--- description: PDF documents are very popular as they can be opened on any operating system, and they are easy to attach with an email, message, or website. A PDF document also provides the advantage of not being altered easily. title: 7 Best Free PDF Reader (2026) image: https://www.guru99.com/images/best-free-pdf-readers.png --- [Skip to content](#main) [![Best PDF Reader](https://www.guru99.com/images/best-free-pdf-readers.png)](https://guru99.click/21faac) PDF documents are very popular as they can be opened on any operating system, and they are easy to attach with an email, message, or website. A PDF document also provides the advantage of not being altered easily. So, it is extensively used by individuals and organizations for digital copies of resumes, study material, documents, and manuals for peripherals and devices. A PDF reader software helps you create, manage, and secure your PDF files all in one place. It allows you to simplify complicated tasks involved in PDFs. There are many dedicated Windows PDF readers available in the market. Therefore, selecting the best PDF reader for editing, altering, or managing your PDF files is difficult. We have created the best PDF readers list for your needs. After spending 60+ hours researching 25+ Best PDF Reader tools, I have created a comprehensive list of the top options, including free and paid versions. My in-depth and unbiased review provides well-researched pros, cons, and download links to help you choose the best Free PDF reader. This trusted guide offers exclusive insights—read the full article for a must-see breakdown of these tools. [ Read more…](javascript:myFunction%28%29) Editor's Choice [ ![Adobe Acrobat Reader DC](https://www.guru99.com/images/adobe-acrobat-logo.png) ](https://guru99.click/21faac "Adobe Acrobat Reader DC") [Adobe Acrobat Reader DC ](https://guru99.click/21faac "Adobe Acrobat Reader DC") Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is a free PDF review software for viewing, printing, and commenting on PDF documents. It provides multiple viewing modes to reduce eyestrain. This free PDF reader software works across multiple devices. [Try Free Adobe Acrobat ](https://guru99.click/21faac "Adobe Acrobat Reader DC") ## Best Free PDF Reader for Windows 11/10 | Name | Windows Supported versions | Free Trial | Link | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | -------------------------------- | ------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | [![Adobe](https://www.guru99.com/images/adobe-acrobat-logo.png) 👍 Adobe Acrobat Reader DC](https://guru99.click/21faac) | Windows XP, 7, 8, 8.1, 10 and 11 | Reader is Free. Adobe Acrobat is paid | [Learn More](https://guru99.click/21faac) | | [ 👍 UPDF](https://guru99.link/qhq2v18) | Windows 7 or later | Life Time Free Basic Plan | [Learn More](https://guru99.link/qhq2v18) | | [ Ashampoo PDF](https://guru99.click/edd368) | Windows 10 | 30 Days Free Trial | [Learn More](https://guru99.click/edd368) | | [ PdfFiller](https://guru99.click/8d4978) | Windows 10 | 30 Days Free Trial | [Learn More](https://guru99.click/8d4978) | | [ Zoho WorkDrive](https://guru99.link/recommends-zoho-workdrive-docmgmt-tool) | Windows 7 or later | 5 GB Free Storage | [Learn More](https://guru99.link/recommends-zoho-workdrive-docmgmt-tool) | | [ DocHub](https://guru99.click/d6g9e8) | Windows 10 | 30 Days Free Trial | [Learn More](https://guru99.click/d6g9e8) | ### 1) [Adobe Acrobat Reader DC](https://guru99.click/21faac) I evaluated [Adobe Acrobat Reader DC](https://guru99.click/21faac) as a solid free PDF reader software. It offered me various viewing options, including dark mode, which helps reduce eyestrain while reading. I could access its full-screen mode, which hides unnecessary menus for an uninterrupted view. #1 Top Pick [ ![Adobe Acrobat Reader DC](https://www.guru99.com/images/adobe-acrobat-logo.png) ](https://guru99.click/21faac "Adobe Acrobat Reader DC") [Adobe Acrobat Reader DC ](https://guru99.click/21faac "Adobe Acrobat Reader DC") 5.0 It offers an easy-to-use drag-and-drop to manage PDFs. Easy integration with the Adobe Cloud system. **Windows Supported versions:** Windows XP, 7, 8, 8.1, 10 and 11 **Download:** Free Download [Visit Adobe Acrobat Reader ](https://guru99.click/21faac "Adobe Acrobat Reader DC") I found its cloud storage integration to be a great way to store documents online. The ability to extract words and images from PDFs made my work faster. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC supports Windows, Mac, and Linux, making it perfect for different systems. #### Pros * I found the drag-and-drop feature for PDFs to be one of the easiest ways to manage documents * This free PDF reader software works across multiple devices * Hides unnecessary menus when switched to full-screen #### Cons * I noticed that the free version did not provide enough features for my needs #### 👉 How to get it Free? * Go to [Adobe Acrobat Reader DC](https://guru99.click/21faac) * Click on the “Download Acrobat Reader” button to download Adobe Acrobat Reader. [Visit Adobe Acrobat >>](https://guru99.click/21faac) Life Time Free Tool --- ### 2) [UPDF](https://guru99.link/qhq2v18) [UPDF](https://guru99.link/qhq2v18) impressed me with its seamless ability to view, search, and edit PDF files. The multi-tab view was especially useful for handling multiple documents, while the AI-powered OCR delivered highly accurate recognition. I found the ability to chat with PDFs and convert them into mind maps a game-changer for grasping complex ideas efficiently. #2 [ ](https://guru99.link/qhq2v18 "UPDF") [UPDF ](https://guru99.link/qhq2v18 "UPDF") 4.9 First PDF editor/reader with presentation mode. View PDF files simply and fast **Windows Supported versions:** Windows 10 or later **Download:** Free Download [Visit UPDF ](https://guru99.link/qhq2v18 "UPDF") I also appreciated the presentation mode for professional content sharing, and its cross-platform compatibility on up to four devices was extremely convenient. With support for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, UPDF stands out as a versatile and user-friendly PDF editor. #### Pros * I could view PDF files simply and fast with ease * It is lightweight, simple in design, and supports dark mode * I was able to edit, convert, protect, organize, crop, and compress PDF files easily #### Cons * I was disappointed that there was no Linux version * Some small functions still need to be polished #### 👉 How to get it Free? * Go to [UPDF](https://guru99.link/qhq2v18) * Click on the “Free Download” button to get trial version. [Visit UPDF >>](https://guru99.link/qhq2v18) Life Time Free Basic Plan --- ### 3) [Ashampoo PDF](https://guru99.click/edd368) [Ashampoo PDF](https://guru99.click/edd368) helped me manage PDF files effectively. I could edit, create, and safeguard files with this PDF reader software application. It also offered me the ability to produce well-sized documents readable on any device. I was impressed by the encryption feature that secures intellectual property. [](https://guru99.click/edd368) Ashampoo PDF is an ideal solution for managing and editing PDF documents seamlessly. I could access the new snapshot function, which made it possible to capture perfect PDF screenshots. I found that it helps you split large PDFs into smaller documents based on a custom number of pages, which is great for organization. It allowed me to edit open images directly using an external image editor, which saved me time. #### Pros * You can compare two PDFs side by side * It allowed me to edit open images directly with my preferred external editor * I found this tool helpful for finding and replacing colors throughout documents #### Cons * I found editing files more challenging compared to working in Word #### 👉 How to get it Free? * Go to [Ashampoo PDF](https://guru99.click/edd368) * Click on the “Download” button to get 30 days free trial of Pro. [Visit Ashampoo >>](https://guru99.click/edd368) 30-Days Free Trial --- ### 4) PDF-Xchange PDF-XChange Editor is a free PDF reader tool with easy-to-use buttons, toolbars, and side panels that made PDF editing simple for me. I particularly appreciate how it offers fast performance and lets me remove unwanted features, giving me a cleaner viewing experience. ![PDF-Xchange]() PDF-XChange is an excellent choice for editing PDFs, allowing me to attach notes and create fillable forms with ease. I found its ability to add comments before sharing files helpful for collaboration. Supporting Windows XP, 7, 8, 10, and 11, it is one of the best options for anyone seeking a robust PDF tool. #### Pros * I found adding and placing text to be exceptionally easy * Well-organized and user-friendly interface * It is the best portable PDF reader for Windows #### Cons * I was dissatisfied with the watermark on the output #### 👉 How to get it