Sumatra PDF is a PDF reader for Windows, created as a part of an open-source project. For that reason, you can download Sumatra PDF for free and experience how fast and simple it is when working with files in various formats, not only PDFs but also eBooks or comics.
The purpose of this tool is to render your files quickly without consuming too many of your system resources, so it’s perfect if you have an older computer. Sumatra PDF also has an intuitive interface and limited features, so you can focus on reading or printing your files without any unnecessary distractions.
You can download Sumatra PDF for your Windows computer and load it onto a USB drive for a portable version. It’s a great tool that you should make your default PDF reader, as it opens much faster than the branded competitors available on the market.
Why should I download Sumatra PDF?
If you usually only need to open up PDFs to read them, then having a more complex tool could be overkill. In such cases, you should download Sumatra PDF, as it is designed to use minimal RAM or CPU resources and to quickly open even larger files. With Sumatra PDF, you can view files in EPUB, MOBI, DjVu, CHM, XPS, CBZ, CBR, and PDF formats. It’s a great solution that won’t add additional drain on your hardware when you’re multitasking and running other programs that require more resources.
To get deeper into the supported formats, EPUB and MOBI allow you to read ebooks, while DjVu and CHM are typically formats used for technical manuals and documentation. XPS is a Microsoft-native format that you often find on Windows computers. Sumatra PDF is also an excellent tool for reading comic books, which are frequently digitized into their own specific formats, such as CBZ and CBR. With support for those formats, you can be sure your documents will always be crisp and clearly rendered.
Once you open the Sumatra PDF, you’ll notice no extensive toolbars or complicated menus, so you can focus on the document without being distracted by other redundant options. You can still navigate between pages, zoom in or out, search through the file, or create bookmarks and quickly print them out, the most common actions you’d need in a PDF reader. You can also perform most of those actions with keyboard shortcuts. For users who need to modify documents, there are other, better solutions on the market, which are also heavier and slower.
Despite the simple interface, you can use Sumatra PDF in various languages and open documents in multiple tabs within the same window for easier navigation. Sumatra PDF also supports command-line controls, so you can integrate them into various development tools or automate printing tasks.
Whether you’re a student or someone who often travels, you can also load Sumatra PDF on portable disks like USB sticks, and it doesn’t require installation. If you tend to switch between computers, Sumatra PDF lets you access your reader with the settings you’re used to.
Is Sumatra PDF free?
Yes, as an open-source solution, you can download Sumatra PDF for free and, by default, access all its features. This software is shared under a GPLv3 license, so you can use it even for commercial purposes if you need to or develop new features and charge extra for them.
What operating systems are compatible with Sumatra PDF?
It’s worth remembering that you can only download Sumatra PDF on Windows computers, and it supports Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11 on both 32- and 64-bit versions. There’s also a portable edition you can upload to your USB drive and use without installation.
Currently, there are no versions for macOS, Linux, or any mobile systems like iOS or Android.
What are the alternatives to Sumatra PDF?
If you need software to view and edit files, check out Foxit Reader. Apart from opening PDFs, you can also annotate your documents, fill out forms, or sign them electronically. You can get Foxit Reader on Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as on iOS and Android-based mobile devices. The tool is free, but if you want more editing options, encryption, password protection, and access to OCR support, you should consider using Foxit PDF Editor, a paid software program available through a subscription plan or a one-time payment.
Adobe Acrobat Reader is probably the most used alternative that everyone knows. It allows you to read, sign, annotate, and print documents freely, but the tool requires significantly more resources than Sumatra PDF. You can download and use Adobe Acrobat Reader on Windows and macOS computers, as well as get an app for your mobile devices, whether they run on iOS or Android. There’s also an online service, or you could purchase a premium version of this tool called Acrobat Pro, which is available as a subscription within Creative Cloud or on its own. The benefits of the paid options include more robust editing features and the ability to sync and integrate all your files with other Adobe products.
Another Windows-only software is PDF-XChange Editor, which lets you add text or stamps, fill out forms, or make notes on your PDF documents. You can also use more advanced features like OCR, but they will leave a watermark on your file, so keep that in mind. You can also purchase a one-time license for the PDF-XChange Editor Pro version if you’d like to enjoy all functionalities without limits. Furthermore, you will also get access to new options, including full-text editing, PDF manipulation, merging of documents, and security and encryption features. You can download and use this tool, both free and paid, on Windows 7,8, 10, and 11.
