Introduction to PDF Readers on Linux
Portable Document Format (PDF) files are one of the most widely used document formats in the world. PDF files have a number of advantages that make them popular among professionals, academics, and students alike.
On Linux, PDF files have become an essential part of many users’ workflows. From reading academic papers to printing company reports, PDF files have become an integral part of our digital lives.
However, despite their usefulness, basic PDF readers on Linux can have their limitations. To overcome these limitations, we will explore the best feature-rich PDF readers on Linux that can enhance your PDF reading experience.
Limitations of basic PDF readers
Basic PDF readers on Linux can have their limitations. They may lack essential features such as annotating, highlighting, or commenting on a file.
Additionally, printing and saving documents may not be possible with basic PDF readers. Without these features, basic PDF readers can hinder your productivity, making it difficult to manage and edit PDF files.
Best feature-rich PDF readers on Linux
Fortunately, there are various feature-rich PDF readers on Linux that can enhance your PDF reading experience. The following are some of the best feature-rich PDF readers on Linux.
Adobe Reader
Adobe Reader is one of the most popular PDF readers in the world.
Adobe Reader can support Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms.
Adobe Reader comes packed with an array of features, including annotating, highlighting, and commenting on PDF files. Additionally,
Adobe Reader can easily print and save documents.
Installation Process on Linux
Adobe Reader can be manually installed on Linux. You can use the following Linux commands to download and install
Adobe Reader:
1.
Download the
Adobe Reader installation file:
wget ftp://ftp.adobe.com/pub/adobe/reader/unix/9.x/9.5.5/enu/AdbeRdr9.5.5-1_i386linux_enu.deb
2. Install the downloaded file:
sudo dpkg -i AdbeRdr9.5.5-1_i386linux_enu.deb
3.
Install the missing dependencies:
sudo apt -f install
Other Feature-Rich PDF Readers
1. Okular
Okular is a versatile PDF reader on Linux with a customizable interface and support for a wide range of document formats, including PDF, Plain Text, and others.
Okular comes with a range of features, including annotations, highlighting, printing, and presenting documents, among others. 2.
Foxit Reader
Foxit Reader is another popular PDF reader on Linux. Foxit Reader has a focus on security and privacy and comes packed with several essential features, including annotating, highlighting, and commenting on PDF files.
Additionally, Foxit Reader can easily print and save documents.
Conclusion
PDF files are an essential part of modern digital workflows, with their popularity extending to Linux environments. While basic PDF readers can have their limitations, there are plenty of feature-rich PDF readers available on Linux that can enhance your PDF reading and editing experience.
The three PDF readers highlighted in this article are
Adobe Reader, Okular, and Foxit Reader, each of which comes packed with an array of features that can help you manage and edit your PDF files.
3) Slim PDF
When it comes to PDF viewers, there are many options available on Linux, and Slim PDF is one of the best in this category. Slim PDF is a feature-rich, user-friendly, and lightweight PDF viewer.
The software comes with many features that make it stand out from other PDF viewers.
Overview of Slim PDF
Slim PDF is a powerful PDF viewer that was designed to be simple and easy to use. The software comes with all the features needed for viewing and editing PDF files without the bloat of other PDF viewers.
Slim PDF is known for its simplicity, speed, and stability, making it a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable PDF viewer.
Features of Slim PDF
Slim PDF comes packed with many features that make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a feature-rich PDF viewer. Some of the notable features of Slim PDF include the ability to add comments, annotations, and interactive forms to your PDF files.
Additionally, the software supports digital signatures, which is a must-have feature for anyone who needs to sign important documents in a secure and reliable way.
User Interface and Navigation
Slim PDF boasts an intuitive user interface that makes it easy to navigate and use. The software comes with a light and dark theme, which can help reduce eye strain during long viewing sessions.
The user interface is simple and straightforward, featuring a toolbar with all the essential tools needed for editing and viewing PDF files. Furthermore, the software has an easy navigation system that enables users to jump to specific pages in their documents quickly.
4) PDF Studio Viewer
PDF Studio Viewer is a free software program that is able to handle all of your PDF needs on Linux. Whether you need to view, print, or annotate PDF files, PDF Studio Viewer has got you covered.
