Literacy Lumiere

Best Free PDF Readers: Top Options for Viewing, Editing, and Annotating PDFs

JT

Mar 19, 2025By Jenny Tarmalin

PDF Reader with Powerful Editing and Annotation Tools

Annotating means adding notes, highlights, comments, or other markings to a document.  In the context of PDFs, annotation features allow users to:

  1. Highlight text – Emphasize important sections.
  2. Add comments or sticky notes – Leave feedback or personal notes.
  3. Underline or strikethrough text – Mark text for emphasis or edits.
  4. Draw or freehand writing – Use a stylus or mouse to make handwritten notes.
  5. Add shapes or stamps – Insert arrows, boxes, or approval stamps.
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These tools are useful for reviewing documents, collaborating with others, or studying.  The best free PDF reader depends on your needs.  Some are lightweight and fast, while others offer advanced editing and annotation tools. 

The top options and how to use them:

Lightweight & Fast PDF Readers

1.  Sumatra PDF - (Windows) 
Sumatra PDF is an ultra-lightweight, open-source PDF reader known for its speed and simplicity. It’s perfect if you just want to read PDFs without unnecessary features slowing things down. It also supports ebooks and comics.
To get it, download it from sumatrapdfreader.org. Once installed, open the software, click "File" > "Open" to browse for a PDF, or simply drag and drop a file into the window.

2.  Slim PDF - (Windows, Mac)
This is one of the smallest PDF readers available, using minimal system resources while still providing a smooth reading experience. It’s great for those who need a basic, no-frills viewer.
Download it from investintech.com. After installation, open a PDF by double-clicking it or setting Slim PDF as your default PDF reader.

Feature-rich PDF Readers (For Editing, Annotations, and More)

3.  Adobe Acrobat Reader DC  (Windows, Mac)
The most well-known PDF reader, Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is ideal for those who need advanced features like annotations, signing documents, and form filling. It also integrates with Adobe’s cloud storage.
You can download it from Adobe’s official website. Open the software, then use the right-side toolbar to highlight text, add comments, or fill in forms.

4.  Foxit PDF Reader  (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Foxit is a lightweight alternative to Adobe that still offers a great set of tools, including annotations, commenting, and collaboration features. It’s an excellent choice for both casual and professional users.
Download it from foxit.com. Once installed, open your PDF, and use the toolbar to highlight, add notes, or sign the document. You can also share files with others for real-time collaboration.

5.   PDF-XChange Editor  (Windows)
This PDF reader is particularly useful for those who need Optical Character Recognition (OCR), which lets you edit scanned PDFs.  It offers a good mix of annotation, markup, and editing tools.
Get it from tracker-software.com.  Open a PDF, then use the editing toolbar to modify text, highlight sections, or run OCR to extract text from images.

Best for Browsers & Mobile

6.  Google Chrome / Edge (Built-in PDF Reader)
If you just need to view PDFs, modern browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge have built-in PDF readers. They work instantly without requiring additional software.
To use, simply drag a PDF file into the browser window or right-click on the file and choose "Open with Chrome" or "Open with Edge." You can zoom, scroll, and print but won’t be able to annotate or edit.

7.  Xodo PDF Reader & Editor  (Windows, Android, iOS)
Xodo is one of the best mobile-friendly options, allowing you to read and annotate PDFs with cloud integration for easy access across devices.
Download it from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or Windows Store. Open a PDF, tap the screen to access annotation tools, and start highlighting or adding notes.

Conclusion

The right PDF reader depends on your needs.  If you want a fast, lightweight reader, Sumatra PDF or Slim PDF are excellent choices.  If you need annotations, editing, and OCR, then Foxit or PDF-XChange Editor provides more robust tools.  Adobe Acrobat Reader DC remains the most widely used option, offering powerful features, though it can be slower than others.  If you are working across devices, Xodo is a great choice for mobile users, and for quick viewing without installation, Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge works well.