Some documents have the .pdf format extension; unfortunately, all versions of Windows, with the exception of “Ten,” do not have a built-in program for reading PDF files. Therefore, to this day such software remains in demand.

There are a lot of them on the Internet. There are both paid and free programs with different functionality. Which one is right for you? We suggest you figure it out. Just read our article and choose the program that meets your requirements and is suitable in terms of functionality.

Best PDF Readers

In first place we have Acrobat Reader from Adobe. Why this software? It's simple, this program has enormous functionality and is in great demand among users.

It has everything you need to work with documents in PDF format. For example, you can copy, view structures, print individual countries, change their orientation. In addition, it is constantly updated and is absolutely free, thanks to which it is installed on a huge number of computers around the world.

The characteristics are as follows:
- You can view, manipulate and comment on the 3D content of documents;
- Scale individual sections of the PDF file;
- Play m/media content (text, graphic, sound and video files);
- Read e-books;
- Print documents via wireless networks directly from the program interface;
- Organize online video conferences or take part in them;
- Use digital signatures to protect your documents from editing;
- With the help of the newly created Start Meeting function, several people will be able to work on one document at once;
- Russian-language interface.

Not a bad set, do you agree? And it's all absolutely free. But there is also a paid version - PRO, which has no restrictions at all. With its help, you can not only view documents in PDF format, but also edit them.

Foxit Reader - a more modest alternative

Of course, the leader is Acrobat Reader. However, there are very interesting alternatives. For example, Foxit Reader.

The fact is that the “reader” from Adobe is very bulky: large in size, increased requirements for the system. But here the developers relied on a user-friendly interface and performance, cutting out all unnecessary functionality.

Main characteristics:
- Using this reader you can add comments to the finished document and print it along with them;
- Increased level of security: Foxit Reader will not connect to the Internet without your permission;
- Performance. As mentioned above, although Acrobat Reader is the most popular, it is quite cumbersome and can “boot up” an old computer quite well, while Foxit will not allow this.

Still undecided on your choice? Let's continue!

STDU Viewer is the fastest PDF reader

In third place is a modest and well-known program called STDU Viewer. Its size does not reach even three megabytes. Of course, because of this we had to greatly “shorten” the functionality, but it does an excellent job of reading PDF documents. In addition, STDU supports other formats. For example, .txt, .tiff, .DjVu.

Main characteristics:
- Ability to simultaneously view multiple pages on one screen;
- You can add your own bookmark while reading and return to it at any time;
- Hyperlinks are supported;
- Reading pages individually and as a book;
- Convenient search through the text of documents;
- Demonstration of sketches and content navigation;
- Instant transition to the selected page.

Isn't this enough for the average user? Such modest functionality can be forgiven due to the size of only a little over two megabytes!

PDF-XChange Viewer is a powerful competitor

PDF-XChange Viewer is a free PDF reader. But unlike STDU Viewer, its functionality does not end there. You won't be able to edit documents, but you can easily add to them.

For example, if you wish, you can fill out a table, save a form, add an annotation or note, increase the size of text or drawing, and much more - even exporting individual PDF pages to images.

Main characteristics:
- Ability to add annotations in the form of stickers and your own comments in any PDF files;
- Custom stamps from any designs;
- Test notes;
- Print any page;
- Convert pages into images;
- Work with several documents at once - each in its own tab;
- Availability of add-ons for popular browsers;
- Portable version;
- Russian language support.

To choose the right program, you should rely solely on its functionality. If you only need to read documents, then STDU Viewer will suffice, and if you are more demanding and need a professional solution, then the leader in this segment is certainly Acrobat Reader from Adobe.