5 Best Windows 10 PDF Viewer Tools

Elise Williams

2020-12-21 15:15:41 • Filed to: Top List of PDF Software • Proven solutions

Viewing PDF files online has become a necessity. The introduction of Windows 10 has, however, created some complications in the way PDF viewers work. The latest Windows software uses Microsoft Edge to read PDF files. Sadly, support for the browser is not available in all countries making it necessary for regular users to choose either a free or paid alternative. Below is a list of the top 5 PDF viewers for Windows 10.

Top 5 PDF Viewer Tools for Windows 10

1. PDFelement

Wondershare has released a simple, yet feature-rich software that can be used by both personal and professional users, as well as beginners. It is compatible with Windows, working on everything from Windows XP right up to Windows 10. If you considering the number of features included within this program, PDFelement is likely to be a very popular alternative for many users.

Pros:

• The interface is well organized with features listed clearly and laid out in a way that users can identify them immediately.
• The view function allows users to upload PDF files from their computer within the software.
• Viewing modes can be changed quickly with the drag-and-drop function.
• Users can load nearly 300 different formats.
• Scanned images can be clearly viewed and edited using the OCR feature.

Cons:

• The OCR plug-in is optional. Viewers are therefore limited to reading PDF files and other formats but not scanned images unless the plug-in is registered and installed.

1. Foxit Reader 7

This application has been consistently popular among users. There are few compatibility issues with this powerful software, and it works seamlessly with Windows 10 and older versions of Windows including Vista.

Pros:

• The interface is familiar and easy to use.
• Text can be viewed within PDF portfolios.
• Tabs can be created by the user for customized views.
• Managing comments is simple with all commands including export, import, comments, e-mail, and pop-up notes available on the same screen.
• IT professionals have better control by using features like Using Group Policy.

Cons:

• Some problems with viewing and opening documents in Windows 7 have been reported.
• Bugs have been detected that cause the system to crash.
• Software trials are different when updates are initiated.

2. Nitro Pro PDF Suite

This is one of the most used PDF viewers on the market and includes an excellent media viewing platform with minimum burden on available computer resources. The software has been tested for compatibility with Windows Vista, 7, 8 and 10.

Pros:

• It has a familiar, Microsoft Office-style interface.
• Optimization features are user-friendly.
• Available features match the best in class.
• Reviewing files is easy with markup and sticky note tools.
• Special features are available to convert PDF files into MS Office documents.

Cons:

• You have to pay to use the program.
• Audio and video files cannot be added into the PDF document.

3. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

Adobe Acrobat needs no introduction in the world of PDF editing. This is an advanced PDF viewer because it also lets you create and managing PDF files as well. It is compatible with Windows server 2008 R2, 2012 R2, 7, 8, and 10.

Pros:

• This versatile PDF viewer includes many advanced features.
• It has a high speed, allowing you to complete tasks quickly.
• The user interface contains many functions.

Cons:

• Some features are still limited compared to other PDF suites.
• The export function is limited in terms of speed at which PDFs are converted into other document formats.

4. Sumatra PDF

This is a lightweight PDF viewer that does not contain complicated functions. It has all the necessary features to allow seamless viewing and is compatible with the latest Windows 10 version as well as older versions like 8, 7, Vista, and XP.

Pros:

• This program includes EasyStart, which saves time and allows for conversion previews.
• Advanced features of deskPDF include the ability to create custom profiles, merge documents, or add clearly visible watermarks.
• This lightweight app is one of the simplest PDF viewers on the market.
• Comic book reader (CBR) format is supported.
• It is available for free.

Cons:

• Some of the features are limited.
• Optimization controls are not on par with other applications.

Useful Tips for Choosing the Right PDF Viewer

• Usually the basic version of most leading PDF viewers has all the tools needed for beginners. Advanced professionals that need to maneuver between documents faster usually opt for the paid version.
• Make sure all functions within a submenu are clearly visible without you having to navigate around too much to complete the same task.
• PDF viewers that include functionalities to edit, annotate, and create PDFs provide more long-term value.
• Make sure the viewer is compatible with all formats.
• Make sure loading times are fast to increase ease of viewing.

All these features are readily available in PDFelement, making it one of the most popular PDF viewers available on the market. And there you have it — all you need to know to be able to view PDF on Windows 10.

Top 9 Free PDF Readers in 2020

Elise Williams

2020-12-21 15:16:05 • Filed to: Top List of PDF Software • Proven solutions

PDF is a useful format for both personal and business use due to its compact file size and the fact that it’s used universally. However, you need to have the right PDF reader installed on your device in order to read them. Here’s a list of the top 9 Free PDF Readers on the market.

9 Best PDF Readers for Windows 7/8/8.1/10

1. PDFelement

PDFelement is loaded with numerous features that will help all users view PDFs, whether you are a personal or business user. You can enjoy reading PDF files on Kindles, iBooks, desktops and more. PDFelement also has great compatibility with all versions of Windows, from Windows XP to Windows 10.

With its ample features, PDFelement is one of the most popular PDF readers for Windows.

