Even though they are quite old, PDF documents still rule the internet. They are one of the most popular document formats that are used worldwide.
Whether you are accessing a bill, contract or e-Book, most probably it will be in a PDF file.
Though PDF is a widely used format, many organizations still struggle with viewing these files. It is essential to download and utilize a free PDF reader to view PDF files. A PDF reader is a specialized software that has the ability to open PDF file documents.
It is important to have a PDF file reader so that you can easily view vital business files in the PDF format. It is vital to be able to display the business-related PDF documents properly, but sometimes there might be the need for creating or modifying your PDF file according to a client’s needs. In those cases, using a PDF Editor you can easily create your desired PDF and modify it according to your needs.
It is important to choose carefully and invest in the best PDF reader for your organization. Research the market and make an informed choice after assessing your business requirements. Though it may seem confusing in the beginning, managers will soon be able to come to the right choice for effective document management software, after assessing all the features.
Top Free PDF Reader Software
Here is a list of the 14 best free PDF reader apps for Windows and Mac that have advanced functionality:
1. Adobe Acrobat
This is definitely the most popular free PDF reader online. It has numerous advanced features and capabilities. This pdf file reader app allows users to create, edit, convert, sign, and compress pdf documents on any kind of device. Adobe Acrobat is designed to have a user-friendly and navigable interface.
Features
- Convert word, excel or powerpoint to pdf
- Convert HTML pages to pdf
- Convert pdf files to office format
- Get legal e-signatures
- Print to pdf
- Merge files into one pdf
USP: The best aspect of Adobe Acrobat is that it is tailor-made for compatibility with any screen or device.
Devices Supported
- Windows
- Linux
- Android
- iPhone/iPad
- Mac
- Web-based
2. Foxitsoftware
It is an advanced free pdf reader for Mac and Windows. Foxitsoftware is cloud-based and can easily help in the conversion of files to pdf and vice-versa. It enables users to create, share, edit, and organize pdf files seamlessly. A robust pdf file reader app, Foxitsoftware is widely used for its flexibility and intuitiveness.
Features
- Advanced text editing
- Object editing
- Export pdf to word and other formats
- Create manage, share, and edit pdf documents
- Pdf signature
- Third-party integration
USP: One of the most remarkable features about Foxitsoftware is that it supports 41 languages, thereby allowing global firms to leverage this free pdf reader for Windows and Mac.
Devices Supported
- Windows
- Android
- iPhone/iPad
- Mac
- Web-based
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3. Javelin PDF Reader
A user-friendly and clean pdf reader online, Javelin has a strong user base. It provides all the core functionality required for viewing and managing pdf files. Javelin is a lightweight free pdf reader for windows and mac that has many innovative features.
Features
- Viewing and printing of standard pdf documents
- Convert word, excel or powerpoint to pdf
- Viewing and printing of encrypted pdf files
- Markup and annotation of secure pdf documents
USP: Javelin PDF File Reader has advanced encryption options. The mobile version app also allows to access and manage metadata.
Devices Supported
- Windows
- Linux
- Android
- iPhone/iPad
- Mac
- Web-based
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4. Google Drive
A holistic productivity suite, Google Drive is a widely used free pdf reader for Windows. It has some pretty neat functional features that facilitate pdf document management. Google Drive saves time and effort as it allows managers to scan, store and edit pdf files with just the click of a button.
Features
- Saves pdf files to Google Drive
- Converts documents to pdf
- Merge pdf files
- Electronically interact with pdf files
- Print to pdf
USP: One differentiating feature about Google Drive is that it can integrate and manage all pdf documents on the user’s Google suite.
Devices Supported
- Windows
- Linux
- Android
- Web-based
5. GoNitro
This is an easy and free pdf reader for windows and mac that can sign and share pdf documents. It facilitates better workflow by handling all pdf files, e-Signing, and gives valuable insights. Go Nitro is a fast, easy-to-use and highly affordable, hence it is popular amongst free pdf reader apps.
Features
- Sends legally secure and binding eSignatures
- Creates, converts, and exports pdf files
- Pdf editor and OCR
- Cloud storage connectors
- Advanced analytics
USP: One great feature about this free pdf reader and editor is that it can create 100 percent standard files. They can be easily read and opened by any device using a pdf file reader.
Devices Supported
- Windows
- Mac
- Web-based
6. PDF Xchange Editor
One of the most widely used pdf file reader app. PDF Xchange editor has a number of innovative functions. It can easily create, edit, annotate, and digitally sign documents. This feature-rich and customizable product can enhance organizational task flow management to the highest levels.
Features
- Convert word, excel or PowerPoint documents to pdf
- Watermarking
- Digital signatures
- Encryption
USP: One of the unique aspects of PDF Xchange Editor is that it is very user-friendly and has a simple interface. This makes it a functional free pdf reader for windows that can increase operational efficiency.
Devices Supported
- Windows
- Android
- Web-based devices
7. MuPDF
An open source PDF reader online, MuPDF is commonly used by organizations to handle their document management. It focuses on various PDF features and allows users to view or create content with minimal effort. It has numerous advanced features and capabilities. This free pdf reader for windows helps to extract text, fill forms, add hyperlinks, and add electronic signatures to documents.
Features
- Pdf file conversion
- Electronic digital signature
- Merge pdf documents
- Convert HTML pages to pdf
USP: One of the best features of MuPDF is its high level of portability. It can easily be stored on a USB flash drive and can be run on any device, even on the move.
Devices Supported
- Windows
- Unix
- Android
- iOS
- Mac
- Web-based
8. Sumatra PDF
A user-friendly and free pdf reader for Windows, Sumatra PDF has an intuitive interface. It is a smart tool that allows managers to create, view and manage all pdf documents in a seamless manner. It is highly portable and can be loaded in a USB stick backup device for better accessibility.
