What is a PDF reader. Everything You Need to Know. | Speechify (2024)

What is a PDF Reader?A PDF reader is a software application that enables you to view, interact with, and sometimes edit Portable Document Format (PDF)...

What is a PDF Reader?

A PDF reader is a software application that enables you to view, interact with, and sometimes edit Portable Document Format (PDF) files. But before diving into what is a PDF reader, let's understand what a PDF file is.

What is a PDF file?

PDF stands for Portable Document Format. It is a file format that preserves all the fonts, formatting, colors, and graphics of any source document, regardless of the computer or software used to create it. PDF is the standard for the secure, reliable distribution and exchange of electronic documents and forms around the world. Adobe Acrobat Reader, which many consider the best PDF reader, initially introduced this format.

Now that we talked about just what is a PDF reader, learn everything about what is a PDF.

What does a PDF reader do?

A PDF reader enables you to view PDF files on your computer or mobile devices. Some PDF readers, often called PDF editors or PDF tools, also allow you to edit PDF files, convert PDFs to other file formats (such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or JPG), or create new PDFs from other file types.

PDF readers come with various features like the ability to annotate PDFs, add sticky notes, bookmarks, digital signatures, and collaborate with others on the same document. They also allow users to customize the reading experience, fill out PDF forms, and password protect sensitive documents.

What is a PDF reader vs a PDF Editor?

A PDF reader and a PDF editor serve two different but related functions.

A PDF Reader is a software program that allows you to open and view PDF (Portable Document Format) files. The most basic function of a PDF reader is to present the content of a PDF file in a readable format. This includes text, images, links, and all other elements that might be included in a PDF.

On the other hand, a PDF Editor is a tool that offers more advanced features and functionality. In addition to viewing PDF files, a PDF editor allows you to modify the content of a PDF. This can include editing text, adding images, deleting sections, and rearranging pages. It may also offer additional features such as adding annotations, comments, or highlighting, adding watermarks, filling out and creating forms, adding or verifying digital signatures, and password protecting or encrypting PDF files.

In essence, while both PDF readers and PDF editors allow you to view PDF files, only a PDF editor allows you to make changes to the content. Some software combines these two functionalities and are often referred to as PDF reader-editors. Adobe Acrobat Pro, for example, is both a PDF reader and an editor.

Do I need to download a PDF reader?

Whether you need to download a PDF reader or not depends on your operating systems and specific needs. For instance, Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Linux all have built-in tools to view PDF files. However, these tools are often limited in their capabilities.

For example, Microsoft Edge, the default web browser in Windows, allows for basic PDF viewing, but for more advanced features like the ability to edit PDF files, annotate, or collaborate, you might need to download a dedicated PDF reader.

What is an example of a PDF reader?

Adobe Acrobat Reader is the most popular and widely used PDF reader. It is available for different operating systems, including Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. Adobe Acrobat Reader allows you to view, annotate, sign documents, and share PDFs for free. It also has a pro version, which includes features like PDF editing, conversion to other file types (like Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and adding a watermark.

What is a PDF and how do you download it?

A PDF, or Portable Document Format, is a type of file format that preserves the document's layout — including text, fonts, and images — regardless of what device or software it is viewed on. Downloading a PDF is as simple as clicking on a link on a web page or in an email. However, to open and view the PDF, you'll need a PDF reader.

What are the benefits of using a PDF reader?

PDF readers provide several advantages. They offer a consistent viewing experience across different operating systems and devices. They allow for easy collaboration, making it possible to annotate PDFs, add comments, and even sign documents digitally.

With a PDF reader, you can also convert PDFs to other formats like Word or Excel, fill out PDF forms, and even add security features such as password protection. PDF readers are essential tools for anyone who works with documents regularly, whether for personal or professional use.

What are some free PDF readers?

There are numerous free PDF readers available. Some of the best PDF readers that are free include Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader, SumatraPDF, and PDF-XChange Editor. These readers are available for different operating systems, including Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

How do you use a PDF reader?

Using a PDF reader is typically straightforward. After downloading and installing the reader, you can open a PDF by clicking 'File,' then 'Open,' and selecting the PDF from your files. Once open, you can use the reader's tools to view, edit, annotate, and perform other actions.

What is a PDF document?

A PDF document is a file in Portable Document Format, a format created by Adobe to present documents, including text formatting and images, in a manner independent of application software, hardware, and operating systems.

How do I open a PDF?

To open a PDF, you need a PDF reader. Once installed, you can double-click on the PDF file, and it will open in the default PDF reader. You can also open a PDF by right-clicking on the file, selecting 'Open with,' and choosing your preferred PDF reader.

What is the difference between a PDF reader and a word processor?

While many may already know what is a pdf reader, but what is the difference between a PDF reader and a word processor?

A PDF reader and a word processor like Microsoft Word serve different functions. Word processors allow you to create, edit, and format documents from scratch, while a PDF reader primarily allows you to view PDFs.

Some advanced PDF readers offer editing capabilities, but these are typically more limited than those of a full word processor. A PDF reader can also open and display the document exactly as it was originally designed, regardless of the device or operating system used, unlike word processors that can sometimes alter the layout or formatting of a document when viewed on different systems.

What is the most popular PDF reader?

Now that you know what is a pdf reader, let's look at only the best of the best.

