Choose Adobe Acrobat Reader DC or Adobe Acrobat DC in the list of programs, and then do one of the following: (Windows 7 and earlier) Select Always use the selected program to open this kind of file. (Windows 8) Select Use this app for all.pdf files. (Windows 10) Select Always use this app to. Have tried two different cac readers, both show up on About This Mac window but the cac itself does not get read. This has only happened in Mavericks. Report Inappropriate Content.
Aug 28,2019 • Filed to: Mac Tutorials
'Is there a reliable PDF reader for Mac?'
Mac users have a number of PDF reader programs to choose from, including Adobe Reader for Mac and Preview. But if you want a better PDF reading experience, you might want to use a more robust and powerful PDF program. In this article, we’ve compiled the top 12 free PDF reader for Mac tools including PDFelement Pro, which offers more features than a simple PDF reader.
Part 1: Top 12 Best PDF Reader Tools for Mac
1. PDFelement Pro - The Best Alternative PDF Reader to Adobe Acrobat for Mac
As high-quality as Adobe Reader is due to its constant updates and improvements, you can also look into alternative programs that can perform many of the same tasks. PDFelement Pro for Mac, as the best alternative PDF Reader to Adobe Acrobat for Mac, acts as both a PDF editor and reader that provides you full functions for PDF editing and a better experience reading PDF on Mac. This tool lets you add text, images, bookmarks, and more to your PDF. In addition, a user can also highlight text, underline, use strike-through features on the text and crop PDF pages on Mac. Watermarks can also be used to protect your PDF files on Mac. You can even edit and convert scanned PDF files with PDFelement Pro.
Key Features of this PDF Reader:
- Add, delete or edit text, images, graphics, links, watermarks, and more.
- Convert PDF to Word and other formats, or create PDFs from Webpages, images, and text files.
- Quickly mark up and annotate PDFs with various annotation tools.
- Combine or split PDFs, organize pages, and easily fill out PDF forms.
- Edit and convert scanned or image-based PDFs using the OCR feature.
- Easily add watermarks, passwords, and signature to PDF documents.
2. Skim - A Popular and Well-developed PDF Reader for Mac
Skim is a popular PDF Reader on Mac that is tailored towards scientific purposes, although it can also be used to view other types of documents as well. This free PDF reader software is designed to be customizable for individual use, and is handy for notes and previews. The reason why Skim is one of the most popular options is because it includes easy-to-use and visually impressive reading modes.
Key Features:
- Single swipe highlight mode for easy use
- AppleScript support
- Ability to preview internal links
3. Adobe Reader for Mac - A Widely Used Free PDF Reader
You can download Adobe Reader on Mac for free and set it as your default PDF reader. Adobe Reader for Mac is considered the industry standard. Adobe is still a very well respected product on the market, as they are constantly making improvements and upgrades to the program, but there are other options that offer many of the same features at a lower price and without without complicated licensing agreements.
Key Features:
- Fast and easy to use
- Established platform worldwide
- Considered industry standard
- Well developed and supported
4. Free PDF Reader - A Simple to Use Mac PDF Rreader
This is another very popular Free PDF Reader for Mac. It includes many excellent features, and is designed to be easy to navigate and simple to use. The software claims to have 150million users, which indicates a tried and tested package, and offers some impressive features including:
Key Features:
- Multi document viewing feature
- Rotate and Zoom facility
- Exporting and conversion capabilities
- Advanced printing options
5. Haihaisoft Reader for Mac - A Small Size Free PDF Reader for Mac
A prominent feature of Haihaisoft for Mac is its small size at only 3MB ; this compact PDF Reader for Mac takes up much less space than other programs like Adobe Reader (see below). The package covers a wide range of languages and is designed for ease of use, while it is also well supported and has been developed for use on a number of platforms. Interesting features include:
Key Features:
- Instant launch time
- No background net connection for added security
- Opens all PDF documents
- Protection with DRM-X
6. PDFSam - A New Free PDF Reader for Mac
PDFSam is a relatively new release that has been met with mixed reviews. This free PDF reader for Mac is designed for splitting and merging documents, hence why it is called 'SAM'. Some users report problems while using the application, though generally it is reported to be user-friendly and quick for the average user.