The program is loaded with impressive features that make it one of the best PDF viewers available for Linux users.
Overview of PDF Studio Viewer
PDF Studio Viewer is a free and powerful PDF viewer that can be installed on Linux. The software is known for its high-quality PDF display, which ensures that documents are shown clearly and with great detail.
Additionally, PDF Studio Viewer comes with several web service integrations such as Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and more, making it easy to access your PDF documents anywhere, anytime.
Features of PDF Studio Viewer
PDF Studio Viewer is jam-packed with many useful features that can help users view, modify, and print their PDF documents. Some of the most notable features of PDF Studio Viewer include the ability to annotate PDF documents, fill out PDF forms, and print documents with ease.
The software is also lightweight and fast, making it a great choice for users who need a quick and reliable PDF viewer.
Upgrade Options for Professional Features
If you require additional features, PDF Studio Viewer offers an upgrade option to PDF Studio Professional. The upgrade provides many additional features such as OCR, scanning, and PDF editing.
Additionally, PDF Automation Server is also available, which can help automate your PDF workflows and make your work much more efficient.
Conclusion
In summary, Slim PDF and PDF Studio Viewer are two of the best PDF viewers available for Linux users. Both programs are feature-rich, lightweight, and easy to use.
While Slim PDF offers more editing features, PDF Studio Viewer is impressive due to its high-quality PDF display and web service integrations. Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual user, these PDF viewers are sure to make your PDF viewing experience much more enjoyable and productive.
5) Evince
Evince is a document viewer commonly used among Linux users. It is a popular choice among GNOME desktop users and is designed to be simple and easy to use.
Evince comes with a variety of features, which include thumbnails, search tool, printing options, and much more.
Overview of Evince
Evince is an open-source document reader that is popular among Linux users. It is included as a default document viewer in various Linux distributions, including Ubuntu and Fedora.
It is a part of GNOME’s default desktop environment and is designed to integrate seamlessly into the GNOME desktop environment.
Features of Evince
One of the most significant features of Evince is its support for thumbnails, which allows users to view all pages in a document quickly. The software also comes with a powerful search tool that enables users to find specific words or phrases in a document quickly.
Additionally, Evince supports printing options and encrypted document viewing that makes it an excellent choice for users seeking a secure PDF reader.
Document File Formats Supported by Evince
Evince supports a variety of document file formats such as PDF, XPS, PostScript, and dvi. The software can handle large documents without issues and makes it a versatile choice for different PDF file formats.
6) Okular
Okular is a cross-platform document reader that is primarily used among the KDE community. The software is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, with a focus on features that streamline the document reading experience.
Some of its notable features include page annotations, text extraction, bookmarks, and document file format support.
Overview of Okular
Okular is a powerful document reader that is primarily designed to be used among the KDE community. It is included in various Linux distributions, including Kubuntu, and is known for its versatility in handling various document types.
Okular comes ready to use, and its designed for users to personalize its settings.
Features of Okular
The highlight of Okular is its page annotation feature, which enables users to highlight, add notes, and mark up PDF files. Additionally, Okular supports text extraction, which enables users to extract text from PDF files.
This feature is especially useful for those who need to copy text from PDF files to other applications. The software also has a bookmark feature that enables users to tag documents or pages for easy reference.
Document File Format Support
Okular has support for a variety of document file formats, which includes PDF, XPS, PostScript, DjVu, and more. The software is known for its speed and versatility, and its support for large PDF files is admirable.
User Experience on Low-End Machines
One of the key strengths of Okular is its user experience on low-end machines. Okular is designed to run smoothly on older machines, making it an excellent choice for users with older machines.
Even large PDF files load quickly without any problems, making Okular a lightweight and powerful PDF reader.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Evince and Okular are reliable and feature-rich document viewing software. Evince is an excellent choice for GNOME users who prioritize speed and intuitive user design.
On the other hand, Okular is an exceptional choice for KDE users who require speed, versatility, and more features. Additionally, Okular excels at performance on low-end machines, while Evince is known for its encrypted document viewing.
Ultimately, the choice between these two document viewers will depend on user requirements, the type of device, and the document file formats used.
