PDF (Portable Document Format) is an Adobe proprietary format developed primarily for the needs of the printing industry. However, it is now very widely used in other industries as well. It is used for presenting graphical information in an electronic format ready for printing. Also, the information from the scanned paper carriers is usually converted into this format. An important advantage is that modern printing equipment, as a rule, has firmware for working with files in PDF format, which enables printing without the use of additional equipment.
PDF Software Review
PDF software is designed to have three main functions:
- creation – converting an image into the pdf format is usually performed by software for scanning;
- viewing – so-called readers enable users to open and view files in this format;
- editing – they enable users to edit a pdf online.
Some programs serve a single purpose, but more often they combine several functions, including additional ones – pdf splitter, pdf software editor, etc. Let’s take a look at some basic PDF software.
Adobe Acrobat
Considering that the format was created by Adobe, it is not surprising that it represents the most sophisticated and advanced toolkit for working with PDF. It should be noted, however, that the free program features only a reader with the possibility to highlight sections of text and enter comments, while all other functions are available only with a paid subscription. Such features include:
- text editing;
- ability to merge PDF documents;
- conversion to PDF from documents (PDF to Word, Excel) and other formats (JPG, BMP).
All of the above applies to Adobe Acrobat for PC. The mobile version has limited functionality:
- free reader with the possibility to leave comments;
- paid converter.
If you are interested in a free but powerful alternative, you can choose one of the software products discussed below.
Foxit Reader
This is one of the first analogs of the official product by Adobe, and it has been offered completely free since the very beginning. Furthermore, the free version includes not only the possibility to view the file but also quite an extensive toolset for editing, as well as functions for:
- creating a PDF file;
- printing;
- export and import.
At the same time, the application has a modest size and user-friendly interface.
Sumatra PDF
This application will be of interest to those who are primarily interested in being able to view files. In addition to PDF, the program also supports files of the following formats:
- DjVu;
- FB2;
- EPUB;
- etc.
The main advantage of the application is its low “weight” and instant loading and working speed. Users can take advantage of using desktop and mobile versions.
PDF-XChange Editor
This product is an evolution of the XChange Viewer application which, as the name suggests, allowed only to view files. Now, this is a full-featured set of tools for working with the PDF format. The functionality of this software enables users to:
- write on PDF online;
- combine PDF;
- use text recognition;
- leave comments;
- attach audio notes.
The application is conditionally free: the program leaves a watermark on the created file. To remove it, you must buy the full version. Payment is made once, you do not need to renew your subscription on a regular basis.
Nitro Reader
This free program is distributed as a PDF viewer for private use only. In addition to viewing, it supports the following functions:
- electronic signature;
- commenting;
- image cropping;
- text recognition with subsequent saving in a file of an appropriate format.
The interface “plagiarizes” Microsoft products, which can be considered an advantage – any user can easily understand its functionality.
Evince
This is a “guest” from the Linux universe that has only recently become available to users of Windows-based devices. The advantage of the program is the possibility to fully customize the toolbar.
It is also possible to create files (scan documents), select text and copy it then paste it into a text file.
Google Chrome
If you don’t want to download a separate application, you can use Google Chrome as a PDF viewer. This requires a special extension, which, however, is installed by default.
Even if this extension does not solve the problem of how to compress a PDF, for example, you probably have a browser on your computer, so you do not need to download anything. The document opens as a tab with the appropriate interface that enables you to search, save, and send the document for printing.