Key Features:
- Split and Merge – (SAM)
- Extract sections as separate PDFs
- Reorder pages when needed
- Compose documents by dragging and dropping
7. PDF Info - An Easy-to-use Free PDF Reader
PDF Info is specifically designed for viewing information stored in PDF documents, rather than actually creating new ones. While it is limited in its operation, it is easy to use and designed in a basic and uncluttered style.
Key Features:
- Easy to install and use
- Quick operation
- View info in PDF
- Very small download size
8. Read Right - A Flexible Free PDF Reader
Read Right is a clever product, designed to tackle the increasing numbers of smaller notebook type laptops. It’s most beneficial feature is that it automatically rotates the screen to fit – book style – on a handheld device, making it much more convenient to use.
Key Features:
- Multiple navigation options
- Zoom control for expansion
- Possible white on black text option for readers
- Returns to the same page after interruption
9. Open Office 3 - A Versatile Free PDF Reader
The latest version of this popular and very versatile Open Office PDF reader is designed for business and personal users to read PDF files on Mac. It includes an impressive new array of features that have been improved and refined. It continues to be one of the leading free PDF readers for Mac on the market.
Key Features Includes:
- Abilityt to import Microsoft Office file types
- Advanced features for note taking
- Chart creation tools
- The ability to export and share spreadsheets
10. PDF Lab - A Well-developed Free PDF Reader
Designed to facilitate the manipulation of documents, PDF Lab is a well-developed and tested platform that is popular with a variety of users. A simple and user-friendly interface lets you use this tool as a PDF viewer. It can be updated through a regular software update, although at times you may have to do manual step-by-step updates.
Key Features:
- Insert images and blank pages
- Create new PDFs
- Split documents into several different files
- Encrypt documents for security
11. Formulate Pro - A Simple Free PDF Reader
This is an easy-to-use and popular program, Formulate Pro does not have a ton of features, but it is a basic and effective tool for amending documents. This tool is not designed for creation of PDFs, but it is certainly an effective reader.
Key Features:
- Open and edit existing PDFs
- Add graphics and other images
- Write using the cursor
- Print out PDFs
12. PDFView - An Impressive Free PDF Reader
PDFView offers a range of impressive features within a compact and easy to use package. It comes highly recommended by many users, and is a great way to read PDF documents. However, one issues is that it is no longer being developed, which means it might not be the best choice for a full-time PDF reader.
Key Features:
- Has many customizable settings
- Fit document to maximum screen size
- Zoom in and out on PDFs
- More features than Preview
Part 2: Troubleshooting on Opening and Reading PDFs in macOS
Many people experience problems when trying to open or read PDFs on Mac. This is due to a variety of reasons, but luckily this problem is usually quite an easy one to solve in just a matter of minutes. Here are the three main reasons why you may have a problem reading a PDF on Mac, and what you can do to solve the problem.
Question 1. Your Web Browser needs Updating
Solution: This is one of the most common problemsthat can prevent you from being able to read a PDF. Not all not all browsers update automatically, and it could be that yours needs a manual update. You can usually run a regular software update, but other times you may be required to update manually through the menu. An outdated browser may be the issue, in which case you may need to update your browser to resolve the issue. You can then make annotations and markups within your document.
Question 2. Your Browser is not Compatible
Solution: This issue depends on your operating system. If you are running OS 10.5 x, as many are, you will find that the later versions of Safari, for example, are non-compatible with your operating system. This will lead to you being unable to open PDFs, as well as a number of other problems. It is recommended that users with this operating system try using Firefox instead, as that may solve the problem.
Question 3. Check the Adobe Reader Plug-in
Solution: This problem also affects many users. If you are opening your PDF with Adobe Reader, the Adobe Reader Plug-in can be problematic, especially if it is an automatic launch when you enter your browser. The trick is to delete the plug-in (just the plug in, not Adobe Reader itself). Try using Adobe Reader as a stand-alone program rather than having it run within your browser, and the problem should be solved. You can also re-install the plug-in if necessary.
