Advantages:
- usable without installation
- can also edit PDFs
- comment functions
Disadvantages:
- too cluttered as a pure reader
Latest changes
With the newly released version 10.x, filling and signing PDF forms is simplified. Users of 4K monitors will benefit from the optimized UI. However, the function to create PDFs is dropped. All changes can be found in the official changelog.
There is now also a portable version of the free Adobe Reader alternative “Foxit Reader” that does not need to be installed – perfect for the USB stick. Foxit Reader is a high-quality competitor to the well-known Adobe Reader. The big advantage of the alternative PDF reader: Even larger PDF files can be opened in a few seconds.
Foxit reads and translates
If desired, the free reader reads the information in the documents aloud and adjusts the volume and speed according to the specifications. In addition, the program translates selected text passages if an Internet connection is available.
Free Reader for Linux and Mac
While Foxit Reader for Windows already shows the main version 9, the versions for macOS and Linux are still at 2. They do not have the range of functions of the version for Microsoft Windows and, among other things, cannot create PDF files, manage comments or sign PDFs. Linux users are therefore better off using free alternatives such as Evince or Okular or trying to install the Windows version using the Wine runtime environment, although not all functions work, as a test with version 8 for Windows 8 under Ubuntu showed. This also applies to the portable version. Under macOS, the free Adobe Acrobat Reader is an alternative.
Foxit for mobile devices
For the tablet and smartphone with the Android operating system, as well as for the iPhone and iPad, Foxit Reader is available for download as Foxit Mobile PDF in the corresponding stores. The Foxit Mobile PDF app can not only display PDF documents to read the information, but likewise edit and protect them. Notes and markups are also supported.