What program is needed to open a pdf file. PDF file won't open: what to do? How to open a PDF file

Any pdf file that is Portable Document Format is a kind of electronic document created by the company Adobe... This format is recognized as convenient for reading a large amount of information.

Students, schoolchildren, office workers with such documents are often found, in addition, pdf documents are distributed on the World Wide Web.

In this format, you can find term papers, text documents, textbooks, books, monographs, magazines, so it is important to be able to use a program that allows you to read these files. This software will not take up a lot on an electronic device, it is simple and easy to use. It is possible to download programs that allow you to read pdf documents for free.

Ways to open pdf files on a computer

Among the programs thanks to which you can read this format on a laptop, we will single out. It is Reader that is the true program for the pdf format. To download, you need to find the official Adobe website, after installing the version, the files will be opened automatically using Adobe Reader. A similar program can be used for the following operating systems:, Windows, MacOS. We follow the specified link

and uncheck the checkbox - if you do not uncheck it, then you agreed to install an additional program (do you need it?).

And press the hefty yellow button Install.

Is a program that gives the ability to correct pdf documents, remove typos and errors in them. This program has broad technical capabilities. The program has an English interface, but it is easy to find a Russian-language version. The program is paid, that is, "broken" versions.

The functions of this utility are similar to those of ABBYY PDF Transformer. The main difference between the programs is that there is no slowdown in computer speed when Foxit Reader is installed. You can study the video tutorials posted on the Internet to understand the essence.

Foxit Advanced PDF Editor necessary when processing documents. The following programs can be considered additional software: PDFCreator, thanks to which the user can easily edit the PDF document. gDoc Fusion is offered for 30 days as a free version, it will allow you to work not only with PDF files, but also with MS Office products. PDFMaster convenient for studying the document, its functions are similar to those of Adobe Reader. The program has a simple and intuitive interface, you can search by pages or by basic words and phrases.

If you are using Android, you can also read, edit PDF files. If the Android system is installed, you can use all the functionality of the program. Also popular software for Android is Cool Reader... You can use Google Play to download it. The program is suitable for viewing text, making notes, changes, copying text, writing annotations, protecting a file with passwords, sending documents by e-mail.

There is also the ability to open, edit PDF documents and online. Using the program, which has a practical and understandable Russian interface, you can work with any document formats. There is a special function in browsers, thanks to which it is possible to view PDF files. You do not have to specially download such documents, it will automatically be opened in a special tab, you can read it, and if necessary download it. Such browsers significantly speed up the viewing and study of documents, you also get free space on your hard drive. There are also additional online services for signing PDF files, changing their format, for cloud storage.

How to open a PDF file?





.Pdf (Portable Document Format) files are a type of electronic document that was created by Adobe. In this format, documents are easy and convenient to view.

You have probably come across such documents more than once, especially if you are a schoolboy, student or office worker. Files of this format are quite common on the Internet. It can be not only text documents such as abstracts, coursework or textbooks, monographs and books, but also various magazines, self-study guides with illustrations and much more. Therefore, the need for a program to open such documents is fully justified. Usually, such software does not take up much space on the device, and it is easy and fast to work with it. Most PDF openers are free and available for download on the Internet.

Let's look at possible ways to open and edit documents, or rather, special programs, applications and online services for phones, tablets, computers and other modern gadgets. So how do you open a pdf file in the indicated ways?

Ways to open and edit a pdf file on a computer

There are several most common programs with which a pdf file will be available for viewing and editing. So which program to open the pdf file?

The PDF file format is a versatile way to store documents. That is why almost every advanced (and not so) user has a corresponding reader on his computer. Such programs are both paid and free - the choice is quite large. But what if a PDF document needs to be opened on someone else's computer and you can't or don't want to install any software on it?

There is a solution. If you have Internet access, you can use one of the available online tools to view PDF files.

The range of web services for reading documents of this format is very wide. As with desktop solutions, you don't have to pay to use them. There are quite flexible and convenient free PDF readers on the web, which you will get acquainted with in this article.