Features
- Print pdf files
- Create, view and share pdf documents
- Multilingual support options
- Third-party integration
USP: Sumatra free pdf reader apps provides a clean and minimalistic interface. It is very easily navigable and is extremely easy to use.
Devices Supported
- Windows
- Android
- Linux
- Web-based
9. InvestinTech Solutions
A flexible free PDF reader app, InvestinTech solutions is a perfect tool that businesses can use to create, edit, and view pdf files. It allows managers to add signatures, secure pdf documents and annotate them. InvestinTech Solutions is a capable pdf reader for mac and windows that provides indispensable utility at the workplace. It has an impressive range of features.
Features
- Digital signature
- Watermarking
- Encryption
- Annotation
- Merge and append documents
USP: One differentiating feature about InvestinTech is that it is very simple and has no complex or confusing features. Employees can easily understand the app in a couple of hours and it provides indispensable utility.
Devices Supported
- Mac
- iOS
- Windows
- Linux
- Android
- Web-based
10. SodaPDF
A reliable, portable and free pdf reader online, SodaPDF is a popular pdf platform that can be used anywhere anytime. This free pdf reader for mac is built to power through any pdf task. It helps in creating, editing, and annotating pdf files. SodaPDF can even send and track contracts for electronic signatures.
Features
- Annotate pdf documents
- Convert pdf files to MS Office and HTML
- Edit, merge and secure pdf documents
- Prepare and track pdf files for electronic signature
- Use OCR to unlock text
USP: One of the greatest advantages of this pdf file reader is that it can create pdf from more than 300 file formats. This enhances business utility and helps in better document management.
Devices Supported
- Windows
- Linux
- Mac
- Web-based
- Windows Mobile
11. Mergepdf.io
A fast, reliable and only free pdf merger online, Merge PDF is a best pdf combiner tool to merge pdf files efficiently.
This online tool can be used unlimited times to merge PDF for free, the process of merging multiple PDF files into a single document.
With its clean and clear interface and straightforward functionality, you can effortlessly combine PDFs without additional software installations.
Whether for organizing reports, merging chapters of an e-book, or compiling research papers, merge pdf streamlines the task for you. As a result, it helps you save time and ensures a top-level merging experience.
Features
- Multiple lingual
- Compatibility with every OS.
- Options for arranging the order of merged PDFs
USP: One of the standout unique selling points of mergepdf.io is its exceptional speed and efficiency in merging PDF files.
Devices supported
- Windows
- Mobile phones
- Web-based
- Linux
12. VisageSoft
This powerful pdf reader and editor is an intelligent business tool. It can enable managers to annotate, edit, and read pdf documents easily. VisageSoft is a credible free pdf reader for Windows that can handle diverse business requirements.
Features
- Convert documents to pdf
- Annotations
- Watermarking
- Digital Signature
USP: The biggest differentiating factor about VisageSoft is that it allows users to modify annotations and document outlines prepared by other free pdf readers.
Devices Supported
- Windows
- Linux
- Web-based
- Windows Mobile
13. Pdfyoo.com
Pdfyoo.com is a one-stop shop to simplify PDF-related tasks.
With a user-friendly interface, it offers a range of features such as PDF conversion, merging, and compressions.
Whether you need to modify PDF content or reduce file size, Pdfyoo.com provides a convenient solution accessible through your web browser.
Features
- Multiple tools
- Compatible with all devices
- Upload multiple files at once
USP: The greatest aspect of Pdfyoo.com is its all-in-one functionality. It offers a comprehensive suite of PDF tools in a single platform.
Devices supported
- Windows
- Web-based
- Linux
- Mobile phones
14. Preview
A sleek and intuitive free pdf reader for Mac, Preview has a number of functions and features that enhance productivity. It facilitates managers to read, edit and view pdf documents, easily.
Features
- Markup tools and electronic signature
- PDF protection and encryption
- Combines and transfers pdf documents
- PDF Conversion and Annotation
USP: Preview is specifically tailor-made for Mac users. It has several integrations and is very user-friendly, hence managers do not face any difficulty in adopting this free pdf read online.
Devices Supported
- Linux
- Mac
- iOS Mobile
- Web-based
15. Google PDF Viewer
A unique standalone app, Google PDF viewer is widely used as it is feature-rich and minimalistic. It helps managers to view, search, edit and print text from pdf documents in a seamless manner.
Features
- Convert pdf files to MS Office and other formats
- Print and merge pdf files
- Electronic signature
- Edit and view pdf documents
USP: One reason that makes Google PDF viewer a highly popular pdf file reader app is that it is compatible and has a clean sleek interface.
Devices Supported
- Windows
- Linux
- Android
- Web-based
- Windows Mobile
16. PDFZilla
A very useful desktop application, PDFZIlla is the ideal pdf reader for Windows. It has a number of useful features and enables users to manager pdf creation, conversion and modifications easily.
Features
- Annotate pdf documents
- Converts pdf documents to Word, Excel, and HTML
- Rotate, cut and merge pdf files
- Print pdf files
USP: One of the great aspects of PDF Zilla is that it has a simple graphical interface. It can also play a sound reminder at the end of the pdf file conversion process.
Devices Supported
- Windows
- Linux
- Web-based
- Windows Mobile
Choosing the right enterprise content management software is a daunting task. Many open source and free pdf reader apps are available in the market. Make sure to check out all variants in detail before making an informed choice. Most pdf file reader apps have a range of impressive features and can handle all basic pdf functionality.
Most important documents online are in pdf formats nowadays. Organizations cannot do without an efficient pdf reader and editor. It is vital to get the best free pdf reader for Windows and Mac to boost task flow management and data sharing. This will go a long way in increasing team collaboration and the final output of the organization.
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