Fast, lightweight PDF reader offering rich annotation tools and customizable interface, but no document creation
Fast, lightweight PDF reader offering rich annotation tools and customizable interface, but no document creation
Vote (666 votes)
Program license Trial version
Developer Tracker Software
Version 2.5.322.10
Works under Windows
Vote
(666 votes)
Developer
Tracker Software
Works under
Windows
Program license
Trial version
Version
2.5.322.10
Pros
- Resource-Light and Fast
- Many Configuration Settings
- Adequate Editing Tools
Cons
- Lacks Technical Support
- Confusing Editing Functionality
- Free Version Lacks Document Creation Potential
PDF-XChange Viewer is a small piece of free software designed to let the user read PDFs and make minor edits to them. The functionality of the software is contained in a user interface that is highly intuitive and exceptionally pleasing from an aesthetic standpoint.
Most people who deal with software on a daily basis are aware that it's often difficult to find an acceptable PDF creator. While this free version of the full PDF-XChange Viewer doesn't allow you to actually create new PDFs, it gives you access to essentially all the editing tools found in the full suite. The only noticeably absent premium feature in the free version is the function that removes or adds pages.
Most PDF readers lack any real editing functions, or they're simply too slow to effectively use on a regular basis. Others are unpleasant from an aesthetic point of view, and in many cases, you'll find all of these issues in PDF readers. PDF-XChange Viewer, on the other hand, is completely different from the competition.
One of the first things you'll notice about PDF-XChange Viewer is that moving between pages in a single PDF is seamless and quick. The software contains tools that help you jump between pages in an instant, search for keywords, and use different layouts to view your files. You can customize the toolbars in the software to fit your needs, and you'll be able to configure the software with a number of personalized settings.
Even though this is the free version of the PDF-XChange Viewer software, you'll get almost all the editing functions found in the full version. You can add comments in the margins, insert text boxes for clearer notes, underline any text, attach supplemental files, apply stamps, and much more with this software. Once you've made these edits, you can easily remove them if you decide they aren't necessary. You can also modify any changes without having to remove them entirely.
By hovering the cursor above the different function icons in the software, you can see tooltips that describe the function. Since the technical support for PDF-XChange Viewer is severely lacking, the tooltips feature is quite helpful. The software also includes personalized language options, PDF previews, and a tool that allows you to take a snapshot of your screen. In many ways, PDF-XChange Viewer is significantly ahead of the competition.
The most recent version of PDF-XChange Viewer has received a number of updates and bug fixes. For instance, an issue associated with opening certain files in the XFA format has been repaired. Several behaviors were fixed as well, including one related to lost connections between the file source and the software and another related to right-clicking while adding comments to PDFs. A grammatical error in the message that shows when the software is resumed after temporary suspension has been fixed.
Pros
- Resource-Light and Fast
- Many Configuration Settings
- Adequate Editing Tools
Cons
- Lacks Technical Support
- Confusing Editing Functionality
- Free Version Lacks Document Creation Potential
Pros
- Comes with lots of tools for editing PDF documents for work or school
- Functions as a PDF reader for viewing files on your computer
- Includes a Sticky Note feature for marking sections you want to read again
- Enables you to add your own stickers after approving or reading a document
Cons
- Free/trial version lacks all of the full features
- Default settings make the user interface look cluttered and confusing
- Lacks support for creating entirely new PDF documents
- Doesn't come with as much product support as some would like
PDF Xchange Viewer is a tool that functions as both a PDF reader and an editor that lets you edit and create files of your own.
When you use your computer for work or school, you probably view PDF files often. Many colleges and universities use PDF forms to show prospective and current students the upcoming schedule for the semester and the classes they must take to graduate. If you work from home, you need to look over PDF files that your clients and employers send. You may even use these forms when filing your taxes at the end of the year. PDF Xchange Viewer is a free tool that lets you edit and view PDF documents and forms.
Like other PDF viewers and readers, it places the content of the page on the center of your screen. If you look at a longer file that has multiple chapters or headers, you'll see that information listed in the table of contents on the left. When you need to take notes for a project, you can use the Sticky Notes feature to highlight a passage and add your own note.
It also comes with virtual/digital stickers that you can add when editing or creating a file. Those stickers will let others know whether this is a draft, whether the document doesn't yet have approval or if you approved the document. Other stickers let others know that the document is confidential, top secret, not for public release or for select departments only. The introductory version of the software is free to use, but the software will ask you frequently to upgrade. The trial version does not come with all the tools and features of the full program either.
While it does work with documents you started in another program, creating brand new PDF documents is hard. The program will not let you delete an entire page either but will let you delete individual sentences or sections. You also need to change the default settings. PDF Xchange Viewer will turn on all features in the default setting, which can make changing your documents hard. Though PDF Xchange Viewer does have some minor flaws, the developers released a new update that removes some of those flaws to help the app function better. It serves as an easy way to edit documents and read PDF files on your computer.
Pros
- Comes with lots of tools for editing PDF documents for work or school
- Functions as a PDF reader for viewing files on your computer
- Includes a Sticky Note feature for marking sections you want to read again
- Enables you to add your own stickers after approving or reading a document
Cons
- Free/trial version lacks all of the full features
- Default settings make the user interface look cluttered and confusing
- Lacks support for creating entirely new PDF documents
- Doesn't come with as much product support as some would like
