A free .pdf reader software that lets you comment, mark words etc.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a free .pdf reader software that allows users to comment, mark words, and perform other annotation tasks. Participants explore various options, their features, and resource usage, focusing on long-term usability and performance on Windows systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a free .pdf viewer with annotation features, expressing dissatisfaction with Adobe Acrobat Reader's limitations.
  • Another suggests a free trial of Adobe Acrobat or Nitro PDF for more extensive features, noting Nitro PDF's cost-effectiveness compared to Adobe.
  • A participant confirms that Nitro PDF Reader is free but questions if it is only a trial version.
  • Some participants mention that Foxit Reader offers similar features but debate its cost, with one asserting it is not free.
  • Feedback on Nitro PDF Reader indicates it is resource-heavy compared to Adobe Reader, with mixed reviews on its marking and commenting capabilities.
  • Concerns are raised about the limitations of marking options in Nitro PDF Reader, particularly for equations.
  • Participants discuss the resource usage of Foxit Reader, with some claiming it is more efficient than Adobe Reader.
  • One participant expresses a preference for software that uses fewer resources, especially when multitasking on a computer.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the effectiveness and resource usage of various .pdf readers, with no consensus on the best option. Some advocate for Nitro PDF Reader while others prefer Foxit Reader, highlighting the lack of agreement on which software best meets the initial request.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention varying experiences with resource usage and performance, indicating that individual needs may affect software preference. There are unresolved questions about the true cost and capabilities of the suggested software options.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for users seeking free .pdf reader software with annotation features, particularly those concerned about resource usage and long-term usability on Windows systems.

Ryker
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Hey everyone, I'm looking for a .pdf viewer that let's you comment on the file you're viewing, mark words or lines (such as if you were to have a proper marker and a sheet of paper) and all kinds of stuff like that which are useful, but not really supported with the (free) Adobe Acrobat Reader. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
 
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I assume you're running Windows?

It depends what you want. If you only need it to do a few tasks you can get a free trial of Adobe Acrobat which will do it for you, or (my favourite) a free trial of Nitro PDF.

If you are looking for long term, Nitro PDF is just as good as Adobe software but it is a fraction of the price.

I know you asked for free, but I'm not aware of anything for windows that is very good without paying for it.
 
Yeah, I'm running Windows, and I'd use the program long term. Is http://www.nitroreader.com/" the Nitro PDF Reader you're referring to? Because it seems to be free, or am I just missing a disclaimer that only the trial is free?
 
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That's actually a new product I didn't know about.

It's completely free, and it does everything you need. I'd recommend that for you.
 
But it isn't free.

Looking at that Nitro link above with their new software, it's pretty unique. I've never seen a piece of software like that for free.
 
Yeah, I'm actually just trying it out now. It's much heavier on the resources than the free Adobe Reader, but it does let you mark stuff and comment on it. The comments are done nicely, but the marking does leave something to be desired, as it makes these weird bubbles, not actual thick lines as you would with a marker. Also, it's harder to navigate, since clicking or even double-clicking on the bookmark link doesn't do anything, let alone get you to the desired page. Still, I guess I'll keep it on my computer for now and use it with those few files I'd need marking and commenting features for (lecture notes mostly). I wouldn't recommend making this the default .pdf viewer, though.
 
You should be able to change the marker type. You can do it in the paid one but I haven't used the free one.
 
Actually, you can only change the color, but not the type. And it does work better when you're highlighting text rather than equations. For equations I was kind of hoping you'd be able to put, say, colored rectangles around them, but the fact that only the default type gets used for text isn't as bad, because, well, colored rectangles or oval shapes are the default :smile:
 
  • #10
jarednjames said:
But it isn't free.

Looking at that Nitro link above with their new software, it's pretty unique. I've never seen a piece of software like that for free.

The viewer on the left is free, I thought that's what I downloaded, as I haven't paid a dime. But I can add highlights, text, drawing, etc. You just can't edit the ORIGINAL text of the pdf.

Get just the free viewer, it has all of what you want.
 
  • #11
How heavy is Foxit on resources?
 
  • #12
Are resources really that critical?
 
  • #13
Ryker said:
How heavy is Foxit on resources?

I opened a 9MB PDF and my current memory usage is 17MB with 0% CPU usage.
 
  • #14
Ryker said:
How heavy is Foxit on resources?

Very low compared to Adobe, much faster to startup AND it doesn't constantly prompt you for updates or to upgrade to the pro one.
It's what i use on all my machines

You can also turn off all the toolbars with a single key to view on a small netbook
 
  • #15
jarednjames said:
Are resources really that critical?
Unfortunately, yeah, for me they are, because I've usually got a lot of stuff open and a lot of times they jam my computer as it is, so if two programs offer the same features then I'd much prefer to go with the less demanding one. Although, to be fair, usually it's not the memory, but rather the CPU that's the problem for me. Still, Nitro PDF Reader, for example, is logging 50MB memory usage, and I think that's a lot for something not offering *that* much. It does what I need it to, but I'd much rather support programs that are better written (ie. needing less resources for doing the same thing).

Oh, and thanks for the feedback so far, everyone!
 

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