Free? * Go to [PDF Xchange](https://www.tracker-software.com/product/pdf-xchange-editor) * Click on the “Download” button to get feature-rich free PDF viewer/editor. **Link:** --- ### 5) Icecream Apps PDF Editor As I evaluated Icecream Apps PDF Editor, I found it ideal for creating and editing PDFs. It is a top-rated tool for managing pages and adding notes to documents. In fact, it helps you edit with simplicity, offering one of the easiest ways to handle PDFs. I found that drawing, adding shapes, arrows, and lines to a PDF document was simple and effective. It is available for download on Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, and 7, making it one of the best options for a wide range of users. ![Icecream Apps PDF Editor]() Icecream PDF Editor allowed me to move, rotate, and resize PDF objects effortlessly, making it great for those who need a solution to manage and edit PDFs with ease. In my opinion, it’s ability to set a password to protect your PDF files makes it truly special. If you are in lookout for a reliable and trusted PDF reader, I would highly recommend it. #### Pros * Offers built-in forms in PDF documents * It helped me add notes directly to my PDF file * It allows you to search through the document before making changes to it #### Cons * This PDF software did not allow me to import multiple PDF files #### 👉 How to get it Free? * Go to [Icecream Apps PDF Editor](https://icecreamapps.com/PDF-Editor/) * Click on the “Free Download” button to get free version of Icecream PDF Editor with a few limitations. **Link:** --- ### 6) Slim PDF I analyzed Slim PDF, a simple and effective PDF reader software. I found this tool to be quite convincing for opening and viewing documents. It allows you to add comments and annotations easily. I could access its form-filling feature and validate digital signatures. The annotation tools are remarkable, and they offer great customization. ![Slim PDF]() Slim PDF offers an improved navigation feature that helped me simplify my PDF viewing experience. I was able to sign PDFs with both electronic and digital signatures effortlessly, which is helpful to streamline workflows. It lets me create PDFs from any printable file format for easy document creation. The fact that Slim PDF Reader 2 is 1/10 of the size of Adobe® Reader® makes it an ideal solution for those looking for a lightweight, yet top-notch option. #### Pros * I found that it provides top-notch navigation for a simplified PDF viewing experience * It gave me access to a full range of advanced and customizable annotation tools * Slim PDF offers interactive PDF form-filling and signature verification features #### Cons * I was frustrated when it occasionally failed to load elements such as signatures #### 👉 How to get it Free? * Go to [Slim PDF](https://www.investintech.com/resources/freetools/slimpdfreader/) * Click on the “Windows Download” button to download Slim PDF Reader for free. **Link:** --- ### 7) [Google Drive](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-9170115-13989064?sid=best-free-pdf-reader) [Google Drive](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-9170115-13989064?sid=best-free-pdf-reader) is an amazing option for anyone seeking free PDF software. I have tested its PDF viewer, and it allowed me to open, view, convert, and share my PDF files across Google Drive. I particularly liked how easy it was to convert PDFs into editable documents with just a few clicks. In my experience, it is one of the best tools to manage PDFs. [](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-9170115-13989064?sid=best-free-pdf-reader) Google Drive allowed me to store PDFs, presentations, and photos effortlessly. I could access my documents from anywhere, which is helpful for staying organized. In fact, if you are familiar with Google Drive’s features, it is great for managing and collaborating on documents. #### Pros * Easy to use and clean interface * It provided secure access to all of my content * I noticed the generous free storage of 15GB lets me store a lot of files without extra cost #### Cons * I observed that it can be slow to sync files at times, especially when uploading larger files #### 👉 How to get it Free? * Go to [Google Drive](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-9170115-13989064?sid=best-free-pdf-reader) * Click on the “Get started” button to get Workspace free for 14 days or Use Google Drive for free. [Visit