7) Zathura
Zathura is a lightweight document viewer designed for Linux users. It is known for its minimalistic design and focus on simplicity.
Despite its lightweight nature, Zathura comes with a variety of features that make it a great choice for users looking for a fast and efficient document viewer.
Overview of Zathura
Zathura is a document viewer that aims to provide a simple and straightforward viewing experience for Linux users. It is designed to be lightweight and stripped down, allowing for quick and efficient document viewing.
Zathura is highly customizable, allowing users to configure it to their preferences.
Features of Zathura
Zathura offers several features that enhance the document viewing experience. One of its standout features is the powerful search function, which allows users to search for specific words or phrases within a document.
This can be incredibly useful when trying to locate specific information in lengthy documents. Another notable feature of Zathura is its mouse-free navigation.
Users can navigate through documents using keyboard shortcuts, increasing efficiency and productivity. This feature is especially appealing for those who prefer to keep their hands on the keyboard while working.
Zathura also offers synctex support, which allows users to synchronize their PDF files with the corresponding LaTeX source code. This feature is particularly helpful for researchers and academics who work with LaTeX documents.
Additionally, Zathura supports bookmarks, enabling users to mark important pages for easy reference. This feature is handy for users who frequently refer back to specific sections or pages within a document.
Furthermore, Zathura has an automatic document reloading feature. This means that if a document is modified externally, Zathura will automatically update its view accordingly.
This ensures that users always have access to the most up-to-date version of their documents.
Document File Formats Supported by Zathura
Zathura supports various document file formats, including PDF, PostScript, and DjVu. This makes it a versatile viewer for different types of documents, ensuring that users can view and interact with files effortlessly.
8) GNU GV
GNU GV is a document viewer that uses the X Window System display protocol. It is the front-end for the Ghostscript interpreter and is primarily focused on viewing PDF and PostScript files.
GNU GV provides a simple and straightforward way to view documents with essential features.
Overview of GNU GV
GNU GV, also known simply as GV, is a document viewer that is part of the GNU project. It provides a graphical interface to the Ghostscript interpreter, which allows for the rendering of PostScript and PDF files on the X Window System.
GV is designed to be lightweight and fast, making it a reliable choice for Linux users.
Basic Features of GNU GV
GNU GV offers basic features that are essential for comfortable document viewing. It provides a clean and minimalistic user interface that focuses on the document itself.
Users can navigate through documents using scrollbars or arrow keys, offering an intuitive and familiar way to move through pages. GV supports zooming in and out, allowing users to adjust the view according to their preferences.
It also provides options for rotating pages, which can be useful when dealing with landscape-oriented documents. Another important feature of GV is its ability to display links and clickable areas within PDF files.
This allows users to interact with embedded hyperlinks, annotations, and different elements within the document. GV also supports printing, allowing users to easily send their documents to a physical printer.
It provides options for adjusting print settings, such as page orientation, margins, and scaling. Overall, GNU GV is a streamlined document viewer that offers essential features for viewing PDF and PostScript files.
Its focus on simplicity and performance makes it a reliable choice for Linux users.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Zathura and GNU GV are two lightweight and efficient document viewers available for Linux users. Zathura’s minimalistic design, powerful search tool, mouse-free navigation, and support for various document formats make it an appealing choice for users looking for simplicity and speed.
On the other hand, GNU GV’s integration with the Ghostscript interpreter, basic features for PDF and PostScript viewing, and support for clickable areas within documents make it a reliable option. Whether you choose Zathura or GNU GV, both document viewers provide excellent functionality and a smooth viewing experience on Linux systems.
9) MuPDF
MuPDF is an open-source document viewer known for its lightweight design and high performance. It is primarily a software library, but it also comes with command-line tools for viewing and manipulating PDF files.
MuPDF offers various features that make it a popular choice among Linux users.
Overview of MuPDF
MuPDF is a free and open-source document viewer that provides a fast and minimalistic viewing experience. It is designed to be lightweight and efficient, allowing users to quickly open and navigate through documents without any unnecessary bloat.
MuPDF is available for multiple platforms, including Linux.
Features of MuPDF
As a software library, MuPDF provides developers with a set of tools and APIs for working with PDF files. This makes it highly versatile and customizable for specific use cases.
