Does not read pdf format. Essential PDF Readers

Many information materials on the Internet can be downloaded only in pdf format, but many users do not know what to do with such documents further, and how to open such a file on a computer. That is why we decided to dwell on this issue in more detail.

Figure 1. Appearance of a shortcut for PDF files

What is pdf format?

PDF, or Portable Document Format, is a text and multimedia file format that is independent of the computer system. Since this method of presentation is very convenient, it is in it that manuals for installing programs, instructions, reference books and catalogs are usually performed.

But it is impossible to open and view PDF on a computer without installing special applications. The Windows 8 operating system has a built-in tool for viewing such documents, but its work often does not satisfy users, and you have to install additional programs.

How to open a PDF file on a computer?

There are many applications designed to work with this format. Let's dwell on the most popular ones:

  1. . It is the most widely used PDF program. Having installed such software, any documents will be opened easily and quickly, like ordinary text files. Additional features include the function of adding comments and annotations. The only downside to the Adobe product is that it occasionally experiences crashes that slow down your computer.
  2. ... The program takes up little space in the device's memory, but at the same time it works quite quickly. Compared to Adobe, Foxit Reader has fewer functions, but if you plan to use the software only at home, this program will be enough for you.
  3. . A simple utility designed not only to open PDF files, but also other similar formats. In addition, this software is ideal for computers with low power.
  4. It is a collection of utilities for editing, reading, "flexible" printing PDF-files.

    With this application, the user can not only open and view any PDF file, but also make some adjustments to it.

Using Adobe Reader as an example, let's look at how easy it is to work with pdf format files.

The first step is to download the Adobe Reader program itself (Figure 2).

Note: During the download, you will be prompted to install the McAfee Security Scan add-on product; if you do not need it, simply uncheck the box next to the program name.


Figure 2. Window for selecting options for installing the Adobe Reader application

After that, you need to wait for the download and double-click on the downloaded file. Installation is reduced to a standard procedure: run, select the installation location, click "Next" and after a few minutes of waiting, when the message about the completion of the installation appears, click "Finish" (Figure 3).

PDF file format received widest distribution due to its flexibility and cross-platform. 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, money orders and other documents that, when reading or printing, should be displayed in the form in which they were prepared by the author.

How to open a file 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 certainly 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 and universal solutions that allow you to view PDF files, among other functions, and separate 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 Windows systems 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 the 2013 version of the office suite 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 the new Word document, while the original PDF remains intact.

To open a PDF file in Microsoft Word, simply drag and drop the file into the text editor window. You need to either set Microsoft Word as the default program to open the 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 complete 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 most simplest option to view or print a PDF document that does not require the hassle of installing extra software. To open a PDF file, simply drag and drop it into the browser window.

4. Sumatra PDF

Sumatra PDF is free program for viewing PDF files, which users of low-power computer devices will surely 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 slightly 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. Her 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 such as: adding annotations and text to PDF documents, functionality for collaboration of several users, converting PDF to simple text files, playing attachments embedded in documents (text, graphic, video, sound).

Interface new version Foxit Reader software is radically different from the minimalism of older versions in classic style PDF reader. Now appearance 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 of functional commands, the presence of a customizable quick launch bar, and, of course, the design of the program as a whole, also 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.

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, electronic books, flyers, applications for work, 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.

Friends, as you may have noticed, almost all materials for downloading on KARTONKINO.ru are presented in PDF format. Judging by the download results, almost no one has any difficulties in working with such files. However, despite the widespread prevalence of the PDF format, users sometimes get confused when faced with it. Therefore, I have prepared a small cheat sheet about how to open a PDF file, and what to do with it afterwards.

In general, what is PDF? Portable Document Format (PDF) is a cross-platform (computer-independent) format for presenting various electronic documents, from text to multimedia. Its versatility and ease of use contribute to the constant growth of its popularity. Very often, it is in this format that help files and user manuals for various software products, e-books, printing products, various materials for needlework (knitting patterns, embroidery patterns, all kinds of patterns), etc.

There are many free applications for viewing and printing pdf files. The most famous and popular PDF opener, - Adobe Reader, which is not surprising, because the format itself was created by Adobe Systems Corporation.

You can download Adobe Reader for free on the company's official website at this link:

After clicking on the link, you will be taken to the download page, where you can choose operating system, language and version of the program (the latest and most functional version is Adobe Reader X, with system requirements for which can be found).

Download and run the setup file.

After the short installation is complete, run the program. You will be prompted to read the License Agreement.

Do this and click I Agree.

And feel free to open any pdf files.

Adobe Reader will automatically install the appropriate plug-in for the browser installed on your computer, which will allow you to view files found on the World Wide Web directly in the Internet browser window.

PDF stands for Portable Document Format. It was created by Adobe to represent various text and graphic information in this file. Usually, these files can only be viewed and sent to print, but some can be edited using special programs.

V PDF format information about goods, services is usually provided; they can be an instruction book, a picture book. Some people compare this format with the doc and docx formats. Only he is a heavier and so to speak "magazine version". And indeed, opening this type of file, you seem to find yourself in a kind of magazine, which is very pleasing to the eye.

Since Adobe has created such a format, then there must be a program that opens this file. It is called Adobe Acrobat Reader. It is best to download the program from the official website of the developer, because it is there that always lies latest version programs.

Download and Install PDF Readers

Download the package from https://www.adobe.com/ru/(there is a free trial and a paid version), we begin to install it. We will be prompted to additionally install the McAfee Security Scan antivirus. Whether to install it or not is up to you. The download and installation process takes about 10 minutes and runs in standard mode.

In addition to Adobe Reader, there are many third-party programs that also read and work with this file.

The main two that are popular in addition to the Adobe Reader itself are Foxit Reader (recommended) and STDU Reader. The first can completely replace the program from Adobe, because it has a fairly large set of tools for working with PDF files.

Moreover, it is completely free. Official site http://www.foxitsoftware.com/russian/products/reader/

The second program is STDU Reader more suitable for work on weak computers... Besides, last program very good friends with most "book" formats.

Now you know with which programs you can open a PDF file.