Acrobat Reader

World's most widely used free PDF viewer, with over 500 million installs globally.

Overview

Adobe Acrobat Reader is the world's most widely used free PDF viewer, with over 500 million installs globally. It allows users to view, annotate, sign, and collaborate on PDF documents while preserving original formatting, fonts, and embedded content.

The app includes tools for adding comments, sticky notes, highlights, strikethroughs, and freehand annotations. Users can fill out and save PDF forms, add signatures by drawing, typing, or uploading an image, and share documents with others for review and feedback. PDF Spaces enables users to collect files and links into knowledge hubs with built-in chat for faster collaboration.

Available on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and web browsers, Acrobat Reader is designed for individuals who need to view, print, and lightly annotate PDFs without requiring advanced editing capabilities. More complex editing features are available through Adobe Acrobat Pro subscriptions.

Key features

Free PDF viewing and printing
Annotation tools (sticky notes, highlights, strikethrough)
Electronic signature capability
Form filling and saving
PDF Spaces for collaboration and knowledge hubs
Cross-platform support (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, web)
Comment and feedback tools
Built-in security features

Pros

Completely free to download and use
World's most widely used PDF reader
Available on all major platforms
No subscription required for basic features
Secure and regularly updated
Intuitive form filling with AI suggestions
Easy document sharing without login requirements

Cons

Text and image editing not available (requires Acrobat Pro)
Limited to annotation and basic editing
Advanced PDF manipulation requires paid upgrade
No complex document workflow features in free version

Use this if

You need a free, trusted PDF viewer for reading, annotating, signing, and collaborating on documents across multiple devices without advanced editing capabilities.

Skip this if

You require advanced PDF editing features like text and image manipulation, PDF creation and conversion, or complex document workflow automation—these require Adobe Acrobat Pro.

Best for

Viewing and sharing PDFsAnnotating and commenting on documentsSigning documents electronicallyFilling out PDF formsCollaborating on document reviewsStudents and office workers

Alternatives

PDF-XChange EditorFoxit ReaderPreview (macOS)Microsoft Edge PDF viewerGoogle Chrome PDF viewer

Compare Acrobat Reader alternatives

More Software

Compare all

Linux

Open-source Unix-like OS kernel powering servers, desktops, and embedded systems.

Ubuntu

Popular Linux distribution for servers, cloud, and developer workstations.

Unreal Engine

Real-time 3D creation engine for games, film, and interactive experiences.

Photoshop Camera

Photoshop Camera — creative platform and tools for production teams.