1. Speechify PDF Reader: Speechify PDF reader is the best in class app for reading PDFs. With features like 200+ voices, multiple language support, focused interactive listening and reading experience and with a built in AI bot that you can ask questions to about your document, it rivals apps like Adobe and Foxit. Try it for free.
2. Adobe Acrobat Reader: As the pioneer of the PDF format, Adobe Acrobat Reader remains one of the best PDF viewers. It offers a wide array of features beyond simple viewing, including the ability to annotate, markup, and edit PDFs. It also comes with an OCR tool for extracting text from images. Adobe Acrobat Reader integrates well with cloud storage services like Dropbox and Google Drive, making it easy to access your documents from any device. You can download the free adobe acrobat reader from the Adobe website.
3. Foxit PDF Reader: Foxit Reader is a popular PDF viewer known for its speed and lightweight design. It supports conversion between PDFs and other file formats like Word documents (docx), spreadsheets, and HTML. It also allows you to add annotations and markups to your PDFs. Furthermore, Foxit Reader provides integration with cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox, facilitating easy access to your files.
4. PDF-XChange Editor: This is a highly versatile PDF viewer that supports various features like OCR, annotations, and the ability to convert PDFs to different formats, including docx, spreadsheets, and XML. It also allows for seamless integration with cloud storage services, making it easy to store and retrieve your documents on the go.
5. Nitro PDF Reader: Nitro PDF Reader is a comprehensive tool that supports viewing, editing, and converting PDFs. It provides a user-friendly interface with features like OCR for image text extraction, PDF conversion to formats like Word documents and spreadsheets, and markup tools for annotations. Nitro also offers integration with cloud storage for easy document management.
6. Google Drive PDF Viewer: As a part of Google's suite of tools, Google Drive PDF Viewer allows you to view and share PDFs from anywhere. It supports basic annotations and markups and offers seamless integration with Google Drive for cloud storage. It also comes with a basic PDF converter, allowing you to convert your PDFs to formats such as docx and spreadsheets.
7. Apple Preview: For MacOS users, Apple Preview is an excellent built-in PDF viewer. It provides a range of features, including the ability to annotate PDFs, add markup, fill out forms, and sign documents. While it does not have a built-in PDF converter or cloud storage, it integrates well with Apple's iCloud and other cloud storage services. Preview also supports OCR, making it a versatile tool for Apple users.

How to use a PDF reader?

Using a PDF reader is generally straightforward, and the exact process can vary slightly depending on the software you're using. Here's a general guide:

1. Download and Install: First, you need to download a PDF reader. There are many options available, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader, and SumatraPDF, among others. Visit the software's official website, download the setup file, and then install it on your device.
2. Open a PDF File: After installing the PDF reader, you can open a PDF file by launching the PDF reader, and then clicking on 'File' > 'Open'. Navigate to where the PDF file is saved on your device, click on the file to select it, and then click 'Open'. Alternatively, you can right-click on the PDF file from where it's saved and choose 'Open with', then select your PDF reader.
3. Navigate the PDF: Once the PDF is open, you can navigate through the document using the scroll bar, the arrow keys on your keyboard, or the navigation buttons on the software's interface. You can also use the 'Go to' or 'Find' function to quickly jump to specific pages or find specific words or phrases.
4. Zoom in and Out: If the text is too small or too large, you can adjust the view size. This is usually done by clicking the 'Zoom in' or 'Zoom out' buttons, or by selecting a specific zoom percentage from a dropdown menu. Some PDF readers also allow you to fit the page to the screen width or height.
5. Read in Different Modes: Most PDF readers offer different reading modes. You can switch to full-screen mode for distraction-free reading, or use the read mode that hides all menus and toolbars. Some readers also offer a night mode that changes the background color to black and the text color to white, which is easier on the eyes in low light conditions.
6. Use Additional Features: If your PDF reader comes with additional features, such as the ability to highlight text, add comments or sticky notes, fill out forms, or add signatures, you'll usually find these options in the toolbars or menus.

Remember to save any changes you make (if your reader includes editing features) before closing the document to ensure your modifications are stored.

Always refer to the specific instructions or help files for your chosen PDF reader for detailed information on how to use its unique features.

Are free PDF readers safe?

Finally, before we close out this article on "what is a pdf reader", you must be wondering if free PDF readers are safe to use.

Whether a free PDF reader is safe to use largely depends on the source from which it's downloaded. If you download the software from a reputable source, such as the official website of the PDF reader or a trusted software distribution platform, free PDF readers can indeed be safe to use.

Here are a few widely used, reputable, and free PDF readers:

1. Speechify PDF Reader: Speechify PDF reader is trusted by over 20 million users and is the best in class app for reading PDFs. It rivals Adobe and Foxit PDF reader and all the others.
2. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC: This is the official free version of Adobe's PDF software. It allows you to view, print, and annotate PDFs.
3. Foxit Reader: This is a highly respected PDF reader known for being lighter and faster than Adobe Reader. It offers several annotation tools and integrated cloud-based services for collaboration.
4. Sumatra PDF: This is a lightweight and portable application capable of handling a variety of document formats, including PDFs.
5. PDF-XChange Editor: This software offers more features than many other free PDF readers, including OCR functionality and the ability to add comments and annotations to PDFs.
6. Google Drive: If you're comfortable with online tools, Google Drive provides a built-in PDF viewer that can open PDF documents easily.

Remember, it's always a good idea to ensure that your computer's antivirus and anti-malware software are up to date before downloading and installing any new software, including free PDF readers.

In summary, while many free PDF readers are safe, always make sure to download software from trusted sources and maintain good security practices to keep your device protected.

We hope this article answered one of the most popular questions: "what is a pdf reader".