Google Drive >>](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-9170115-13989064?sid=best-free-pdf-reader) 14-Days Free Trial ## How do I get Adobe Acrobat Reader for free on Windows 11/10? **Step 1)** Download the PDF reader on your PC Open: [https://get.adobe.com/reader/otherversions/](https://guru99.click/21faac) and select Adobe Acrobat Reader DC [](https://guru99.click/21faac) **Step 2)** Select your operating system You will be asked about your operating system; I am selecting Windows 10\. However, you need to select the Windows version according to your PC. [](https://guru99.click/21faac) **Step 3)** Select language You need to select the language of your choice. I have selected English. [](https://guru99.click/21faac) **Step 4)** Select the version Lastly, select the 64-bit version for the 64-bit PC. [](https://guru99.click/21faac) **Step 5)** Download the Acrobat Reader Now, go to the upper right corner of the screen and start downloading Acrobat reader [](https://guru99.click/21faac) **Step 6)** Save and run the .exe file on your PC Click on the finish button when the process is completed and install the software by double-clicking on the .exe file [](https://guru99.click/21faac) **Step 7)** Start the PDF reader application You can see that the Acrobat PDF DC application has been launched [](https://guru99.click/21faac) ## What is PDF? Portable Document Format (PDF), standardized as ISO 32000, is a file format. It was developed by Adobe in 1992 to present documents, including text formatting and images, independent of application software, hardware, and operating systems. ## Why use PDF Editor Software? [PDF editor software](https://www.guru99.com/free-pdf-editor-software.html) helps you edit your .pdf files efficiently and easily. It also allows users to create, secure, and distribute various PDF documents. A PDF editor tool also helps optimize PDF documents for various applications to print and manipulate PDF files. ## How did we choose the Best PDF Reader Software? [](https://www.guru99.com/images/choose-best-pdf-editor.png) At **Guru99**, we prioritize providing credible, accurate, and objective information through rigorous content creation and review. After dedicating over **60 hours to researching 25+ PDF Reader tools**, I compiled a comprehensive guide featuring both free and paid options. This unbiased resource includes pros, cons, and download links to offer trusted information. Multiple factors were considered to ensure the selected PDF readers deliver the best experience. Below are the key aspects you should focus on when choosing the right one. * **Ease of Use:** The interface should be simple, intuitive, and user-friendly, enabling quick access to essential features without confusion. * **Scan and OCR Features:** Look for software that offers reliable Optical Character Recognition (OCR) capabilities, allowing you to scan and convert documents into editable formats. * **PDF Functionalities:** The software should support a variety of operations, including creating, editing, sharing, and printing PDF files, ensuring flexibility in managing documents. * **Advanced Editing Features:** Look for software with advanced editing tools, such as the ability to add annotations, signatures, watermarks, and hyperlinks to the PDF. * **Integration with Cloud Services:** It’s beneficial if the PDF reader integrates with cloud storage platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive, allowing easy access to your documents from anywhere. * **Security:** Ensure that the software provides robust security features like encryption and password protection to safeguard your sensitive data. * **Mobile-Friendliness:** The PDF reader should offer compatibility with mobile devices, making it easier to access, view, and edit documents on the go. * **Pricing:** Consider the cost of the software and whether it offers a free version or trial. Ensure the pricing aligns with your budget and offers the required features. * **Customer Support:** It is important that the software provides accessible and reliable customer service to address any technical issues or queries promptly. ## Why a Dedicated PDF Reader Still Beats the Browser Viewer Modern browsers in Hungary — Chrome, Edge, Firefox — all ship with a built-in PDF viewer that is fine for reading a short document, but it falls short the moment the task gets serious. A dedicated reader loads large files — contracts, scanned court documents, and dense programming references such as a Guru99 [programming ebook PDF](https://www.guru99.com/ebook-pdf.html) bundle — several times faster because it streams pages on demand instead of rendering the entire file in memory. It also gives you proper annotation tools — highlight, margin note, strike-through, typed comments — that persist in the file and are visible in any other compliant viewer. For Hungarian professionals, three features are decisive: reliable OCR on scanned documents in Hungarian (ő, ű, á, é diacritics preserved), digital-signature verification under eIDAS for MÁK, NAV, and EU-level documents, and form-filling for interactive AVDH and ÁNYK forms. A browser viewer covers none of these properly. Install a dedicated reader and the browser becomes your quick-look tool rather than your primary PDF tool. ## Open-Source vs Freemium PDF Readers: What Changes for Hungarian Users Two families compete for the free-PDF-reader slot. **Open-source readers** (SumatraPDF, Okular, Xodo PDF Reader, MuPDF) are free, lightweight, auditable, and usually free of upsells. SumatraPDF and MuPDF are the fastest on older Hungarian office hardware; Okular ships by default with KDE on most Linux distributions used in Hungarian universities. **Freemium readers** (Foxit PDF Reader, Nitro PDF Reader, PDF-XChange Viewer) add polish — cleaner UIs, better OCR, ribbon-style toolbars familiar to MS Office users — but reserve features like digital signing, redaction, and batch conversion for their paid editions. For a Hungarian small business that files VAT returns and signs contracts electronically, the freemium route usually wins because eIDAS-compliant signature validation and AVDH support are mature. For an individual, a student, or anyone who just needs to read and lightly annotate, SumatraPDF is almost always enough. The deciding question is: do you need to sign, redact, and batch-process, or only read and annotate? ## How to Set Your Default PDF Reader on Windows 11, macOS, and Linux Changing the default PDF reader is quick but differs by OS. **On Windows 11** (the most common setup in Hungarian offices and schools): open Settings → Apps → Default apps, type .pdf in the search bar, click the current default, and choose your new reader from the list. If the reader you installed is not visible, click “Choose an app on your PC” and browse to its .exe file (for SumatraPDF typically C:\\Program Files\\SumatraPDF\\SumatraPDF.exe). Windows 11 will ask once per session whether to keep the change; confirm, and the association is permanent. **On macOS** (Sonoma, Sequoia, and the April 2026 release): right-click any .pdf in Finder, choose “Get Info”, expand “Open with”, select your reader from the dropdown, then click “Change All…” and confirm. macOS ties the default to the current user account, so you will repeat this for each user profile on a shared Mac. **On Linux distributions** (Ubuntu, Fedora, openSUSE — popular in Hungarian universities and SMEs): the graphical route is Settings → Default Applications → Documents, or right-click a .pdf in Nautilus/Dolphin and choose “Open With → Set as default”. The xdg-mime command-line route is faster for admins managing a fleet: `xdg-mime default okularApplication_pdf.desktop application/pdf` sets Okular system-wide. After changing the default, test with one small and one large PDF to confirm the new reader handles both quickly — Hungarian public-administration files (NAV, MÁK, Cégbíróság) tend to be large, image-heavy scans and reveal performance differences fast. A final tip: if your browser (Edge, Chrome, Firefox) still opens PDFs itself rather than handing them to your reader, change the browser’s per-type handler under Settings → Downloads (Chrome), Settings → Applications (Firefox), or edge://settings/content/pdfDocuments (Edge). Both changes together give you a consistent experience across desktop and browser. ## Verdict: In this review, you got acquainted with some of the best PDF readers available. All of them have their unique benefits. To help you decide, I have created my verdict: * [👍 Adobe Acrobat Reader DC](https://guru99.click/21faac) is a powerful and secure choice for users needing cross-platform compatibility and excellent integration with cloud services. * [👍 UPDF](https://guru99.link/qhq2v18) provides an awesome and user-friendly experience with comprehensive AI-powered features, offering a cost-effective solution for PDF editing and management. * [Ashampoo PDF](https://guru99.click/edd368) stands out with its comprehensive editing capabilities and encryption features, making it perfect for users who need advanced PDF management and security. ## FAQs 💡 Which free PDF reader is the lightest and fastest? SumatraPDF and MuPDF are the lightest, opening large PDFs in under a second and using under 100 MB of RAM. Adobe Acrobat Reader and Foxit PDF Reader are more feature-rich but noticeably heavier on older laptops and low-RAM machines. 