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.
Foxit Reader - Open, view, and print any PDF file- Download Video Previews:Publisher's Description
From Foxit Software:
Foxit Reader is a small, fast, and feature rich PDF viewer for Microsoft Windows, 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 is an application with a small footprint that starts up instantly, renders PDF files quickly and uses very little memory. 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. Distributed free of charge, and widely available for download from partner sites worldwide, Foxit Reader provides an excellent alternative to the Adobe Reader on any computer running the Windows operating system. View, print, and collaborate easily using Foxit Reader.
What's new in this version:
- DocuSign Integration
- Microsoft SharePoint and Active Directory Rights Management Service Integration
- PDF File decryption, allowing users to decrypt AD RMS 2.0 complaint PDF files so users with the correct credentials can access them based on the permissions they have been granted.
- Support Microsoft Office Workflows - Provides a consistent user experience to protect PDF documents in a similar workf... See all new features
More Products to Consider
- Take an open-source approach to office productivity.
- Convert Adobe PDF file to MS Word file format.
- View, navigate, and print PDF files.Visit Site Or, Learn More About Adobe Reader XI
This download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
- Open, edit, and save files using the new file formats in 2007 v...
- Create and share content with the help of a comprehensive set o...Visit Site Or, Learn More About Microsoft Office Word 2010
This download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
- Convert PDF files to Microsoft Word format.
- Keep track of how you use your PC.
- Create and edit documents, presentations, and spreadsheets.
- View and convert PCL and text into PDF, XPS, TIF, BMP, PNG, and...
- Create, view, edit and share word, spreadsheet and presentation...
- Convert your Quicken Interchange Format files to QBO and enhanc...
- Create, manage, and collaborate with others on presentations.Visit Site Or, Learn More About Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2010
This download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
- Convert your Quicken Interchange Format files to QBO and enhanc...
- Generate IRS Schedule D for your current or prior-year tax retu...
- Develop your own custom solutions visualizing various data.Download Or, Learn More About Microsoft Office Visio Professional 2007
This download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
Installed
Smart Install - Convert Word DOC/DOCX files to EMF (Enhanced Metafile) format.
- Convert JPG, BMP, TIFF, PNG images to PDF files.
- Convert your spreadsheet documents to PDF files.
- Create, encrypt, and merge PDF files.
- Convert your Power Point presentations to PDF files.
- Render PDF files within applications that support the print fun...
- Convert PPTx to PPSx and PPSx to PPTx without Office Installed.
- Convert your word documents to images.
- View and print PowerPoint presentations.
-
All versions:
4.1 starsout of 1,819 votes
-
Current version:
4.3 starsout of 19 votes
-
My rating:
Write review
-
"Amazing!Better than Adobe"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.4.4.1128
Pros
Using from last few years, excellent to use tab browser, comparatively small and quick in installation, utilization.
Cons
I have not found yet!
Summary
Using from last few years, excellent to use tab browser, comparatively small and quick in installation, utilization.
-
"Favorite software!"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.4.4.1128
Pros
Been using Foxit Reade for the past year, and I have really enjoyed the simplicity and quickness of converting Zip files. I'll try the newest version for sure.
Cons
Fast, easy to use, excellent set of tools and free for charge.
-
"Foxit reader is the fastest viewer in the world."
Version: Foxit Reader 5.4.4.1128
Pros
Adobe viewer is too slow to see pdf files because of auto-sucking-update. Foxit reader is the fastest viewer in the world.
Cons
I have not found yet.
Summary
Adobe viewer is too slow to see pdf files because of auto-sucking-update. Foxit reader is the fastest viewer in the world.
-
"Easy to use"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.4.4.1128
Pros
That lightweight, fast speed, and easy operation offers me a convenient environment for dealing with pdf files.
Cons
Hope more features!
-
"Good program but very poor support"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.4.4.1128
Pros
Efficient and easy to use. In most respects my favourite PDF reader but unfortunately I have had to ditch for a competitor and give only 3 stars rather than the 5 I would have given.
Cons
Spybot identified the component C:\Program Files\Foxit Software\Foxit Reader\GdpAnalytics.exe as Elex.V9: [SBI $C58772AA] Executable which is a PUPSC. I realize that this identification is likely because GdpAnalytics.exe shares similarities in behaviour to Elex.V9 and is probably quite harmless but I wanted to be sure. I had registered for the Foxit forums so posted a query about the issue and this duly appeared in the forum. The next time I logged on to the forum, after the initial welcome, a message appeared from vBulletin (apparently the forum manager) which stated I was banned from the forum. No reason was given and the ban and the date given for the lifting of the ban was 'Never'.
I have since emailed Foxit and the Forum administration using built-in contact facilities, my webmail facility and my ISP email account but have not even had an acknowledgement let alone any answers.Summary
A very good product spoilt by abysmal support service from Foxit and its forum administrators w2hich have led me to remove the program completely from my system and to install a use a PDF reader from another company.
Apologies for typos in last section which should read as follows:
Updated on Jan 14, 2013
A very good product spoilt by abysmal support service from Foxit and its forum administrators which has led me to remove the program completely from my system and to install a use a PDF reader from another company.
Read more: Foxit Reader - CNET Download.com http://download.cnet.com/Foxit-Reader/3000-10743_4-10313206.html#ixzz2HxwkRRJt -
"Great services!"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.4.4.1128
Pros
Foxit Reader is my first choice of pdf program.It takes considerably less memory and disk space on my system. My files which is displayed on the app. is clear just like reading a paper book and is easy to share with others.
Cons
Not found yet.
-
"Problem with F3"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.4.4.1128
Pros
Foxit Reader works well in general.
Cons
There is a problem that should be fixed, the F3 key for Find Again doesn't work. There are custom keyboard assignments, but none is available for Find Again. The problem has been reported and acknowledged in Foxit forums, but as of Jan 5/13 it has not been addressed, at least for me (I'm using Win 7/64).
Summary
I changed to another (slower) viewer as I need the F3 function.
-
"Lovely program"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.4.4.1128
Pros
I can easily add annotation which is so benefit to keep record on my reading. Besides, the form filling feature is cool. The function enables me to fill the form directly!
Cons
As I say, none!
-
"Nice, Lightweight Reader"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.4.4.1128
Pros
Light footprint and easy on system resources. Display quality is (usually) okay.
Cons
Cannot create PDFs and some did not display correctly. I also didn't really care for the interface - maybe it's just a matter of getting used to it. And, seriously, having to watch your download like a hawk to avoid all the extra garbage companies try to dump on you gets old fast - it's odd that you'd need a toolbar to create a PDF when other readers have it built in, but hey, it's free.
Summary
For users just needing a reader that's smaller and less resource hungry than Adobe's , Foxit makes a nice alternative. For an even more minimalist reader, you might check out the Sumatra. But if you're fussy about things like a full feature-set and top-notch display quality, you'll probably find yourself missing your Adobe (at least when it's working correctly - my 1st download of v.11 wouldn't even open ). Still Foxit is a nice reader that's worth checking out.
-
"Prefer the Adobe reader UI"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.4.4.1128
Pros
It installs and works OK
Cons
The added "free" games it downloaded.
The UI is more cluttered than Reader, offering features I don't use. Didn't seem appreciably faster
Add Your Review
Submit your reply
E-mail this review
Report offensive content
Previous Versions:











