CNET Editors' review
Foxit PDF Reader, the program that many consider to be a faster, lighter, more able Windows alternative to Adobe Reader, has recently jumped to version 5.0. This newest release comes with many of the same solid features, a few new ones, and an upgraded interface.
As with the previous version, the setup process is a bit cumbersome. First, watch out for the two check boxes that make Ask your browser default search provider and Ask.com your home page. Opt out as necessary. Then, toward the end of the installation process, be sure to read carefully and opt out of the Addin for Mozilla FireFox, Opera, Safari and Chrome--unless, of course, you're into bloated toolbars. Once you make it through the installation gauntlet, the rest should be smooth sailing.
The new Foxit Reader 5.0 interface is a bit sleeker than in previous versions. It still has clean, easily distinguishable icons, and the toolbar is still customizable. In addition, you can now choose your color scheme (black, blue, orange, purple). It's not ground-breaking, but it's a nice touch. You can also choose a new ribbon-style menu and customize your own shortcut keys.
Foxit Reader 5.0 still includes many of the useful features that its rival, Adobe Reader, doesn't. There's tabbed PDF viewing, text-only view, rulers, Safe Mode, and several annotation tools for things like highlighting and commenting. Meanwhile, 5.0 has added a few conveniences that give it an extra edge, including XFA form filling, support for Microsoft RMS-protected files, and previews in Outlook.
Overall, we think the new Foxit Reader is a worthwhile download. While it may not be perfect--it can't create PDFs, and it pesters users with add-ons and upgrades--it's still a solid alternative to Adobe Reader.
Publisher's Description
From Foxit Software:
The Foxit Reader is a small, fast, and feature rich PDF viewer which allows you to open, view, and print any PDF file. Unlike other free PDF readers, Foxit Reader also includes easy to use collaboration features like the ability to add annotations, fill out forms, and add text to PDF documents. Foxit Reader has a small footprint that starts up instantly, renders PDF files quickly and uses very little memory, which is especially important with today's handheld devices. The Foxit Reader is packed full of convenient and easy to use viewing, editing and printing features that make document collaboration simple. Foxit Reader's secure platform insures worry free operation against malicious virus and provides a secure and reliable digital signature verification platform for exchanging electronics documents without putting the user at risk from falsified documents.
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All versions:
4.1 starsout of 1,710 votes
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Current version:
3.7 starsout of 15 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Welcome Malware"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.1.4.0104
Pros
It attempts to read PDFs
Cons
Malware included
Fixit/Foxit Reader will screw up your computer
It has Ask, which will impbed itself in your computer
You won't be able to Google anything, even if you delete and reinstall your browser. Ask is a reincarnation of Ask Jeeves - the worst program made!Summary
Avoid at all costs. Browser will slow down. All tasks will now take 2-4 clicks instead of 1. If you have already done a download then stay off the internet.
Note: You absolutely cannot install this program without installing ASK Jeeeves. Warning not in program install. -
"Very Robust PDF Viewer"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.1.4.0104
Pros
Allows editable PDF's
Changeable themes
It isn't an Adobe Product.Cons
Fairly large resource hog for just viewing a PDF.
Summary
Definitely a must have for the moderate PDF user.
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"Just installed Foxit Reader, it was quick and easy."
Version: Foxit Reader 5.1.4.0104
Pros
Nice interface. It immediately opened and printed a PDF file which Adobe Reader saw as corrupted and could not print.
Cons
Nothing yet
Summary
Time will tell, but so far it can be recommended to try out.
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"This works where Adobe fails! Thank you!!"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.1.4.0104
Pros
It comes up fast and prints forms properly that Adobe Reader fails at. I have received several forms lately that print very badly with Adobe Reader but print perfectly with Foxit. They display properly with both programs but Adobe prints random seeming characters. No idea why this is but I don't have to worry about it now.
Cons
No cons yet.
Summary
This saved me from a mess of trouble. I needed to print out a 33 page legal document and Adobe Reader failed horribly. The document printed but was completely unreadable. Same task with Foxit printer perfectly first time. Quick install and works. Excellent!!
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"such a good one"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.1.4.0104
Pros
it is popular,it is considered as a faster,easier,and more convenient application,the most attractive is that it is free,take it
Cons
looking forward more advantages in the new version
Summary
worth your money
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"Since I also have others - Adobe+I haven't used it yet"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.1.4.0104
Pros
n/c this time
Cons
n/c this time
Summary
I'll comment later once I've tried it out and compared it to my others.
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"great success"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.1.4.0104
Pros
it has achieved a great success in the document management field,the new version gained beautiful interface,making it more attractive at first sight,after your trying of this software,you will know its advantage
Cons
using for a long time,nothing i want to say
Summary
it is a sorry if you haven't used it before,you will be satisfied with everything it contains
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"not free software anymore"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.1.4.0104
Pros
downloaded it thinking i was free
Cons
have to register for the support of the software and needs a product key to use the software
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"Can't handle forms properly"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.1.4.0104
Pros
Fast, lightweight, free and saves what you enter into PDF forms.
Cons
None of the versions I have used have worked reliably with forms. Sometimes it won't let me fill in the boxes. Sometimes the font becomes way too large. This problem doesn't occur in Adobe acrobat reader in the exact same PDF forms.
Summary
Useful for displaying PDF files, but if you need to fill out PDF forms, look elsewhere.
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"This Product is just great..Thank You."
Version: Foxit Reader 5.1.4.0104
Pros
Ease of access and simple to follow
Cons
none for me.
Summary
Just a Great Application from some very smart and helpful people.
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