, EMF, EPS) and text (TXT). Cool PDF Reader can also remove graphics from a PDF file for easier viewing. But this is a paid feature.

View PDF in Windows 8

And finally, I’ll tell you about PDF support in the Windows 8 operating system. In it, a standard application called “Reader”, made in a “modern” full-screen interface, is responsible for viewing files of this format.

There are no special settings, and the capabilities are minimal, although search by fragment is implemented. At the same time, a very good and useful search results window has been created.

Good day!

Magazines, books, scanned documents, forms, drawings and more are now often distributed in PDF format. Whether you like it or not, without special software for working with these formats - it’s neither here nor there... ✔

Actually, in this article I have collected some of the most popular products for working with this format. I think that the material will be relevant both for those who have encountered some problem and cannot read a specific PDF file, and for those who are looking for a convenient tool for everyday tasks. 👌

The article will present programs of different types, functionality, design, and requirements for system resources. I hope everyone will be able to choose a “software” for their current tasks.

And so, closer to the point...

👉 Remark!

For example, formats such as txt, fb2, html, rtf, doc are much more convenient to read in special formats. e-readers than in Word or Notepad.

Top 6 PDF Viewers

Adobe Acrobat Reader

My website page saved in PDF is open

One of the most common PDF readers (which is not surprising, since Acrobat Reader is a product from the developer of this format) .

It has some of the widest capabilities for reading, printing and editing PDF. I would like to note that not so long ago this reader was integrated with the “cloud” (Adobe Document Cloud), thanks to which it has now become much more convenient to work simultaneously on a PC and mobile gadgets!

It must be said that Adobe Acrobat Reader has amazing compatibility: some PDF files (especially large sizes), which are displayed incorrectly in any other readers, are presented here in normal mode.

Therefore, in my opinion, even if you do not use this particular program, it would not be a bad idea to have it in reserve...

Add. possibilities:

  • quickly convert a PDF file to Word or Excel program formats;
  • Now you don’t have to have paper forms - you can fill them out electronically and send them by mail. Adobe Acrobat Reader allows you to do this;
  • In addition to the Adobe Document Cloud, you can configure your system so that the PDF will be available on such popular cloud drives as: Box, Dropbox and ;
  • The reader allows you to create annotations and comments on the files being viewed.

STDU Viewer

A very compact, free and universal program for reading various formats: PDF, DjVu, XPS, TIFF, TXT, BMP, GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, etc.

I would highlight the key advantages: low demands on PC resources, you can open several documents at once in one window, the contents with quick links are displayed on the side panel. There is also a conveniently built-in bookmark system that allows you to return to the last place you read in one click.

In addition, easy page scaling, rotating pages 90-180 degrees, printing a document, adjusting gamma and contrast, etc. are available.

It is possible to convert PDF and 👉 files into text formats. In general, the program deserves attention and acquaintance!

Foxit Reader

A very convenient PDF file reader. I would like to immediately note its relatively low system requirements (in relation to the same Adobe Reader), convenient bookmark system, side menu (with the contents of an open book), modern interface.

In general, the abundance of all kinds of functions and capabilities is amazing. (in fact, you could say: a multifunctional program).

Peculiarities:

  • The program interface is as close as possible to Word, Excel, etc. (which causes a clear affection for the product);
  • ability to quickly customize the toolbar (add what you often need and remove what you don’t use);
  • the program supports touch screen (in full);
  • the ability to create a PDF portfolio;
  • filling out PDF (Acroform) and XFA forms (XML form architecture);
  • support for all modern versions of Windows 7, 8, 10.

Sumatra PDF

Supported Formats: PDF, eBook, XPS, DjVu, CHM.

If you are looking for a very simple, compact and fast PDF viewer, then I am not afraid to say that Sumatra PDF will be the best choice! Both the program itself and the files in it open as quickly as your system allows.

Peculiarities:

  • the design is made in the style of minimalism (so popular lately). Main priority functions: viewing and printing files;
  • support for 60 languages ​​(including Russian);
  • There is a portable version that does not require installation (you can carry it with you on a flash drive, and if anything, you can open PDF on any PC);
  • unlike its counterparts (including Adobe Acrobat Reader), the program correctly scales pictures in black and white (very useful thing when reading books);
  • correctly reads and recognizes hyperlinks embedded in PDF;
  • Sumatra does not block open PDF file (relevant for those who work with TeX systems);
  • Windows XP, 7, 8, 10 (32/64 bits) are supported.

