A PDF reader is often one of the first tools people install on their new computer. It's not glamorous or sexy, but it's a vital tool in your productivity arsenal. Or is that it?
These days, most web browsers also work as a PDF viewer. In Windows 10, the default PDF reader is Edge. So what should I do? Use a browser or install a dedicated reader. That's why you don't need Adobe Reader. That's why you don't need Adobe Reader. Adobe Reader is bloated, slow, and a liability. In short, it is unnecessary. Do you need a PDF reader at all? Here's how to open PDF files without Adobe Reader. Read more ? I'll help you decide what's right for you.
Everyone already has a browser installed on their machine. Even if you haven't installed Chrome or Firefox, you'll have Edge preloaded on a Windows PC or Safari loaded on a Mac. Why spend time downloading and installing a piece of software that will duplicate a function?
It will use up space on your device (which is problematic if you have an old machine where memory is scarce), take off slowly at startup speed, and hamper your computer's overall performance. For example, Adobe Acrobat needs 380 MB of disk space, Chrome needs 470 MB. Given what Chrome can do by comparison, there's no contest.
Verdict - There are lightweight PDF readers. 6 lightweight alternatives to Open Office and PDF files. 6 lightweight alternatives to Open Office and PDF files. Don't clog your system with superfluous volume. For occasional viewing of PDF and Office files, you can use compact applications and may not need any additional software. Read More You will save space and improve performance..
Some programs open faster than others. It depends on its size, complexity, and even how hot your computer is at the moment.
When you work with PDF files, you need them to open quickly. You don't want to mess up your train of thought by waiting for a complex and unnecessarily complex program to start.
Browsers typically open in a couple of seconds, depending on your machine. In recent tests, which is the best browser? Edge vs. Chrome vs. Opera vs. Firefox What is the best browser? Edge vs. Chrome vs. Opera vs. Firefox The browser you are using right now may not be the best for you. The browser arena changes so frequently that your conclusions from comparisons made last year may be dead wrong this year. Read More
Adobe Acrobat takes at least twice as long, and often much longer if the PDF file is large. However, an application like Sumatra PDF can be faster, especially if you use the portable version that doesn't write to the registry.
Verdict - There is compensation. The lightest, fastest-to-open apps are often lacking in features. Programs with many features take longer. It depends on what attributes are important to you. Draw.
For some people, the list of features is the most important aspect of any piece of software. If you spend a lot of time working with PDF files, you might fall into this category.
The list of features is where PDF readers really come into their own. Browsers have limited capabilities. The Chrome PDF viewer. How Chrome's built-in PDF Viewer lets you do more than just read PDFs. How Chrome's built-in PDF Viewer lets you do more than just read PDFs. Chrome has a built-in PDF Viewer tool that can edit PDF files. Sure, it's not as powerful as certain programs. Still, as a quick fix solution, Chrome is perfect. Read More Edge won't even let you spin.
By contrast, all but the most basic PDF readers will let you add annotations, perform complex editing, add electronic signatures, customize your page view, and much more. Some of the leading apps have so many features that they can cost hundreds of dollars to buy.
Verdict - The key is if you are going to use those extra features. They sound exciting, but most users ignore them. Either way, it's still an easy win for PDF readers.
PDF files often house some of our most important personal information. Bank statements, pay stubs, utility bills, invoices...it's all the content you need to stay out of the hands of hackers.
Of course, if you didn't install an antivirus or you were unlucky enough to have your laptop stolen Five ways a thief can profit from your stolen hardware Five ways a thief can profit from your stolen hardware Criminals steal your PC , your laptop, your smartphone, either by burglarizing your house or by taking it from you. But then what happens? What can thieves do with your stolen technology? Read More But did you know that PDF software itself can affect the security of your data?
In 2015, Secunia Research conducted a survey. They found 1,114 vulnerabilities in the five most popular browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Opera, Safari) and another 147 bugs in the five most popular PDF readers (Adobe Reader, Foxit Reader, PDF-XChange Viewer, Sumatra PDF, Nitro Reader). PDF). Most of the problems in PDF readers were caused by open source coding and third party plugins.
Verdict - Neither browsers nor PDF readers look very good here. The research did not reference Edge, but did note that Microsoft products were only responsible for 21 percent of bugs in the top 50 apps, despite being responsible for 67 percent of products. Is Edge the safest bet? Maybe. I call it a giveaway, even though I reported on Edge PDF Exploit Microsoft Edge PDF Exploit:What You Need to Know Microsoft Edge PDF Exploit:What You Need to Know The new Microsoft Edge browser has introduced new issues, such as its Exploitation of PDF. But what is this? You are safe? And is Edge unique with these kinds of problems? Let's investigate Read More .
Not all PDF files are created equal or opened in the same way.
For example, files created with Adobe LiveCycle are notorious for not opening in browsers. GPU rendering settings in Chrome have caused some PDF files to require multiple refreshes before displaying correctly. An update could temporarily break a browser's ability to open files (as happened in Chrome v.46.0.2490.71). The list goes on.
Verdict - A browser is not a dedicated PDF reader Top 6 PDF Readers for Windows Top 6 PDF Readers for Windows Adobe Reader is not always the best choice for viewing PDF files. Here are the best PDF readers for Windows 10 to consider. Read more . It's a nice feature, but it's not the main function. Things can and do go wrong. For a more reliable user experience, use a PDF reader.
As you may have noticed reading my verdicts, I've given the PDF readers a 2-1 win, with two categories drawn.
But those verdicts don't necessarily reflect their own needs. No two people use their computers in the same way, no two people have the same set of requirements for a PDF viewer.
Ultimately, if space and memory usage aren't an issue for you, why not use both? You can use a browser for daily viewing of your PDF files, but reserve a more powerful program in case you need some of its more advanced features.?
Remember, you can change your default PDF program. How to Change the Default Program for Any File in Windows How to Change the Default Program for Any File in Windows Tired of opening files with the wrong program? Here's how to change the startup program for any type of file. Read More on Windows or by right-clicking a PDF file and navigating to Get Info> Open With> [Application Name]> Change All on a Mac.
Are you using a dedicated PDF reader or browser? Let us know your choice and your reasoning in the comments below.
