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 1,705 votes
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Current version:
3.5 starsout of 10 votes
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My rating:
Write review
Results 1-10 of 10
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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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"It works for me."
Version: Foxit Reader 5.1.4.0104
Pros
This program has worked for me. I'm not a heavy user, but it is smaller than adobe, and has a few additional abilities.
I haven't used this new version but a few days, but have used the product for a few years.Cons
None so far, but I've only used this version a couple of days.
Summary
The program has always had sufficient means to do what I needed to do. I have used it for a few years. If it had caused me any major problems, I would have switched to others.
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"Extremely poor"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.1.4.0104
Pros
None that I have been able to find.
Cons
Last version worked as designed. This version, these do not work: block/copy; view as text document; scroll through document continuously. Some companies just cannot leave well enough alone. It has taken over a half hour to download the instruction manual. Who has that kind of time to waste?
Summary
I have not found any reason for anyone to want this software. You pay nothing - you get nothing.
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"Semms to work fine, haven't tried all the gismos yet."
Version: Foxit Reader 5.1.4.0104
Pros
Displays what ever I've looked at so far
Cons
none found
Summary
Need time to assess the items fully
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"Alternative PDF copier"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.1.4.0104
Pros
A great program instead of Adobe Acrobat, and a great one really.
Cons
The setup is complicated, and may install unwanted softwares through it.
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"I have been using this program for years. No problems."
Version: Foxit Reader 5.1.4.0104
Pros
A much smaller .pdf reader program than Adobe, but works just as good, if not better.
Cons
I have yet to discover any cons.
Summary
Try this if you haven't. You will be impressed with its performance.
Results 1-10 of 10
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