Foxit Reader

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

All User Reviews
  • All versions:

    4.1 stars

    out of 1,826 votes

    • 5 star: 959
    • 4 star: 502
    • 3 star: 135
    • 2 star: 89
    • 1 star: 141
  • Current version:

    2.6 stars

    out of 5 votes

    • 5 star: 2
    • 4 star: 0
    • 3 star: 0
    • 2 star: 0
    • 1 star: 3
  • My rating:

    0 stars

    Write review

Results 1-5 1

  • 5.0 stars

    "Loads Fast, Uncomplicated,No needing instruction manual"

    June 7, 2013  |   By Nashak

    Version: Foxit Reader 6.0.3.524

    Pros

    As above, Does what I need, interfaces with the "Office" on my Smartphone, reasonable price compared to Mr. Softy

    Cons

    Have not found any yet, but I do not use it daily.

    Summary

    Good software should make the computer invisible to the task. Everything I need to do, I can do from within Foxit without having to exit and fiddle with my Printer or Scanner.

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  • 5.0 stars

    "Great Free PDF reader without Hogging your resources"

    June 3, 2013  |   By curlylurly

    Version: Foxit Reader 6.0.3.524

    Pros

    Works quickly, easily, and does not hog your computer resources like some of the more bloated memory hogging programs like adobe.

    Cons

    none whatsoever

    Summary

    It's my favorite and I always recommend it to my customers for downloading my pdf patterns. They never have any troubles with it!

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  • 1.0 stars

    "Installed a web tracker without permission"

    June 1, 2013  |   By ka3jjz

    Version: Foxit Reader 6.0.3.524

    Pros

    None that I can see - at least Adobe doesn't come with malware...

    Cons

    When I tried to install Foxit, it also added a we-care.com extension that I can't get rid of by using chrome//extensions. It's greyed out and cannot be accessed

    Summary

    If you have the older version of Foxit, keep it - don't install the new version

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  • 1.0 stars

    "Ver 6 is a loser"

    May 30, 2013  |   By nickrusso

    Version: Foxit Reader 6.0.3.524

    Pros

    None I can think of

    Cons

    But so is Adobe Reader, and others.

    Ribbon interface unnecessary, disorienting, and takes up too much room that should be used for the working area. Hard to squeeze a document onto my 37" 1080 monitor

    Summary

    I uninstalled immediately and reinstalled version 5. I have been using it and previous versions for a few years, and have not had any problems. They have been stable and much faster than Adobe.

    They really messed up on this new version. There is an obtion for a "tabbed" or menu interface in 5 on first run. They removed this option.

    If you can't get the older version, there are alternatives that will serve you much better, even Acrobat Reader would be better.

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  • 1.0 stars

    "Malware infested download not worth the software"

    May 28, 2013  |   By jimmychacko

    Version: Foxit Reader 6.0.3.524

    Pros

    The software it self seemed ok, a bit of a resource hog but more robust then Adobe Reader in features.

    Cons

    I was shocked that when I installed the program it came with malware. Back in the day download.com guaranteed their stuff would be free malware and spyware.

    Summary

    Do not download its not worth the risks.

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Results 1-5 1

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Full Specifications

General

Download Type:
CNET Secure Download
Publisher
Foxit Software
Publisher Web Site
http://www.foxitsoftware.com
Release Date
May 27, 2013
Date Added
May 27, 2013
Version
6.0.3.524

Category

Category
Graphic Design Software
PDF Software

System Requirements

Operating Systems
Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP
Additional Requirements
Not available

Download Information

File Size
28.33MB
File Name
FoxitReader603.0524_enu_Setup.exe

Popularity

Total Downloads
16,355,704
Downloads Last Week
8,496

Pricing

License Model
Free
Limitations
Not available
Price
Not available

Previous Versions

Screenshots

Video

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