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PDF (Portable Document Format) is one of the standard format for carrying your documents. PDF documents are more secured and easily accessible than other document file formats. PDF format is mostly used in case of printing the documents because there is no chance for change in alignment of the document. Therefore many people prefer PDF documents for carrying and printing their files.
Mac OS X have default PDF reader called “PDF Viewer” which helps to open the PDF documents. Today I’m going to list you another 12 alternative PDF Readers and PDF Editors for your Mac OS X. I categorized these applications into paid and free versions to let you find the one you need easily.
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Type: Free Version
Skim is a PDF reader and note-taker f0r Mac OS X. It has plenty of in-built features to view PDF files in your mac. It supports for apple remote control and you can download PDF files remotely using this application. You can sync some external applications like La TeX, Sync TeX, PDF Sync, etc. (Download Skim PDF Reader)
Type: Free Version
Gnostice is the developer of Free PDF Reader. It is a free, fast and portable application for your mac platform. Using this application you can export your PDF document as popular image formats. The application is portable so that you can carry in your flash drive. (Download Free PDF Reader)
Image Via Softpedia
Type: Free Version
Haihaisoft PDF Reader is an extremely fast and rich feature set. You can read PDF documents protected by DRM-X platform using this application. One of the light weighted and highly secured application for your macbook. It won’t connect to internet without user’s permission. (Download Haihaisoft PDF Reader)
Type: Free Version
Adobe reader is one of the famous and most commonly used PDF Reader for all the leading operating systems. Adobe reader is available for most of the mobile platforms and it has lot of options to edit and print your PDF documents. Even browser add-ons are available from adobe reader to view and save your favorite PDF documents online. (Download Adobe Reader for Mac)
Type: Free Version
PDF Sam is the abbreviation of PDF Split and Merge. It is one of the best PDF Reader and especially editor for your PDF documents in mac. You can view, edit and add pages to your PDF document. Also you can set rights and permissions to your PDF documents to secure it. (Download PDF Sam)
Type: Free Version
PDF Info is a specialized application used only for PDF editing. Click source button to select the file from your hard disk. You can set password, change producer, creator, author, title, etc. It is mainly available for editing and you can preview your document before publishing. (Download PDF Info)
Type: Free Version
Read Right is a free, light weight PDF Reader for small portables. Documents can be opened quickly, automatically rotated and scaled to full screen easily. Read Right is a free software developed under GNU General Public License. (Download Read Right)
Type: Free Version
Open Office is one of the best open source application from sun microsystems. Using Open Office Impress you can import, view and edit your PDF documents. It includes both import and export features. Open office helps you to download your PDF document as a Hybrid PDF so that you can edit your PDF in future using open office. (Download Open Office 3)
Type: Free Version
PDF Lab lets you edit and create your own customized PDF documents. You can insert images, create new pages, insert blank pages, etc. Also you can insert watermark in your PDF documents using this application. (Download PDF Lab)
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Type: Free Version
Formulate Pro helps you to view and edit your PDF documents in mac. You can edit any type of PDF documents in formulate pro also it gives lot of options in editing your document. You can add watermark, graphics, fill registration forms, etc by using this application. (Download Formulate Pro)
Type: Paid
PDF Pen Pro is an PDF reader which is specialized for editing your PDF documents. You can fill PDF registration forms using this application. Three main features of PDF Pen Pro is you can convert a website into a PDF document, you can create your own PDF forms and you can organize a PDF report with table. It is available for download in app store (Download PDF Pen Pro)
Type: Paid
PDF Signer comes mainly for filling registration forms in PDF formats. It has in-built tools and options to fill various types of registration forms and application forms in your PDF documents. You can add signatures and watermark easily using this application. You can download this app for mac in app store. (Download Here)
E-reader For Mac
These are some best alternatives to do more with your PDF reading, writing and editing in Mac OS X. If you have any more better software to suggest then please do leave the name of the software in comment below. Thanks for reading and please do share this article with your friends and followers in Facebook, Twitter and Google+.