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For those who are unaware, you can download a free copy of the majority of textbooks via the link provided below. I used this and saved money by not having to purchase several textbooks I would have otherwise needed this semester. Link: http://libgen.rs/
PDF Drive is a free service to download educational and recreational PDF books. Users can search for their desired topic, download and read it online or offline.
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- Overview
- SumatraPDF
- MuPDF
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- LightPDF
- Expert PDF Reader
- Nuance PDF Reader
- Sorax Reader
- Javelin PDF Reader
- Cool PDF Reader
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A PDF reader is any software that will open a PDF file, probably the most recognizable document format in the world. Your downloadable bank statements, the newsletters from school—they're probably all in PDF format.
I've used SumatraPDF for years. It's an easy-to-use free PDF reader for Windows. While it is easy and simple to work with, it's also open for heavy customization if you so choose.
Different types of viewing modes are available, like Single Page, Facing, Book View, and Presentation. The latter option is great for distraction-free reading.
There are tons of keyboard shortcuts you can use that make it easier to move around a PDF file, which you can refer to in the online documentation.
SumatraPDF can be downloaded in portable form or installed like a regular program.
I like MuPDF because it isn't cluttered, is super lightweight, and runs on Windows and Android. If you just need to read the PDF, and do nothing else, I highly recommend this app.
Immediately after opening the program, you'll be prompted to choose a PDF before you even see the UI. Once you have, there are literally no options to be seen, but instead the full program window is dedicated to showing the PDF.
There are, however, some hidden menus. Select the top left program icon on the program's title window, then select About MuPDF to see all the supported shortcut keys that you can use to flip through pages, zoom in, and search for text.
The other way to use this program is with an initial menu. Open mupdf-gl.exe from the same download to use that version.
Adobe, the creator of the PDF file format, has a free reader called Acrobat Reader.
Tons of features are included: Take snapshots of text and images, view the PDF in Read Mode for a more concise reading pane, and have the program read text out loud.
This program works with Windows, Mac, and Linux. The Adobe Acrobat Reader mobile app is available for Android and iOS.
On the download page, you may be asked to install some McAfee products and other things that are unrelated to this PDF reader. You need to manually deselect these offers if you don't want them.
Unlike the other PDF readers in this list, you can use AI with this one to summarize the document or ask questions about it. If you're a rush, this can be a really handy way to get what you need from a long document in just a few seconds.
There are limitations to the AI part, though. Nevertheless, this program includes lots of other features you might like to have in addition to its regular open-and-read functionality. For example, it lets you edit text, add form items, and convert small PDFs to other file formats.
Expert PDF Reader is another option for Windows. You can view bookmarks and a list of pages found in the PDF in an easy-to-read index on the side of the viewing area. There are also advanced options like signing and adding text to the PDF.
A really valuable search function is included in Nuance PDF Reader, where the words you search for show up with a bit of context for easier understanding as to where the search terms are at in the text.
You can also highlight text, which I love to do when I'm using a PDF as a reference. I can see it being handy for studying, too.
Here, you'll find all the basic features of a PDF opener, like the ability to search through text, copy text out of the document, zoom, and change the viewing mode.
This program also lets you send the currently opened PDF to someone over email with the Email toolbar button.
Javelin PDF Reader is ideal if you're after something minimal. It has no extra features like editing or converting that litters the program interface.
Everything is spotless and easy to read and understand. The search feature isn't the best to be had, but it works well as is.
It can launch a PDF in full screen to make reading easier, and you can just click the screen to move down the PDF pages.
This PDF program runs on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
Cool PDF Reader is light on system resources and comes in a minuscule package, at just under 4 MB for the portable version. It makes sense, then, that it calls itself "the world's smallest PDF viewer."
While it might not require much disk space, it's not the best option available. There isn't a search function, and scrolling isn't the smoothest. However, it still works as a free PDF reader if you don't like the others on this list.
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May 4, 2024 · If you're an avid reader, then you're always looking for new books. Here are 10 websites and apps where you can score free e-books.
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