Method 1: PDFPro

Online tool for viewing and editing PDF documents. Working with the resource can be carried out free of charge and without the need to create an account. In addition, as the developers say, all content uploaded to PDFPro is automatically encrypted and thereby protected from unauthorized access.


The resource's capabilities are not limited to viewing documents only. PDFPro allows you to add your own text and graphic notes to files. There is a function of adding a printed or drawn signature.

At the same time, if you closed the service page, and then soon decided to open the document again, you do not need to import it again. Once downloaded, the files remain available for reading and editing for 24 hours.

Method 2: PDF Online Reader

Simple online PDF reader with minimal features. It is possible to add internal and external links, highlights, and annotations to the document in the form of text fields. Work with bookmarks is supported.


It should be noted that, unlike the previous service, the file is available here only while the page with the reader is open. So if you made changes to the document, do not forget to save it to your computer using the button Download PDF in the site header.

Method 3: XODO Pdf Reader & Annotator

A complete web application for comfortable working with PDF-documents, made in the best traditions of desktop solutions. The resource offers a wide range of annotation tools and the ability to synchronize files using cloud services. Supports full-screen viewing mode, as well as co-authoring documents.


The interface and capabilities of XODO are almost in no way inferior to desktop counterparts like the same or. It even has its own context menu. The service works quickly and easily handles even very large PDF documents.

Method 4: Soda PDF Online

Well, it is the most powerful and functional tool for creating, viewing and editing PDF files online. As a full-fledged web version of the Soda PDF program, the service offers the design and structure of the application, exactly copying the style of products from the Microsoft Office suite. And all this in your browser.


Soda PDF Online is a really great product, but if you only need to view a specific PDF file, it's better to look towards simpler solutions. This service is multipurpose and therefore very congested. Nevertheless, such a tool is definitely worth knowing about.

Method 5: PDFescape

A handy resource for viewing and annotating PDF documents. The service cannot boast of a modern design, but at the same time, it is simple and intuitive to use. In free mode, the maximum uploaded document size is 10 megabytes, and the maximum size allowed is 100 pages.


So, if you need to open a small PDF file and there are no corresponding programs at hand, the PDFescape service will also be an excellent solution for this case.

Method 6: Online PDF Viewer

This tool is designed exclusively for viewing PDF documents and contains only the functions necessary to navigate the contents of the files. One of the main features that distinguishes this service from others is the ability to create direct links to documents uploaded to it. It is a convenient way to share files with friends or colleagues.


You can use the button Fullscreen top toolbar and view document pages full screen.

Method 7: Google Drive

To use this method, you must be logged into your Google account.


This is a rather specific decision, but it also takes place.

The .PDF format appeared in 1993 and was developed by Adobe Systems. Explanation of the abbreviation in the name of the extension - Portable Document Format.

PDF opener

The standard option for when you need to open a PDF file and view its contents. This program was created by the same company that developed the .PDF format, and is undoubtedly the most popular "reader". We also convert Pdf using this program. Free software (a paid subscription to the Pro version will allow you to create and edit files with the PDF extension).

What are PDF files used for

Most often, files with this extension are product manuals, e-books, flyers, work applications, scanned documents and brochures.

The reason for the popularity of this format is that PDF files do not depend on the programs in which they were created, or on any particular operating system or hardware. They will look the same from any device.

The PDF file format has gained widespread acceptance due to its flexibility and cross-platform functionality. Fonts, vector and bitmap graphics, page layout are accurately displayed in PDF documents. Not all, but some PDFs support searching within documents and following links. Books, magazines, instructions, reports, receipts, payment orders and other documents, which, when read or printed, should be displayed in the form in which they were prepared by the author, are posted in PDF format on the Internet.

