Solved PDF reader

One limitation of using Edge as a PDF reader is that previews in Windows Explorer are not shown. PDF-XChange Editor Free shows the previews, if the option is selected at install time. This is very useful to me.

BunnyJ said:

One more thing is you get McAfee installed.

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Only if you don't pay attention and unclick/opt out when installing.

dbartenstein said:

Only if you don't pay attention and unclick/opt out when installing.

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I did ..

I have just tried a couple at random, and I am sticking with Adobe unless I find a portable one.
All I want is a basic reader, no tools or stuff, as I have all that

I am using FOXIT

I also have "PDF Merge and Splitter" from the Microsoft Store.

I will occasionally print a document to as Microsoft PDF
The file will be huge. I would open the file and print it again as
Microsoft PDF. This would drastically reduce the size of the document.

The-Hive said:

I have just tried a couple at random, and I am sticking with Adobe unless I find a portable one.
All I want is a basic reader, no tools or stuff, as I have all that

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Likewise, I don't edit PDFs, so all I need is a reader. Edge works fine for that.

A lot of these so called free ones are only a 14 day trial version, a shame as a lot of them were free for good

Wisewiz said:

The main problem with Adobe is that it spreads itself all over your computer and your registry, adding a lot of bulk in the process.

One of the best choices is PDF-XChange Editor. Comes in both installer and portable versions, and the free version offers more options than I would ever need, but the Premium version isn't very expensive. See BunnyJ's link above for Best 5 PDF for 2021.

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How long has it been since you downloaded and installed it, @Wisewiz? I can't seem to get to the free version although I clicked on it in the beginning.

@Wynona as I said earlier I found the same with 3 supposedly free apps, I wonder if it's because of the popularity of PDFs now

@Wynona
Go here: Tracker Software Products :: Downloads

then scroll down to PDF-XChange Editor and see the drop-box beside the green Download link. Use the drop-box to choose between the 64-bit installer and the Editor Portable (my choice every time I get the chance; I've got 34 "uninstalled" programs on my machines, and only four installed ones), click the Download link, and it's a breeze from there. When asked for the choice of entering a license or staying on free, I choose free, and it's been really good to me.

Here's an alternative with a drop-down box, as well:

Wisewiz said:

Here's an alternative with a drop-down box, as well:

PDF-XChange Co Ltd :: PDF-XChange Editor - The Best Free PDF Editor

The product page for PDF-XChange Editor. Download the free version of PDF-XChange Editor here.

www.tracker-software.com

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Thanks, Dan! Piece of cake once I understood I'd have a choice between free and Pro during installation.

I create PDFs from my student tutorials and sometimes have to make minor changes. This editor (once I figure it out) will simplify matters for me!

The-Hive said:

@Wynona as I said earlier I found the same with 3 supposedly free apps, I wonder if it's because of the popularity of PDFs now

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Yeah, but this one didn't do that.

Going back in for the tutorials . . .

Great Program @Wisewiz Does it have Dark mode? it is very much like an Office 2019 app

The-Hive said:

Great Program @Wisewiz Does it have Dark mode? it is very much like an Office 2019 app

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After cursory examination, I like what I see, and it looks like the learning curve won't be too hard to negotiate.

PDF-XChange version 9 has added a dark mode feature for the program's UI. To activate it, go to Preferences > Customize UI > Theme and either set it to Black or check the option 'Allow dark mode from System' if you're using the dark mode on Windows.

Thanks @Wisewiz Ha, I couldn't see that for looking... old age again

BunnyJ said:

I got it from Adobe...

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Me too. But my experience is it asks you if you want to install mcafee

dbartenstein said:

Only if you don't pay attention and unclick/opt out when installing.

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That has been my experience - opt out working OK. After the first install, with updates there is no issue. Don't consider this a recommendation though

But I usually use the FF or Edge browser viewers for viewing.

BunnyJ said:

One more thing is you get McAfee installed.

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Sorry, I use Adobe Acrobat (paid), and Adobe DC Reader (free). I've yet to get McAfee installed.

Ok, I see those "Optional Offers" for McAfee - Adobe Acrobat Reader DC Install for all versions. What's so hard about unticking a box in clear view? Anyway, I stand by my first statement. NO McAfee products installed when using either paid or free products. Period!