🔏 Can I sign a PDF with a free PDF reader? Yes. Foxit PDF Reader and Adobe Acrobat Reader both support applying a basic digital signature for free. Validating existing signatures works in almost every reader. Creating an advanced qualified eIDAS signature usually requires a paid tool or a certified national e-signature service. 🌐 Which free PDF reader has the best OCR accuracy? PDF24 Creator and the free tier of ABBYY FineReader handle OCR on scanned documents with strong accuracy across English and most European languages. SumatraPDF and MuPDF do not include OCR — they only display text that is already searchable. 📑 Can I fill interactive forms with a third-party PDF reader? Yes, most interactive AcroForm PDFs open and fill correctly in Foxit PDF Reader, PDF-XChange Editor, and Adobe Acrobat Reader, while EPUB form-style content is better handled by a dedicated [free EPUB reader](https://www.guru99.com/best-epub-reader-free.html). Very old XFA-only government forms may require the specific vendor application they were authored for. 🖨️ Which free PDF reader prints most reliably on office printers? Adobe Acrobat Reader and Foxit PDF Reader are the most reliable across PostScript and PCL printer drivers, including HP, Canon, Brother, and Xerox office fleets. SumatraPDF prints quickly but can misrender complex interactive forms on older drivers — test first. Editor's Choice [ ![Adobe Acrobat Reader DC](https://www.guru99.com/images/adobe-acrobat-logo.png) ](https://guru99.click/21faac "Adobe Acrobat Reader DC") [Adobe Acrobat Reader DC ](https://guru99.click/21faac "Adobe Acrobat Reader DC") Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is a free PDF review software for viewing, printing, and commenting on PDF documents. It provides multiple viewing modes to reduce eyestrain. This free PDF reader software works across multiple devices. [Try Free Adobe Acrobat ](https://guru99.click/21faac "Adobe Acrobat Reader DC") #### Summarize this post with: ChatGPT Perplexity Grok Google AI **Stay Updated on AI** **Get Weekly AI Skills, Trends, Actionable Advice.** ##### Sign up for the newsletter Subscribe for Free You have successfully subscribed. Please check your inbox. ![AI-Newsletter]() Chosen by over **350,000+** professionals [Scroll to top ](#wrapper)Scroll to top Toggle Menu Close Search for: Search ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.guru99.com/#organization","name":"Guru99","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/Guru99Official","https://twitter.com/guru99com"],"logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://www.guru99.com/#logo","url":"https://www.guru99.com/images/guru99-logo-v1-150x59.png","contentUrl":"https://www.guru99.com/images/guru99-logo-v1-150x59.png","caption":"Guru99","inLanguage":"en-US"}},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://www.guru99.com/#website","url":"https://www.guru99.com","name":"Guru99","publisher":{"@id":"https://www.guru99.com/#organization"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://www.guru99.com/images/best-free-pdf-readers.png","url":"https://www.guru99.com/images/best-free-pdf-readers.png","width":"200","height":"200","inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.guru99.com/best-free-pdf-reader.html#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":"1","item":{"@id":"https://www.guru99.com","name":"Home"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":"2","item":{"@id":"https://www.guru99.com/business-analyst","name":"Business Analyst"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":"3","item":{"@id":"https://www.guru99.com/business-analyst/productivity-tools-business-analyst","name":"Productivity Tools"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":"4","item":{"@id":"https://www.guru99.com/business-analyst/productivity-tools-business-analyst/free-productivity-tools-business-analyst","name":"Free"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":"5","item":{"@id":"https://www.guru99.com/best-free-pdf-reader.html","name":"7 