Adobe Reader: How Relevant Is It in This Day and Age?

PDF documents are those saved in a portable document format, designed to make it easy to share documents across platforms and using different types of software, operating systems, printers, and more. They have been used for a number of years now and are still a common option for documents that need to be uploaded online or sent to someone else. The goal of PDF documents was to make access to documents easier for users, and for a long time, Adobe controlled the PDF market. Today, though, is it still necessary to download and use Adobe, or to pay for its services?

Why is a PDF Reader Needed?

Documents intended to be shared across platforms and to be easily accessible to everyone are often saved in a PDF format, which offers a number of benefits. While these documents can be used across any operating system, it is still necessary to have a PDF reader installed to be able to open them. However, Adobe isn't the only option, and it may not be the best one, as many features are limited unless the user pays for the pro version. Some browsers will offer limited functions, but allow PDFs to be read and printed, and it's also possible to use a free PDF reader that has a number of amazing features.

It is important to note that most users will not need to pay to use a PDF reader. Unless they are creating detailed PDFs and a free version isn't enough or they're using the PDF reader for a business and need more features than the standard user, a free version will be perfect. Users can find one that has all of the features they need without having to pay a fee to purchase the reader or having to pay a subscription fee each month. It is possible to save a significant amount of money by switching to a free PDF reader that has everything needed to view, read, print, and more.

Top Benefits of Having a PDF Reader

Having a PDF reader is beneficial for everyone, from individuals to businesses. PDFs provide a number of benefits over different types of documents, enabling information to be passed from one person to another without the quality degrading or changing. Some of the top benefits of using PDFs, and having a PDF reader to be able to do so, include the following.

· Collaboration on Documents - With a PDF, it can be easier to collaborate on documents. Even though they can't be edited, others can leave comments for everyone to view and the original owner can use those to improve the document before it's finalized.

· Document Security - PDF documents are designed to be more secure than other types. Because they are not editable by everyone, they can't be changed or adjusted after they are created.

· More Consistent Viewing Experience - PDF documents are designed to look the same, no matter how they're viewed. The size of the font and how much is on a page can be adjusted based on the size of the device being used, but the layout, type of font, photos, and more will all be the same every single time it's viewed.

· Fillable Forms - PDFs allow for forms to be easily filled out without anyone being able to edit or change the form. This makes them perfect for a wide range of uses.

· Prevention of Editing - Extra security is added to PDFs because they can't easily be edited. Once someone creates and saves the PDF, it can't be changed unless the owner makes changes or allows others to do so. Most of the time, though, the PDF will be read only to prevent potential changes.

Safety Concerns With Using a PDF Reader

It is important for users to make sure they understand the safety of using PDFs and when there might be concerns. It is important to avoid opening a PDF sent by an unknown user, as they can contain hidden malware. In some cases, the PDF can include ransomware that, when downloaded, installs itself on the computer, locks it, and will not unlock it until a certain amount of money is paid. Unfortunately, once someone pays money to unlock the computer, the ransomware will just ask for more, and it can be challenging or impossible to get rid of it.

Along with only opening documents from known senders, it is crucial to keep the PDF reader software updated. Many software companies follow Patch Tuesday, in which software developers release security patches on a certain day of the month to help keep everything updated. Even if the PDF reader doesn't update software on this particular day, they will likely update it regularly to keep security as strong as possible. These security patches help to protect users of a wide range of software, including PDF readers, to help prevent malware and other viruses.

Other Ways to View a PDF

Adobe does have two options, a paid or free version. The features of the free version are limited, so some users will need to pay to use the others. However, Adobe isn't the only PDF reader, and it may be beneficial to try out different options, too. Many browsers today allow users to open PDF documents easily, especially if they're sent via email. This is perfect for those who just need to be able to print the document, but there are some concerns with this. If the size is crucial, it is not recommended to print directly from the browser, for instance, because the size can end up altered.

The best option for those who want to avoid using Adobe or want to have more features in a PDF reader is to look for a free reader. This allows them to find one that has all of the features they need without having to pay to use them or worry about issues like printing. It is a good idea to shop around carefully, as there are a number of free readers available today. Some of these may have limited features or may not be easy to use, but shopping around can help users find one that's free and that meets all of their needs.

What Features to Look For

Those who want an Adobe alternative will want to make sure they still have access to the features they need. Though this can change from user to user, some of the most common features to look for include the following.

· Viewable on Any System - Look for a PDF reader that can be used on any operating system. This way, it can be viewed on any device the person uses, whether it's an Apple computer or phone, an Android phone, a Windows operating system, or something else. Consistency means it's easier to learn how to use the program and to be able to use it anywhere.

· Ability to Comment and Highlight - It should be possible to comment on the PDF, save the comments, and send them to other users so it's easier to collaborate on the document without editing it. Many users will also want to be able to highlight the document to easily find important parts or to show them to others while collaborating.

· Fill Out and Save Forms - PDF forms are an excellent way to gain insight, get information from others, and more. Make sure the PDF reader allows for forms to be filled out, saved, and sent back to the owner to make doing this a lot easier. This prevents having to print the form, fill it out by hand, and then upload images to send it back.

· Secure Signature Options - Many forms will need to be signed, so ensure the PDF reader has a way to create a secure signature and add it to the document. This helps to prevent potential issues like fraud or forged signatures and keeps the document as secure as possible.

· Search Through the PDF - PDFs can be anywhere from a single page to hundreds of pages, so it is important to have a robust search feature. This allows users to easily find the information they're looking for in a longer document.

· Easily Print the PDF - It should be easy to print the whole PDF or print selections. This way, users can print just what they need. Layers can be useful in some situations, so only certain parts are printed and the rest is ignored.

· Integration With Document Storage - It should be easy to download a PDF, open it, and save it using a range of document storage options. Those who use the cloud for document storage will want to make sure they can easily store their PDF files so they can access them from anywhere.

Whether you need to view PDF documents for work, for a hobby, or for research into something interesting, it's no longer necessary to have Adobe Reader downloaded on your computer or to pay for the pro version. Instead, check out some of the alternatives available to learn more about what they have to offer and to make sure you can get all of the features you need for free.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes.