14 DAY TRIAL // Dedicated exclusively to opening its proprietary format PDF, Adobe Reader is probably the most recognizable software utility in its field.
Part of the Adobe Acrobat Pro family, Reader comes packed with a user-friendly interface and a wide range of options and configuration settings to meet the requirements of novices and advanced users alike.
Installing the app is a no-brainer and takes little time. With a comfortable window and a well-structured layout, Reader's UI should not present any navigational difficulties to any type of user. Files can be opened using either the file browser or drag-and-drop support.
As far as display settings are concerned, pages may be shown in single or two-page mode, with scrolling activated (automatic or not). Gaps between pages and the cover page in two-page view can be hidden, along with navigation panes, toolbar items, rulers and grids, and the menu bar.
Apart from a basic search function, Reader integrates an advanced one for verifying the current document or entire drives or directories, including bookmarks, comments and attachments, together with whole words only, case sensitive and stemming mode.
In matter of document properties, Reader shows details around the description (e.g. author, keyword, PDF producer and version, page size, total webpages, web view optimization), security (e.g. method, permissions revolving printing, content copying, signing, commenting) and fonts, in addition to custom and advanced properties (e.g. base URL, paper source by page size, number of copies).
Annotations may be applied to the document, like sticky notes, text highlights, file attachments, audio recordings, stamps, notes to replace text, strikethrough, underline, or text correction markup. Drawn markups include text boxes, callouts, lines, arrows, ovals, rectangles, clouds, polygons, connected lines, free form, and eraser free form. Undoing and redoing actions is possible.
Program settings are numerous, allowing users to customize each aspect of documents, commenting, full screen mode, page display, 3D and multimedia, forms, identity, JavaScript, and so on. It is possible to disable Adobe messages when launching Reader, manage Adobe ID information, edit identity details, disable enhanced security, activate protection for all files from potentially unsafe locations, alter the measurement unit, and disable automatic updates, among others.
The Good
It is fully customizable and contains a bunch of handy reviewing and editing options. The program is backed by complete user documentation online and provides Cloud storage for free.
The Bad
Many options are just eye-candy (e.g. PDF creation and conversion), since using them is possible only through a paid Adobe activation.