Pros:

• Lets you convert PDFs, read PDFs, create PDFs, annotate PDFs, edit PDFs, add watermarks, resize & rotate graphical objects in the PDF document, and even protect PDFs with passwords.
• Its advanced OCR feature supports 17 popular languages.
• You can change viewing modes quickly with its drag-and-drop function.
• It has a simple user interface that allows users to load more than 300 different formats.
• You can also view scanned images easily with the embedded OCR feature.

2. Nitro Pro 10

Nitro Pro is another popular PDF Reader and offers an outstanding user interface. It also has full compatibility with Windows 10, 8, Vista, 7 and XP .

Pros:

• User-friendly interface similar to Microsoft Office.
• The available features are among the most advanced on the market.
• Offers simple to markup and the ability to add sticky notes in PDF documents for reviewing.
• You can also get access to some special features in the ribbon.

Cons:

• There is no free version.
• It does not support embedding audio and video files into a PDF document.

3. PDF-Xchange Viewer

PDF-Xchange Viewer is an excellent PDF Reader and Viewer. Additionally, it is packed with a versatile number of extra features. It is compatible with all Windows systems, from Windows XP to Windows 10.

Pros:

• It has a tabbed interface in order to process multiple PDF files at a time.
• It supports standard features, such as bookmarks.
• It can not only create PDF files from links, but also from existing files.

Cons:

• The unpaid version has limited features.
• It is more expensive than other similar products.

4. Foxit Reader

This application is a popular PDF Reader for Windows. It works seamlessly with all Windows systems.

Pros:

• It has a similar interface to Microsoft products.
• You can view text within PDF portfolios.
• Tabs can be also created for customized views.
• Managing comments is simple with commands like export, import, e-mail, pop-up notes, and comments available.

Cons:

• Several users have reported problems viewing or opening PDF documents in Windows 7 using this tool.
• The system crashes frequently.
• The trial version is totally different after updates are initiated.

5. PDF Reader

This is a PDF Reader with multiple features that assists both your basic and advanced document management requirements in the office. You can create, edit, view, and annotate your PDF files in Windows using this tool.

Pros:

• It supports multiple features and facilities.
• It has a simple and intuitive interface.

Cons:

• It may perform slowly when OCR crashes.

6. Adobe В® Acrobat В® Reader

Adobe Acrobat Reader as the new PDF Reader is an advanced program for creating, viewing, and combining PDF files. The software is compatible with Windows 2012 R2, server 2008 R2, 7, 8, & 10.

Pros:

• It’s undoubtedly one of the best free PDF readers available.
• It is fast and simple for users.
• It has a user-friendly interface with sophisticated features.

Cons:

• Only some limited features are available compared to the other PDF programs.
• The export function has a relatively slow speed, so PDF conversions take a considerable amount of time.
• Adobe Acrobat XI support has ended. Check out the best alternatives to Adobe Acrobat here.

7. Expert PDF Reader

If you’re in need of a free PDF viewer which can handle some occasional annotation and editing tasks, then Expert PDF Reader will be the best option for you. It is compatible from Windows XP to Windows 10.

Pros:

• It lets you create, edit, and view PDFs.
• Its interface is pretty simple.

Cons:

• It lacks a number of features.
• It is not convenient for advanced users.

8. Sumatra PDF Reader

This is a lightweight PDF Reader that doesn’t have overly complicated functions. It is packed with necessary features that allow seamless editing. It is compatible with the older versions of Windows like XP, Vista, 7, 8 as well as the latest Windows 10.

Pros:

• It has built-in EasyStart which saves time and allows conversion previews.
• Has advanced features like custom profiles, watermarking, and merging.
• It is one of the simplest viewers.
• CBR or comic book reader format is also supported.

Cons:

• The available features are very limited.
• The optimization controls are not that efficient.

9. SlimPDF Reader

SlimPDF Reader claims to be the all-in-one PDF Reader and PDF editor. It supports various Windows platforms.

SlimPDF Reader claims to be the all-in-one PDF Reader and PDF editor. It supports various Windows platforms.

Pros:

• It is a light-weight application.
• Navigation is easy, simple and self-explanatory.

Cons:

• It only supports basic PDF features.
• It lags behind compared to the other competitive PDF suites available on the market.

Tips on Choosing the Right PDF Viewer

Windows 10 has brought a lot of new features to the table that have greatly improved the user experience compared to earlier versions of Windows. Programs like PDFelement let you create PDFs easily on Windows. If you want a reliable yet powerful PDF reader, these tips will help you select the right product.

• The basic versions of most PDF viewers are only useful for beginners. Professionals/advanced users should opt for the paid versions.
• You should choose a PDF reader that has clearly visible sub menus and simple navigation.
• The PDF viewers which are packed with functions like editing, annotation, and creation contain more value.
• Your PDF viewer should be compatible with all formats.
• Document loading times should be minimal to improve ease of viewing.

Overall, PDFelement has all the necessary features to facilitate the best PDF reading and viewing experience for all users.