Nowadays, it is very common to come across a PDF file, since these are supported by most digital environments and are used for many functions. In addition, they have been listed as the attached document by excellence in any email.
In this sense, it should also be noted that you can view these types of files from any browser and without complications. However, when you access them through specific PDF readers, the thing is magnified. Since they allow you to see all the information in the document and even edit it.
When we refer to editing it, basically it is about add new content or highlight texts, for instance. For this reason, in this post we want to let you know The best solutions to read PDF files on Windows computers optimally.
What is a .PDF file and how to identify them with their extension?
basically, they deal with a portable document format that is generally used for present and exchange documents in a secure and reliable way, regardless of the hardware, software or operating system used. Therefore, they are widely used worldwide to save and share data of any kind.
For its part, this type of file invented by Adobe, presents the ability to host links and buttons, as well as form fields and even business logic, audio and video, in case you didn’t know. Likewise, PDF files can be electronically signed.
Now, in order to identify one of these files with its extension, which is .PDFapart from making sure that the name of the document ends with these acronyms, you must take into account other important aspects:
- This class of .PDF files show a document in a fixed arrangement that is very similar to an image and that is translated in the same way, through different programs, operating systems and hardware elements.
- exist two types of layouts .PDF and they are classified as: linear and non-linear. In the case of linear or optimized, they can be viewed directly from any web browser and you do not need to download them. On the contrary, the non-linear ones take more time to load.
- All documents that end in .PDF do not encode the information necessary for an application to run, since they simply contain the data that describes the document.
List of Best PDF Readers Supported in Windows 10, 7 and 8
If you are a Windows user, especially its version 7, 8 or 10, and you constantly manage PDF documents, you will surely want to have optimal software that allows you to view these types of files and, in addition, offers you excellent functions and tools to achieve a better experience.
Therefore, below, we bring you 10 ideal solutions to open, read and manage PDFs in Windows:
Adobe Reader DC
It is a free program that is considered one of the best PDF viewers today. Thanks to the fact that beyond allowing you to read such files, it has many other tools. One of them is add annotations to your documents making use of an optimal set of commenting mechanisms.
In addition to this, you can also print and sign the files in question, create documents with a .PDF extension, export to Word or Excel easily, get signatures and track responses in real time, add passwords to protect files. It has an intuitive and easy to use interface.
muPDF
A solution that, in addition to being compatible with Windows, can also be used from Android, iPhone and iPad devices. Which is an extremely simple PDF reader and it’s completely free. In such a way, by downloading and installing it on your PC, you will be able to open and view documents of this type of extension in a matter of seconds.
One of its biggest advantages is the great speed it shows. Therefore, it is an ideal option to access large PDFs from a slow or obsolete computer. Among other features, it has an agile search engine to quickly get detailed phrases within a document. On the other hand, it is also compatible with CBZ and XPS.
NitroPDF Reader
With this program, you can create PDF files from any Windows application and from 500 different formats, as well as personalizing all your files using tools with which you can change colors, change page size, as well as orientation and output quality. You can also embed fonts.
In addition to this, Nitro PDF Reader allows you to review PDFs in detail, either for add comments or reply to them, underline text and also to perform collaborative tasks, so you can add more information. Also, you can sign the results and share them with anyone. The best thing is that the creations made with this reader can be opened from other viewers.
Foxit Reader
It is free and Windows compatible software. Which, since 2004, provides assistance to thousands of users around the world when it comes to reading PDF files. One of its best advantages is ease of usebecause you will only have to open a document in the interface and in a matter of secondsyou will be able to navigate in it and use all the functions and tools it contains.
These functions are based on highlighting the text, making notes of any kind, filling in forms, creating files, export them to Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Like, carry out reviews and collaborate with a complete work team. Additionally, provides excellent security mechanisms by allowing to apply restrictions in the final document.
Javelin PDF Reader
It refers to another of the best alternatives for Windows users to view PDF documents, but especially for those who want to encrypt this type of files. Thanks to the fact that the program has options to completely limit printing to a certain number of times or even to a specific number of pages.
Taking into account other features of Javelin PDF Reader, we indicate that it is cross platform (available on Mac OS, Android and iOS), it is free, it is a light software that can be used on any computer, even the most obsolete ones.
SlimPDF Reader
This is also a very lightweight program that can work on any Windows computer and reveals great speed. However, compared to the other solutions on this list, it can be classified as one of the simplest since it only weighs 1.43 MB.
Detailing its most important features, we point out that SlimPDF Reader is completely free, it shows a very simple user interface, it can open any PDF document you want, supports conversion of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, CAD files; allows you to fill in and edit PDF forms, you can protect documents with passwords, etc.
PDF Viewer Plus
Only for Windows 10, this other free PDF reader offers good basic functions to manage your .PDF documents. In such a way, it provides the printing of documents and also the possibility of encrypt your creations easily; this being one of the best features of the program.
On the other hand, PDF Viewer Plus is also compatible with Windows Mobile and with it, it makes it easy to view PDF files from anywhere and quickly. However, it is worth noting that this program does not have support for copying texts.
Sumatran PDF
If you are looking for a simple PDF viewer, this is an ideal alternative. So, it’s about a minimalist open source program that, despite the fact that it does not offer editing tools or advanced features, it can work very well for reading PDFs. Since, it is extremely fast and functional.
However, Sumatra PDF supports various keyboard shortcuts and this increases the productivity of users while viewing any document. In addition to this, it also has tab stand and is compatible with other kinds of files, including eBooks in CBZ, CBR, ePub, and Mobi configuration.
xodus
It is a program specially designed for those who use computers Windows 10 and in addition to allowing you to read PDF files, it has a notable series of features that you may need to have a better experience. Among them, we find that it allows you add signatures to documents and highlight relevant textfor instance.
However, taking into account the benefits that Xodo provides, we highlight that it is an excellent way to take notes without any complications. Therefore, it is recommended to be used by students and teachers, as well as by all professionals who manage their documents from this type of extension.
STDU Viewer
Finally, we recommend this PDF file viewer that stands out for its ability to provide users with navigation in multiple documents. Which means that, it is a very solid alternative to manage files with this extension from a Windows computer, it guarantees total productivity. Taking into account that, it also has compatibility with comic files, images, TXT, EPU, MOBI, DjVu, among others.
Regarding its editing features, you can find a function for invert colors (from white to black, for example), reduces visual fatigue for more enjoyable reading, has tab support and provides a navigation pane to search for specific phrases quickly. It is free software.
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