Best Free PDF Reader (2026)"}}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.guru99.com/best-free-pdf-reader.html#webpage","url":"https://www.guru99.com/best-free-pdf-reader.html","name":"7 Best Free PDF Reader (2026)","dateModified":"2026-06-10T18:43:20+05:30","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://www.guru99.com/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https://www.guru99.com/images/best-free-pdf-readers.png"},"inLanguage":"en-US","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.guru99.com/best-free-pdf-reader.html#breadcrumb"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.guru99.com/author/charles","name":"Charles Moore","description":"I'm Charles Moore, a Sr. Business Analyst, delivering expert guidance in business analysis to help you optimize and elevate your business operations.","url":"https://www.guru99.com/author/charles","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://www.guru99.com/images/charles-moore-author.png","url":"https://www.guru99.com/images/charles-moore-author.png","caption":"Charles Moore","inLanguage":"en-US"},"worksFor":{"@id":"https://www.guru99.com/#organization"}},{"image":{"@id":"https://www.guru99.com/images/best-free-pdf-readers.png"},"headline":"7 Best Free PDF Reader (2026)","description":"PDF documents are very popular as they can be opened on any operating system, and they are easy to attach with an email, message, or website. A PDF document also provides the advantage of not being altered easily.","@type":"Article","author":{"@id":"https://www.guru99.com/author/charles","name":"Charles Moore"},"dateModified":"2026-06-10T18:43:20+05:30","copyrightYear":"2026","name":"7 Best Free PDF Reader (2026)","articleSection":"Business Analyst, Free, Productivity Tools","subjectOf":[{"@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"\ud83d\udca1 Which free PDF reader is the lightest and fastest?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"SumatraPDF and MuPDF are the lightest, opening large PDFs in under a second and using under 100 MB of RAM. Adobe Acrobat Reader and Foxit PDF Reader are more feature-rich but noticeably heavier on older laptops and low-RAM machines."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"\ud83d\udd0f Can I sign a PDF with a free PDF reader?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. Foxit PDF Reader and Adobe Acrobat Reader both support applying a basic digital signature for free. Validating existing signatures works in almost every reader. Creating an advanced qualified eIDAS signature usually requires a paid tool or a certified national e-signature service."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"\ud83c\udf10 Which free PDF reader has the best OCR accuracy?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"PDF24 Creator and the free tier of ABBYY FineReader handle OCR on scanned documents with strong accuracy across English and most European languages. SumatraPDF and MuPDF do not include OCR \u2014 they only display text that is already searchable."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"\ud83d\udcd1 Can I fill interactive forms with a third-party PDF reader?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, most interactive AcroForm PDFs open and fill correctly in Foxit PDF Reader, PDF-XChange Editor, and Adobe Acrobat Reader. Very old XFA-only government forms may require the specific vendor application they were authored for."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"\ud83d\udda8\ufe0f Which free PDF reader prints most reliably on office printers?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Adobe Acrobat Reader and Foxit PDF Reader are the most reliable across PostScript and PCL printer drivers, including HP, Canon, Brother, and Xerox office fleets. SumatraPDF prints quickly but can misrender complex interactive forms on older drivers \u2014 test first."}}]}],"@id":"https://www.guru99.com/best-free-pdf-reader.html#schema-85299","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://www.guru99.com/best-free-pdf-reader.html#webpage"},"publisher":{"@id":"https://www.guru99.com/#organization"},"inLanguage":"en-US","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https://www.guru99.com/best-free-pdf-reader.html#webpage"}}]} ```