How to open a PDF file - the answer to this question, presented below in the form of an overview of six programs for working with this format, will interest not only beginners looking for a one-time solution. Experienced users will probably be interested in learning about the alternatives to the programs they currently use to work with PDF files. And there are a lot of programs on the software market today that allow you to work with PDF files. Consider both universal solutions that allow you to view PDF files, among other functions, and individual programs designed to exist purely for this format. So, let's begin.

1. Native PDF reader Windows 8 / 8.1

It would seem that the problem of reading PDF files should have been resolved in versions of Windows 8 / 8.1, because they include a standard Metro application that will dutifully open this format by default. Yes, a standard application can be used as a one-time solution to extract the necessary information from a PDF file or print a document, but a regular PDF reader is not suitable for permanent work in the desktop part of the operating system. Like most Metro apps, the stock PDF reader is slower than desktop programs and has limited functionality.

2. Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word in Office 2013 version can work with PDF files. But the most popular text editor from the software giant does not display a PDF document in its original form, but converts it into a regular Word document. The PDF conversion takes place in a new Word document, while the original PDF remains intact.

To open a PDF file in Microsoft Word, it is not enough to simply drag the file into the text editor window. You need to either set Microsoft Word as the default program to open PDF format, or open the file through the "Open" menu.

When opening a PDF file, we will see a notification from Microsoft Word about converting the file to a text document.

The downloaded PDF-files from the Internet Microsoft Word will open in Reading Mode - protected from external threats.

To edit a document, you must go to normal editing mode.

Microsoft Word can also save text documents in PDF format.

Microsoft Word is not a full-fledged program for working with original PDF documents; a text editor can be used for one-off situations. Or when the process of converting PDF to text format is deliberately needed.

3. Browsers

Browsers are a universal tool for both web surfing and viewing PDF documents. Internet Explorer and other browsers can play PDF documents. Their functionality for working with this format is minimalistic, but this is the simplest option to view or print a PDF document, which does not require the hassle of installing unnecessary software. To open a PDF file, simply drag and drop it into the browser window.

4. Sumatra PDF

Sumatra PDF is a free PDF viewer that users of low-power computing devices are sure to make friends with.

It is not demanding on computer resources and quickly processes PDF files, which, with impressive volumes, can be processed more slowly by other programs. Among other advantages of the Sumatra PDF program is a pleasant interface and an internal library displaying readable documents.

In addition to PDF files, the program can also play other e-book formats - DjVu, FB2, ePub, XPS, etc.

5. Adobe Reader

Adobe Reader is a classic of the genre. It is perhaps the most famous PDF viewer. Free Adobe Reader from the software developer - also well-known company Adobe Systems - offers a little more functionality than other unpretentious viewers. These are such functions as: photographing the selected area, leaving comments, rotating pages, adding bookmarks, playing built-in text, graphic, video and sound elements, storing PDF documents in the cloud storage from Adobe and many others.

It is necessary to distinguish another product of this company from the free viewer Adobe Reader - the paid program Adobe Acrobat. Its different versions, differing, respectively, in different capabilities, offer advanced functionality for creating and editing PDF documents for professionals.

6. Foxit Reader

Another PDF reader that is as popular as Adobe Reader is the free Foxit Reader. This is a very fast program, it, like Sumatra PDF, is not demanding on computer resources and quickly processes PDF documents. At the same time, Foxit Reader is equipped with far from simple functionality. Among its features are: adding annotations and text to PDF documents, functionality for collaboration of several users, converting PDF to plain text files, playing attachments embedded in documents (text, graphic, video, sound).

The interface of the new version of Foxit Reader is radically different from the minimalism of the old versions in the classic PDF reader style. Now the appearance of the program resembles the products of the Microsoft Office suite. The Foxit Reader interface is designed in the Ribbon style, where program sections are represented by horizontal tabs. The organization of the "File" menu, the flat style of icons for functional commands, the presence of a customizable quick launch bar, and, of course, the design of the program as a whole remind of the similarity with the products of the office suite from Microsoft.

Foxit Reader is not only a free PDF viewer, the program has the functionality to create and edit PDF documents. And all this is in the same free version.