(best) apps for opening pdf files

In trying to open a download, I right-clicked on "attachments" then on "open with" then on "more apps," selecting and clicking on Chrome (after scanning the file).  Then a list of (recent) attachments appeared -- but no file was opened.  

Do you have any suggestions for opening "attachments" (pdf files?)? 

(Adobe (1) asked for my password (which I've used successfully in the past) then (2) rejected my password -- which I carefully typed in.)  

Edited by hamluis, 05 January 2024 - 09:39 AM.
Moved from W10 to Business Apps - Hamluis.

Hello:

These days, one does not need a separate, standalone "app" to open/view PDF files.

That functionality is built-in to all major, modern browsers.

https://pdf.wondershare.com/pdf-knowledge/view-pdf-in-browser.html

There *are* a host of free and paid PDF viewers/editors, such as Adobe Acrobat DC and many others.

https://get.adobe.com/reader/

Adobe Acrobat DC (aka "Adobe Reader", aka "Acrobat Reader) is free.

No password is required.

If you were prompted for a password, that suggests that -- at one time -- you may have had a paid Adobe product (such as Acrobat Pro) on your system.

Sumatra PDF > https://www.sumatrapdfreader.org/download-free-pdf-viewer

As mentioned, there are MANY free (and paid) PDF readers.

Some lists/comparisons, offered "as is":

https://www.lifewire.com/free-pdf-readers-1356652

https://www.techradar.com/news/the-best-free-pdf-reader

https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/best-free-pdf-reader

If you want additional functionality, such as the ability to create and edit PDF files, then that's a different story.

But, again, there are many options.

If you ask 100 users, you're likely to elicit at least 110 strong opinions, pro and con, for all of these.

So, research the options and select one that best fits your needs and computing practices.

Cheers

Hello,

MoxieMama said:  "These days, one does not need a separate, standalone "app" to open/view PDF files.

That functionality is built-in to all major, modern browsers."

Thank you, MoxieMama.  I'm not a "techie", so if someone here can suggest how to "associate" the "PDF file type" with, apparently, my browser, I'd appreciate it.  

I'm thinking that, at some point "along the line", I "associated" (1) *.pdf files with (2) Adobe Acrobat 

(Without Bleeping Computer, I think some non-techies might be mystified by the challenges that, fortunately, occur only from time to time.)

Hi:

The links I provided explain how to do what you originally asked (viewing a PDF in a browser).

Have you resolved this issue - at least for now?

It may be less confusing to work on one problem at a time?

Setting (default) file associations in Windows 10 is a different, related topic. 

Have a look here:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/office/change-the-file-association-for-an-email-attachment-6fa9ac47-4e57-4ab8-9234-2422e3ea507f

https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-change-file-associations-in-windows-2624477

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/change-default-programs-in-windows-e5d82cad-17d1-c53b-3505-f10a32e1894d

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/5507-choose-default-apps-windows-10-a.html

Edited to add a link

Edited by MoxieMomma, 05 January 2024 - 09:10 AM.

I used Adobe yesterday to automatically open a .pdf file, no issue.  I installed Adobe years ago because it is acceptable online for dealing with agencies like IRS and DFAS.

I did note that Adobe has updated with a format more complex than I used previously...it was not necessary to do anything with that.

Louis

Edited by hamluis, 05 January 2024 - 09:38 AM.

You can also use your browser (Edge, Firefox etc.) to view and or download a PDF

<<Adobe Acrobat DC (aka "Adobe Reader", aka "Acrobat Reader) is free.  No password is required.>>

Fine, and if one is able to download and use Adobe Reader,  I congratulate them in all sincerity (really)!  There presently are at least two problems for me in trying to use Acrobat:

1. They ask for and I provide my email address.

2. No email (after twenty minutes) arrives at my email inbox.

3. Right-clicking on the downloaded file elicits a window (a message) asking how I want to open this file.  

4. I click on Adobe Acrobat.

5. Nothing happens.

(As an aside from this post, is Fox-It 100% safe, meaning does it contain any malware to the best of all readers of this post's knowledge?)

Edited by Burgos925, 05 January 2024 - 01:23 PM.

Other than just opening a pdf in a web browser, two which have been good in my experience were SumatraPDF and pdfXchangeviewer;

( I am not sure if pdfXchange viewer is still available or in development).

Windows XP through 10

Adobe Acrobat DC (aka "Adobe Reader", aka "Acrobat Reader) is free.

No password is required.

If you were prompted for a password, that suggests that -- at one time -- you may have had a paid Adobe product (such as Acrobat Pro) on your system.

I believe Adobe will ask you to create an account if you use the acrobat online app for the free trial.  You can use your account to log into your regular free adobe software also. 

Just a PSA MM, and I'm very limited in my knowledge of this software, but it is one I prefer.

HERE ARE THE DEETS

Edited by pcpunk, 05 January 2024 - 11:08 PM.

Thanks, @pcpunk.

Yes, it's possible that Adobe now requires an account for "Reader". (I don't use it, as I have always needed the full features of Acrobat PRO.)

I don't think that was always the case in the past. It would not surprise me, as they have moved to a subscription model for ALL their software.

Bummer.

Fortunately, there are many other options, both free and paid, especially when one only needs to VIEW/READ, as opposed to needing the ability to CREATE/EDIT PDF files.

Your welcome, but as I say, I don't know much about it but to do some simple changes.  I just added some random text to a pdf using the Signature option, and it works fine to add text anywhere on the document with the free version of the software.

Interestingly enough, files on the app are different than the software, and I'm logged into the same account, at least I assumed I was because I'm using the same email.  

Edited by pcpunk, 05 January 2024 - 11:39 PM.