PDF-XChange Viewer

Multifunctional program for viewing PDF files. I would especially like to note its relatively low system requirements, rich functionality, simple and user-friendly interface. By the way, the program supports the Russian language.

Peculiarities:

  • detailed settings of the font, display of pictures, navigation settings, etc. allow you to comfortably read even large files;
  • ability to view multiple files at once (including protected ones);
  • detailed configuration of the viewing area and toolbar;
  • the ability to convert PDF documents into image formats: BMP, JPEG, TIFF, PNG, etc.;
  • integration with popular translators ABBYY Lingvo and Translate It!
  • There are plugins for IE and Firefox browsers;
  • ability to send PDF directly from the viewing window (very convenient when you have a lot of scanned documents);
  • allows you to extract text from PDF, and much more...

Hamster PDF Reader

Simple, convenient, tasteful! Hamster PDF Reader (preview from the main page of the official site)

Hamster PDF Reader is a relatively new program that allows you to view not only PDF, but also formats such as XPS, DjVu. The program interface is designed in the style of Office 2019 (similar to Foxit Reader).

The program is not replete with functions, but it has everything that most people need: viewing settings (font, sheet, brightness, full screen mode, etc.), printing, bookmarks, etc.

Another plus: the program does not need to be installed (portable version available). Thus, you can write it to a flash drive and always have it on hand for working with PDF.

In general, it’s an interesting and uncluttered product that allows you to solve the most mundane tasks.

👉 By the way!

Hamster still has quite a lot (supports working with cloud disks, in 1-2 clicks you can compress and decompress all known archive formats).

All programs allow you to read pdf files, but not all can provide editing of the documents themselves. Therefore, before you decide on a program, you need to carefully study its detailed description and functionality.

How to open PDF files without programs?

Fortunately, modern operating systems (Windows, Mac OS) work with the .PDF extension and without special programs. MacOS integrates a utility called Preview. It will allow you to open and read the document without making changes. To edit you will have to download special software.

In Windows 10, the PDF opens in the built-in Edge browser. The function is also integrated into third-party browsers that work with earlier versions of Windows (Google Chrome, Opera, Mozilla Firefox, Yandex Browser). The same Chrome will offer you to open a pdf immediately after downloading the file from mail or any site. The document is displayed in a separate tab, from where it can be viewed, printed, or saved to your hard drive. Viewing functions work in a similar way in other browsers.

In addition, you can always open a PDF online on any special website, as well as convert it into another human-readable format, such as Microsoft Word .doc, Excel .xls, Power Point .ppt, an image in jpg or png format. To do this, use smallpdf or any other converter.

Adobe Reader is freely distributed and installed on Windows OS, reads files in PDF format. To get started, you will need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader DC for free for a computer with Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP in Russian. Permanent link: https://site/ru/readers/adobereader

Brief description of Adobe Reader

Basic capabilities allow you to read and, in some cases, edit documents containing text, graphics, multimedia materials and three-dimensional images. Adobe Rider is one of the most frequently installed applications for working with the PDF format for Windows operating systems, differing from all others in its stability and a good basic set of functions.

The program can be useful both in business and for personal and social documents, for example, questionnaires for issuing a foreign passport in *.pdf format, state regulations, textbooks and much more. On the Internet you can download various books in *.pdf format.

Functionality of PDF Reader

Adobe's pdf-reader is undoubtedly the leader among free programs for viewing *.pdf files due to its rich functionality, for example: *.pdf to Word converter and Word to *.pdf converter online, *.pdf format reader and editor, converter or converter to *.pdf, PDF editor, localizer. The program works with any version of Windows, Android and a host of other operating systems; for this you need to download Adobe Reader for free in Russian for OS Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8..

The main functions of the free PDF reader are:

Viewing and correct display of PDF files of any complexity;
- printing, including to a virtual printer or using Wi-Fi networks;
- while viewing a document, it is possible to highlight the desired part of the text with a marker or insert notes;
- Adobe Reader allows you to copy text from *.pdf to *.doc;
- when working with bulky material or complex text, it is possible to turn on the navigation window for quickly maneuvering through the text;
- Adob ​​PDF Reader allows you to view, change, scale 3D models in text that were created through Acrobat 3D;
- search on the Internet is organized in the search toolbar;
- Adobe Reader can view video inserted into the text of a PDF document using its own built-in tools, as well as play the inserted text;
- there are functions for electronic document signature;
- using Adobe Acrobat Reader DC you can organize the work of several people with one file or arrange an online video conference;
- for people with low vision there are additional document reading functions.

For stable and high-quality work, you need to update the latest version of the free program, and everyone can download the latest version of Adobe Reader for free on their computer. As for installation, a fully functional program does not require a Crack or Keygen. If you have questions: how to edit a PDF document, how to open a PDF file, you can use the built-in help in Russian.

When you need to open a PDF file, your choice is usually limited to two options: use the standard application for the Windows 8 or 10 operating system (usually installed by default with the operating system, or available for download in the Windows Store), or use good old Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Both options are great, but there are many other free PDF readers that can do even more. Whether you want to join documents, convert them to different formats, or extract images, our review will highlight other PDF readers that will do it quickly and easily.

Once installed, each application will offer to use a default PDF reader. We recommend that you do not change your settings until you have tried the new software and are sure it suits you. If you are satisfied with the result of the application, then in order to set the default PDF reader, you should right-click on the file once and then select “Open with”. Select the exe file of your new application, check the box next to “Always use this application to open .pdf files” and click “OK”.


Foxit Reader is more flexible and powerful than the built-in Windows PDF reader. Once you install it, you will no longer have the desire to return everything back.

A clear interface and all the tools you could want in a PDF reader.

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

The Ribbon interface is borrowed from Microsoft Office, so you can trust your intuition to easily guess where to find the tools you need. Tabbed document browsing makes it easy to work on multiple PDFs at once. There are also great features like form filling and PDF comments.

Because PDF is so common, it is a common target for viruses and other malware, Foxit Reader offers a Safe Browsing mode that controls click-through and Javascript functionality.

Program extensions, which can be downloaded and installed additionally, allow you to convert PDF files to other formats (and vice versa), as well as combine different PDF files into one. Format conversion is easily accessible because the function is built into the Windows Explorer context menu.

Power and versatility make Foxit Reader the best free PDF reader available. Try it now, you won't be disappointed.


Nitro PDF Reader doesn't come close to the functionality of Foxit Reader, but text highlighting and the ability to leave comments are very convenient features

An excellent PDF program that supports track changes and sticky notes.

Just like Foxit Reader, Nitro PDF Reader's interface resembles that of Microsoft Office software—but that's not a bad thing. Initially, the program appears as an advanced software that allows you to perform many functions when viewing documents.

But this free reader offers more than just document viewing. In addition to adding text highlights, notes, and comments, Nitro PDF Reader lets you add sticky notes to the documents you work with.

Nitro PDF Reader allows you to convert documents to PDF and vice versa. You can also extract all the images from a PDF file with one click, and also sign the electronic document with your electronic signature. Without a doubt, Nitro PDF Reader is one of the best free programs for working with PDF files.


Few free PDF programs allow you to not only read, but also edit files. PDF-XChange Editor is one of them.

Classic free PDF reader, fully adapted for the Windows 10 operating system.

The free version of PDF-XChange Editor offers accessible features such as comments and the ability to add or extract pages (however, this feature is only available in the paid "Pro" version).

The key and distinctive feature of the free version of PDF-XChange Editor is the optical character recognition function. You have the option to scan a printed document, save it in one of the available formats, and convert the result to PDF.

During installation, we recommend choosing a “Custom” installation rather than a “Full” installation, and then selecting the components that you do not want to install. They are presented in a tree view, so you need to click on the “+” button to display all the components of the installation.


If you don't work with the PDF format very often, you can overlook the lack of functions such as text highlighting or leaving comments. SlimPDF Reader does not have an arsenal of options, but it contains all the necessary tools for comfortable reading.

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

SlimPDF Reader is perhaps the lightest program that takes up only 1.43 MB of free space, the main merit of which is considered to be simplicity.

SlimPDF Reader is really nothing more than just a document viewer, but that's not a drawback. The control buttons and navigation are easy to use and self-explanatory. One of the main advantages of the program is its lightning speed.

Search, Print and Rotate are some of the few features of SlimPDF Reader, but you also get a free trial of the PDF to Office converter.

If you're looking for a free, no-frills PDF reader, SlimPDF Reader is the perfect choice. The only drawback of the program is the inability to view a two-page spread on the screen.


If you want to read PDF documents in a two-page format, Icecream Ebook Reader is a great choice.

Icecream Ebook Reader is great not only for formats that e-readers support, but also for reading PDF format.

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

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

The program has an unusual, but still quite pleasant to use interface. Navigation of PDF files is striking in its simplicity; there is a choice of viewing modes, including an eye-friendly night mode. You can quickly add bookmarks and create notes, accessible from the Content drop-down panel.

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