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In this modern era, document viewing software seems more like a prerequisite than an optional utility to have installed on your computer. With so many varieties of file formats available for multiple purposes, it can be quite tedious to have to download different applications to view different files. This is where document viewer software comes in handy. Document viewers are software that are designed to help you open and view files in several formats without the need for downloading individual applications.
This article will cover the top seven document viewer software available for Windows. These software were chosen because they are user-friendly, offer a free trial or have a free version, have a reasonable price, and are worth the money.
Video Tutorial:
What is a Document Viewer?
A document viewer is a program that is used to view a digital document. These documents can be in various formats like PDF, RTF, DOC, DOCX, TXT, HTML, XLS, XLSX, CSV, and more. The document viewer software aggregates all these formats under one platform, so you need not install separate software to access them. A document viewer also comes with some interactive features that make document reading easier and smoother, such as text search, bookmarking, annotation, highlighting, etc. With document viewers, you can easily read, edit, collaborate and save documents without any hassle.
Top 7 Best Document Viewer Software for Windows
Top 1: Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is one of the most popular document viewer software in the market, and has been there since the ultimate infancy of the modern digital age. It supports multiple document formats, including PDF, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. With this software, you can easily open documents from emails, webpages, and file networks. It has a user-friendly toolbar, a persistent navigation panel, and a drag and drop feature. Acrobat Reader also allows you to sign PDF files electronically, so you can easily protect your important documents.
Pros:
- It is easy to use.
- Comes with excellent features for PDF files.
- It supports collaborative editing.
Cons:
- It has a high-cost subscription.
- The interface design can look quite outdated.
- Some users may experience occasional slow load times.
Top 2: Foxit Reader
Foxit Reader is a free PDF reader for Windows, and is an alternative to Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. It offers an impressive set of features that help you read, edit and annotate PDF documents. Additionally, it comes with an easy to use interface, fast speed and security features that make browsing worry-free. Foxit Reader offers multiple viewing modes, and you can choose the ones that suit your preferences and needs. This software also allows you to create PDF files and forms, which is an added advantage.
Pros:
- Small file size, quick to download and install.
- User-friendly interface.
- Features a smooth zoom tool which ensures documents display clearly.
Cons:
- The free version will continuously prompt you to upgrade to the premium version.
- The design can look cluttered when you’re using it for annotation and markup.
- Some users have complained about the slow response time while performing complex functions.
Top 3: Sumatra PDF
Sumatra PDF is another free and lightweight document viewer tool. It has a user-friendly interface that allows you to open and read various types of files, including PDF, XPS, and EPUB. This tool is highly efficient at loading files and is designed to be easy on your system resources, making it a great addition for older PC users. Sumatra PDF is open-source software and will always be free for you to use, even in commercial settings without any restrictions.
Pros:
- Small in size, lightweight, and fast.
- It has a user-friendly interface.
- It allows for extra plug-ins to support different file types.
Cons:
- Limited functionality compared to other paid options.
- The interface may be a little too plain for some users.
- Some users have reported bugs or instability.
Top 4: Nitro Pro
Nitro Pro is a flexible and powerful document management system. It has multiple features for PDF documents, including editing, reviewing, and grading. Nitro Pro supports interactivity, multiple security options and allows for easy sharing and collaboration. The drag and drop functionality enables the quick and smooth opening of files. With Nitro Pro, you can create, convert, sign and share PDF files faster and more securely.
Pros:
- It has a clean and modern interface that is easy to navigate.
- The software offers a wide range of features for PDF documents,
- It includes multiple security options to secure confidential documents.
Cons:
- The software can be expensive.
- It takes some time to get used to some of the advanced features
- Some users complain about the occasional freeze-ups.
Top 5: DocuSign
DocuSign is a document viewer tool that you can use to sign documents electronically. DocuSign’s specialty is support for multiple platforms, like Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It supports several document formats, and it is highly secure. With DocuSign, you can quickly and easily append your signature to official documents remotely. DocuSign can reduce the effort and time required for signing contracts/documents, that would otherwise have to be signed in person which can be inconvenient.
Pros:
- Efficient at signing documents remotely.
- Quite easy to operate.
- It has high-level security capabilities – documents are encrypted from start to finish.
Cons:
- The entire platform is designed for signing documents electronically – it doesn’t offer many other functions.
- It might be too pricey for small businesses.
- Some users have experienced glitches while using the DocuSign mobile app.
Top 6: Evince
Evince is a free and open-source document viewer mainly for PDF and PostScript files, but it also supports image files. It is designed for quick rendering, and its lightweight design makes it easy to load. It has some basic features which allow you to view, print, and search for content on your documents. Even though the feature suite is small, it is a reliable application that can come in handy when you need to view and read your documents.
Pros:
- Has a simple and user-friendly design.
- It’s fast to load and function.
- Supports CDI files.
Cons:
- It doesn’t support a lot of features like other premium apps.
- Lacks advanced annotation tools.
- The interface has a plain and outdated design.
Top 7: STDU Viewer
STDU Viewer is another popular and user-friendly document viewer. It supports several file formats like PDF, TIFF, and DjVu. It comes with an interface that is easy to use for people of all ages. STDU Viewer software is fast, lightweight and has multiple viewing options that allow you to browse files without any hassles. It also has print functionality for each file type it supports.
Pros:
- It supports multiple formats.
- Has a clear user interface design.
- It supports long strips that without hard-to-navigate menus.
Cons:
- The design may be outdated for some users.
- Presentation mode is not very useful.
- Some users have reported system inconsistency while operating the software.
Comprehensive Comparison of Document Viewer Software
| Adobe Acrobat Reader DC | Foxit Reader | Sumatra PDF | Nitro Pro | DocuSign | Evince | STDU Viewer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Trial | 7-day trial | N/A | N/A | 14-day trial | 30-day trial | N/A | N/A |
| Price | $14.99 / month | Free | Free | $159.00 / year | $10.00 / month | Free | $69.00 |
| Ease-Of-Use | Easy | Easy | Easy | Advanced | Easy | Easy | Easy |
| Value for Money | Good | Great | Great | Good | Okay | Good | Great |
Our Thoughts on the Best Document Viewer Software for Windows
After reviewing all the options above, it is clear that Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is the best document viewer software in the market. The program incorporates many features, including the ability to create, edit, and sign PDF files. While the subscription fee might seem high, Acrobat Reader’s vast array of features justifies the cost.
For those who don’t want to pay, Sumatra PDF and Foxit Reader emerge as good options. Both are free, open-source, and have a lightweight design that makes them perfect for older PCs. They boast of excellent functionality and are easy to use for users of all skill levels.
FAQs
Q1: Is Adobe Acrobat Reader DC free?
A: Adobe Acrobat Reader DC has a free version, but it has limited features. The full version will require a subscription.
Q2: Can I use Foxit Reader to create PDF files?
A: Yes, you can use Foxit Reader to create PDF files.
Q3: Is DocuSign only for signing documents?
A: Yes, DocuSign is designed mainly for signing documents electronically.
Q4: Can STDU Viewer work on Mac OS?
A: No, STDU Viewer is a Windows application, and it doesn’t work on Mac operating systems.
Q5: How secure is Nitro Pro?
A: Nitro Pro has a broad range of security features and uses 256-bit encryption to safeguard sensitive data.
Final Thoughts
Selecting a document viewer that meets your preferences and desire makes document management less tedious. Each of the software listed above has its unique features that make them good value for money. With this article’s help, you can decide which software is best for your needs and put an end to the hassle of juggling between different file formats.