Additionally, MuPDF comes with command-line tools that allow users to view PDF files and perform various actions, such as extracting text, images, or annotations. One of the notable features of MuPDF is its support for document annotations.
Users can add comments, highlights, and other annotations to PDF files, making it easier to review and collaborate on documents. MuPDF also supports searching within documents, allowing users to quickly find keywords or phrases.
Furthermore, MuPDF includes the ability to convert documents between different file formats, such as converting PDF to HTML or extracting text from PDF files. This versatility makes MuPDF a handy tool for various document-related tasks.
Document File Format Support
MuPDF has excellent support for various document file formats, including PDF, XPS, OpenXPS, CBZ, EPUB, and more. This wide range of supported formats ensures that users can view and work with different types of documents seamlessly.
Installation Process on Linux
Installing MuPDF on Linux can be done through different methods. For Ubuntu-based distributions, it is recommended to use the Ubuntu Software Center or the apt package manager.
Users can search for “MuPDF” in the Ubuntu Software Center, select the appropriate package, and click on the “Install” button to install MuPDF. Alternatively, users can install MuPDF through the Terminal using the following command:
sudo apt-get install mupdf
Once installed, users can access MuPDF from the applications menu or by running the “mupdf” command in the Terminal.
10) ePDF Viewer
ePDF Viewer is a lightweight document viewer specifically designed for Linux systems. It focuses on providing a simple and efficient interface for viewing PDF and PostScript files.
With its minimal hardware utilization, ePDF Viewer is an excellent choice for users who value speed and resource efficiency.
Overview of ePDF Viewer
ePDF Viewer is a dedicated PDF and PostScript document viewer designed for Linux. It aims to offer a straightforward and lightweight solution for users who need to view PDF files without unnecessary features.
The software is focused on providing a simple user interface and optimized performance for a smooth viewing experience.
Features of ePDF Viewer
ePDF Viewer offers a range of features that enhance the document viewing experience. Its key feature is its simple user interface, which allows users to quickly open and navigate through documents.
The viewer provides basic tools for zooming in and out, scrolling through pages, and searching for specific keywords or phrases within the document. One of the significant advantages of ePDF Viewer is its minimal hardware utilization.
It is designed to consume minimal system resources, making it a lightweight option that runs smoothly even on older or low-end hardware. This makes it an ideal choice for users who have limited system resources or value efficiency.
Supported Document File Formats
ePDF Viewer primarily supports PDF and PostScript file formats. This allows users to open and view a wide range of document files without any compatibility issues.
PDF is the most commonly used format for electronic documents, making ePDF Viewer a versatile and valuable tool for viewing and reviewing digital documents. ePDF Viewer offers a streamlined and straightforward solution for Linux users who require a lightweight document viewer.
With its focus on simplicity and minimal resource utilization, ePDF Viewer provides a fast and efficient viewing experience for PDF and PostScript files.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both MuPDF and ePDF Viewer offer lightweight and efficient document viewing capabilities for Linux users. MuPDF’s status as a software library makes it highly versatile for developers and users who need advanced features and customization options.
On the other hand, ePDF Viewer focuses on simplicity and minimal hardware utilization, providing a straightforward and lightweight solution for PDF and PostScript document viewing. Whether users prefer the flexibility of MuPDF or the speed and efficiency of ePDF Viewer, both options cater to Linux users who value lightweight and efficient document viewing experiences.
11) Foxit Reader
Foxit Reader is a popular cross-platform PDF reader that offers a wide range of features for viewing, creating, editing, digitally signing, and printing PDF files. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive set of tools, Foxit Reader is a reliable choice for users who work extensively with PDF files.
Overview of Foxit Reader
Foxit Reader is a versatile PDF reader that is compatible with multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is known for its fast performance and rich feature set, making it a popular choice among users who require advanced PDF handling capabilities.
Features of Foxit Reader
Foxit Reader provides a comprehensive set of features that enhance the PDF reading and editing experience. One notable feature is shared viewing, which allows multiple users to simultaneously view and collaborate on the same PDF file, fostering efficient collaboration among team members.
