Adobe's free PDF reader has long been a standard for handling its extremely popular document format, but you aren't limited to using it to view your PDF files. 2 Simple Ways to Convert XPS/OXPS to PDF on Mac Years ago, Microsoft released their new document formats XPS and OXPS, which were meant to replace the well-established PDF format from Adobe. However, PDF is still the industry standard now and XPS/OXPS are rather rarely used. It's not easy to find a truly free PDF editor that lets you not only edit and add text but also change images, add your own graphics, sign your name, fill out forms, etc. Below, however, is a list of exactly what you're looking for.
Getting a good PDF viewer is easier than ever. Modern web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge can all read PDFs out of the box, so you may not even need one. But if you want a separate PDF viewer, perhaps for the advanced PDF features some documents require, we have some options.
Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge: Your Browser Handles the Basics
Modern web browsers come with integrated PDF readers. You don’t even need to install a separate PDF viewer anymore. Browser PDF readers work well, offering a speedy experience without additional load times and clutter. And, since your browser updates its integrated PDF reader automatically, it’s always up-to-date with the latest security fixes.
Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge all come with integrated PDF readers. When you find a PDF on the web, click it and it will open directly in your web browser. PDFs are treated just like other web pages. When you’re done, you can just hit the back button and keep browsing.
You can make PDF files on your hard drive open in your preferred web browser, too. For example, let’s say you want to open PDF files in Chrome. Just locate a .PDF file on your computer, right-click it, and select Open With > Choose Another App.
Select Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge in the list, check the “Always use this app to open .pdf files” option, and click “OK”. The browser you chose will become your default PDF reader and will be used when you double-click a PDF file.
If you don’t see your preferred browser here, scroll down in the list, select More Apps > Look For Another App on This PC, and point Windows at the browser’s .exe file in your Program Files folder.
Sumatra PDF: A Speedy, Lightweight PDF Viewer Outside Your Browser
If you do want a separate PDF reading program, we recommend Sumatra PDF. Sumatra is an open-source PDF viewer that also has support for other types of documents, including ePub and Mobi eBooks, XPS documents, and CBZ and CBR comic books.
Sumatra PDF is small, lightweight, and fast. It works entirely outside your browser, so PDFs will open in a separate window. It’s even available as a portable application, so you can take it with you and use it on any PC, even if you can’t install software on that PC.
There’s no real advantage to using this application over your web browser unless you just like having a separate application. It should work just as well as your browser, with no big additional features. But, if you’d rather see PDFs in a separate window, Sumatra PDF is your best bet.
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC: Slower, But Supports Advanced PDF Features
We recommend you stick with your web browser or a lightweight PDF reader like Sumatra PDF most of the time. Most PDF documents you’ll come across are not complicated, and they work very well—and very quickly—in these simplified PDF readers.
But, every now and then, you may come across a PDF document that needs additional features. For example, we’ve seen official government PDFs that include complex, scripted fillable forms that don’t work in the average PDF viewer. PDF documents can also contain 3D models and other rich media objects, and those just won’t work in your browser or Sumatra.
If you come across a PDF that doesn’t work properly in your typical PDF reader, we recommend Adobe’s official Adobe Acrobat Reader DC application. It’s unnecessarily heavy compared to lightweight PDF alternatives, but it will be able to handle all the obscure PDF features you’re likely to encounter. If you find yourself needing to open PDFs that require advanced features regularly, you should probably just stick with Adobe Acrobat Reader DC as your main PDF viewer, as much as it pains us to say.
Adobe Acrobat Reader has historically had regular security holes, likely due to all the additional features it needs to support. Modern versions of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC are automatically kept up-to-date with the latest security patches. Don’t worry about enabling automatic updates—automatic updates are enabled by default, and you can’t normally disable them.
Warning: The latest versions of Adobe Acrobat reader automatically prompt you to install a Chrome extension that reports information about your web browsing to Adobe. When you’re prompted to install an Adobe Acrobat extension in Chrome, click “Remove from Chrome”. There’s no good reason to activate this extension.
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Ebooks are a great way to enjoy literature – they’re cheaper than print books due to the lack of print and distribution costs (and completely free if the work is in the public domain), and you start reading seconds after buying one.
You don’t need a specialist device like a Kindle either thanks to the many free ebook readers available for your desktop. These are particularly good for students who want to reference texts in their work, add annotations, or refer to online resources.
