The only function of Adobe Reader is to allow you to read PDF documents having different contents such as texts, forms, and images. People get it from Adobe Systems for free, and the program works in all operating systems on both computers and mobile phones. It’s not designed to create or edit existing PDF documents. You probably need the Adobe Acrobat professional if you wish to create, manipulate and manage various PDF files.
Top 10 Adobe Reader Alternatives
Adobe Reader is packed with unnecessary features which are not that useful for many ordinary users. It is slow to run, open to security threats and even interrupts your normal computer functions. If your only intention is to be able to open a PDF document, PDF readers on a browser-based platform are sufficient enough. Luckily, there are PDF reader alternatives available, so you won’t have to rely too much on using Adobe Reader.
Though many computer systems are now loaded with apps capable of viewing a PDF document, the internet still offers users many PDF-reading tools either paid or free. Discover the top 10 Adobe Reader alternatives that you can utilize for various purposes.
PDF X-Change Editor
PDF X-Change Editor provides users more options to manage their PDF documents effectively. While the paid software version provides premium features, you can still enjoy quality PDF viewing from the free version. You can extract texts and images, provide page markups, custom stamps or perform other editing options. Additionally, the OCR (Optical Character Recognition) feature allows you to save the texts contents of a printed document as a PDF.
Despite offering you a wide range of features, PDF X-Change Editor won’t allow you to create a new document from scratch. But you can definitely enjoy wider editing options to complement your daily office tasks.
Nitro PDF Viewer
Simply create a new PDF document from scratch using the Nitro PDF viewer. It features a ribbon-based user interface that makes the entire program easy for users to navigate. You can perform text extraction, rotate images, fill up forms and create digital signatures. Additionally, the split-screen view allows users to open two separate PDF documents simultaneously.
If you are searching for an awesome replacement for Adobe Reader, Nitro PDF Viewer could be your top pick. Multiple editing functions, drag-and-drop support, and multiple language formats are some features you can expect from this.
Foxit Reader
Foxit Reader is another cream-of-the-crop PDF reader alternative that functions more than just a document reader. Users are able to annotate, edit, fill up forms on PDF documents, making it more competitive to other programs. Outstanding features also include JavaScript integration, multi-page browsing, text extraction and safe-reading mode by which all are proven beneficial to users. Moreover, Foxit Reader has the full capacity to convert PDF files to another editable format.
Unlike Sumatra PDF and SlimPDF, Foxit Reader offers you more interesting features aside from document viewing. If you need more features to check out, developed under the same name, PhantomPDF might provide you the best solution.
PDFescape
PDFescape is a cloud-based PDF viewer that functions as an editor and form filler as well. Basically, you can do everything you want for a PDF file like creating a new file, annotating and applying for password protection. Since it’s designed as cloud-based software, you don’t need to download or install it on your computer. When you upload your file, you’ll see basic PDF editing options fully accessible for ordinary users.
Despite these convenient features, PDFescape only accepts a maximum of 10 files not bigger than 10 MB for each document. The free version offers standard features while you need to pay an additional fee for more advanced features.
Sumatra PDF
Released in 2006, Sumatra PDF is a four-MB open source PDF reader replacement that renders simple to complex PDF documents quickly. It features a minimalist user-interface that runs more efficiently than its software counterparts on the market. Even though it only offers a short list of features, users are able to navigate the pages by using keyboard shortcuts. Unlike SlimPDF, Sumatra PDF is available in portable and installer versions, making it more accessible for users to read PDF documents on another computer.
PDFelement 6 Pro
PDFelement 6 Pro is not only a PDF viewer but also a diversified tool that allows you to edit portions of your PDF files. It provides users valuable functions such as editing text, changes fonts, inserts images and custom stamping among others. Surprisingly, it has the OCR (Optical Character Recognition) feature that allows you to convert scanned documents into an editable PDF document. Aside from this, you can choose between standard and professional version depending on your specific needs.
PhantomPDF
From the developers of Foxit Reader, PhantomPDF offers a broad range of features including document viewing, encryption functions, image extraction and basic editing. Similar to MS Office, its ribbon-based user interface aids user to navigate the software more effectively. The OCR functionality allows users to modify the scanned documents and save them as PDF. Aside from working as a document viewer, this software is able to convert PDF files to different formats, making it more versatile than other market competitors.
PhantomPDF supports 41 international languages and file format conversions. Additionally, you can protect your PDF documents using its reliable security features.
STDU Viewer
STDU stands for Science and Technical Documentation Utility is the perfect image and document viewer recommended for educational purposes. The 2.5-MB PDF reader alternative supports a huge list of file types such as E-books, images, research and archives of comic books. It provides an easy-to-navigate tab interface that is fully equipped with all the viewing features you need. Interestingly, you can access the PDF documents in a thumbnail view as well as create your own bookmarks from exported images.
STDU Viewer supports multiple language formats. For non-commercial use, the free version is adequate enough to provide you the standard features while advanced features will require an additional pay.
Google Crom, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge Web browsers
Have you noticed that you can already view your PDF documents using your favorite browser? Web browsers today have fully integrated the functionality of a PDF viewer which enables users to access PDF files faster than installed programs. Unless you need the necessary features of a stand-alone PDF viewer, utilizing these web browsers as your PDF reader will prevent your computer from storing unwanted software. Another positive thing is you are able to free up more storage space on your computer and reduce incidents of system malfunctions.
SlimPDF
Designed for Windows OS, SlimPDF is the lightest PDF reader alternative known today, having only 1.4 MB file size. Due to its small footprint, it only offers minimal features that work basically as a document reader. SlimPDF is a perfect choice for anyone who doesn’t need to create or edit a PDF document. Despite its small size, there’s no portable version released for this light weight PDF reader.
Acquiring a software alternative for your PDF viewing doesn’t need to be expensive or packed with complete features. Free versions can deliver you the basic features especially if your main concern is just to view the document. Indeed, there’s always an appropriate PDF reader alternative that would match your specific needs. Apart from the apps mentioned above, you can still browse the internet to find out more valuable Adobe Reader Alternatives.