In addition to viewing, Foxit Reader allows users to create and edit PDFs. Users can create PDFs from a variety of sources, such as scanned documents or other file formats. The software also includes powerful editing tools that enable users to modify text, images, and other elements within PDF files.
Foxit Reader also offers support for digitally signing PDF documents, ensuring the authenticity and integrity of the files. This feature is particularly useful for businesses that require secure and legally binding document signatures.
Moreover, Foxit Reader provides robust printing capabilities, allowing users to print PDF files with precision and control over options such as page size, orientation, and scaling.
Document File Format Support
Foxit Reader supports a wide range of document file formats, including PDF, XPS, and more. This broad support ensures that users can open and view various types of document files without the need for additional software or conversions.
Installation Process on Linux
To install Foxit Reader on Linux, users can follow the installation steps using the Terminal. First, download the Foxit Reader package from the official website.
Once the download is complete, navigate to the directory where the package is saved and use the following command to install it:
sudo dpkg -i [package_name.deb]
Replace “[package_name.deb]” with the name of the downloaded package file. The “sudo” command ensures the installation is done with administrative privileges.
After entering your administrator password, the installation will begin, and once completed, Foxit Reader will be ready to use.
12) Atril
Atril is a document reader typically found in the MATE desktop environment. It offers a range of features and customization options, providing users with a versatile and user-friendly document viewing experience.
Overview of Atril
Atril is a document reader designed for the MATE desktop environment, which is known for its simplicity and efficiency. Atril is a default application in many Linux distributions utilizing the MATE desktop, such as Ubuntu MATE and Linux Mint MATE Edition.
It offers a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to navigate and view their documents.
Features of Atril
One of the standout features of Atril is its customization options. Users can personalize the user interface to suit their preferences, adjusting settings such as toolbar placement, sidebar visibility, and default view mode.
This allows users to tailor the application to their specific workflow and optimize their document viewing experience. Atril also offers features like bookmarking, which enables users to mark important pages for quick reference.
This is especially useful when working with lengthy documents or when frequently needing to revisit specific sections. Thumbnails are another valuable feature provided by Atril.
Users can quickly navigate through multi-page documents by using the thumbnail view, facilitating efficient browsing and document navigation.
Document File Format Support
Atril supports a range of document file formats, with a primary focus on PDF and PostScript files. This makes it a reliable choice for users who primarily work with these file types.
By supporting PDF and PostScript, Atril is capable of rendering high-quality documents accurately, ensuring a smooth and reliable viewing experience.
Installation Process on Linux
To install Atril on Linux, users can follow the installation steps through the Terminal. Open the Terminal and enter the following command:
sudo apt-get install atril
The “sudo” command provides administrative privileges, allowing the installation to proceed. After entering your password, the installation process will begin.
Once completed, Atril will be installed and accessible from the applications menu or by running the “atril” command in the Terminal.
Conclusion
Both Foxit Reader and Atril offer distinct advantages and features for Linux users seeking efficient document viewing experiences. Foxit Reader’s cross-platform compatibility, extensive feature set, and support for collaboration and digital signatures make it a powerful choice for users who work extensively with PDF files.
On the other hand, Atril’s integration with the MATE desktop environment, customization options, bookmarking, and intuitive interface provide a seamless and personalized document viewing experience. Whether users require advanced PDF handling capabilities or seek a user-friendly and customizable document viewer, both Foxit Reader and Atril cater to the diverse needs of Linux users.
In conclusion, this article has explored a diverse range of PDF readers available for Linux users, showcasing their unique features and benefits. From feature-rich options like
Adobe Reader and Foxit Reader to lightweight and efficient choices like MuPDF and ePDF Viewer, Linux users have access to versatile tools that cater to their specific needs.
Additionally, readers learned about document viewers such as Evince, Okular, Zathura, GNU GV, and Atril, which offer streamlined interfaces and functionality within respective desktop environments. Whether it’s advanced annotation capabilities, user interface customization, or ease of navigation, these PDF readers provide key tools to enhance the PDF viewing experience on Linux.
Ultimately, the wide array of options available highlights the importance of choosing the right PDF reader to suit individual preferences and maximize productivity in handling digital documents on a Linux platform.