So what makes a good ebook reader? For general use, a clear layout and the ability to sync your bookshelf across multiple devices are essential; for students, note-taking and bookmarks are essential; and for anyone who sometimes struggles with their eyesight, text-to-speech and one-click font customization are welcome additions.
- Thinking of buying a Kindle? Find the right one for you
1. Kindle for PC
The best free ebook reader, whether you use Amazon or not
Amazon’s official Kindle app for Windows (as well as Mac and mobile devices) is smart and stylish, and although it tempts you with reading suggestions from the Kindle store, the sales pitch isn’t too in-your-face.
There’s no setup necessary if you already have an Amazon account. Just log in with your usual username and password and your virtual shelves will be populated automatically (though you’ll have to click a book’s cover to download it, so bear this in mind if you’re planning some offline reading). Notes and bookmarks are synced across devices automatically, as are flashcards – an extremely useful addition for students using digital textbooks for revision.
Kindle for Windows also includes text-to-speech function, and changing font sizes and color schemes is as simple as clicking or tapping a button.
2. Freda
Premium features for free – Freda is a real rival to Amazon’s crown
Freda (from the delightfully-named Turnipsoft) is a superb ebook reader that integrates with Project Gutenberg, giving you access to thousands of free ebooks, and Smashwords, where you can find works from independent authors and publishers. Importing your own ebooks is a piece of cake too, with support for all the most popular formats. You can even connect Freda to your Dropbox account enabling you to access books from multiple devices.
Freda supports bookmarks, annotations and highlighting, making it a good choice for students. There’s also text-to-speech for anyone who has trouble with text on screens, as well as auto-scroll and speed-read – a tool that works much like Spritz, displaying words in quick succession so you can read without moving your eyes.
Freda is funded by ads, but these are discreet and are only visible on the bookshelf screen; they won’t interrupt your reading.
3. Calibre
An open source ebook reader that’s a great choice for students
Calibre is an open source ebook reader and manager that’s lightweight and lightning-fast. Unlike many free ebook readers, Calibre supports Amazon’s AWZ format (though it won’t open DRM-protected files) as well as all the other popular ebook file types, and if any metadata is missing (such as genre or cover art), you can add it yourself using the bookshelf’s options menu.
One of Calibre’s best features is Reference Mode, which displays the current chapter and paragraph number in the top left – ideal if you need to cite references in an essay. We also like Flow Mode, where text is shown as a continuous scrolling stream without page breaks; not as pleasant as simulated page-turning for recreational reading, but a handy time-saver to avoid flicking backwards and forwards through a textbook.
4. Sumatra PDF
A PDF, ebook and comic reader that's ideal for multiple PCs
Despite its name, Sumatra PDF is a great little ebook reader, capable of displaying books in EPUB and MOBI format, as well as comic books in CBZ and CBR comic books.
Sumatra PDF is a portable app, so you can save it to a USB stick or cloud storage service and use it on any PC. You can save your ebooks in the same place too, eliminating the need to sync your library.
It’s easy to adjust basic settings like font size, but Sumatra PDF’s advanced options can only be edited by opening a text file and typing in new values. If you want to change the page color, for example, you’ll need to find the hex code for your preferred shade and enter it on the appropriate line. It’s not difficult, but we’d prefer a graphical interface.
There’s no way to add notes or highlights, but the convenience of carrying your ebook library and reader anywhere might outweigh those drawbacks for you.
5. Icecream Ebook Reader
Free Pdf Reader For Mac
A stylish free ebook reader, but lacking advanced features
Simple Pdf Reader For Windows 7
Icecream specializes in smart, no-frills software, and Icecream Ebook Reader is no exception. It supports EPUB, MOBI, PDF and FB2 ebook formats, and once you’ve imported your books they’re arranged in a neat bookshelf with a choice of viewing options. One particularly handy feature is the ability to archive and export your ebooks; ideal if you use more than one PC and don’t want the hassle of importing your books twice. There’s no cloud syncing though.
The reader itself is similar to the Kindle app in appearance, with one-click (or tap) buttons for changing font size, color theme (day, night, or sepia), and viewing the table of contents.
Unfortunately, some of the options you can see in the menus are only available if you hand over US$19.95 (about £15, AU$25) for the Pro version. Premium features include importing multiple ebooks simultaneously, adding notes, editing metadata, and copying text.
The free version of Icecream Ebook Reader is quick and very easy to use, but only really suitable for recreational reading. Students will find the lack of note-taking and copying frustrating.
- Want to write your own ebook? Check out the best free software for writers