CNET Editors' note: Beta or prerelease software is not intended for inexperienced users, as the software may contain bugs or may potentially damage your system. We strongly recommend that users exercise caution and save all mission-critical data before installing or using this software.
CNET Editors' review
Nitro's new free PDF reader takes the key features that you want in a PDF reader, a familiar interface, and smooth functionality and combines them into an eminently usable program that doesn't get in between you and your documents. Nitro has turned the free PDF alternative business model on its ear by providing you with a smart selection of watermark-free editing, drag-and-drop PDF creation, and tabbed PDF reading.
To put it mildly, the feature set is robust. Users can comment on PDFs using notes and text markup, fill out forms, print to PDF, or create one by dragging an existing document into Nitro, share and comment with others, and securely sign a document. This may sound like standard PDF boilerplate, but it's important to emphasize given that they're all free here, and they all work well. The search utility isn't bad, although it would be nice to see Windows 7-style federated in-document searching. The drag-and-drop took a few seconds to begin once initiated, but overall converting a four-page Word document took about 2 minutes. The highlight tool will switch automatically from box highlighting to character highlighting, depending on whether you start highlighting in an empty space or over some text. Nitro sports a ribbon-style interface borrowed from the previously released paid version of Nitro. This may still frustrate some users, but it feels slick and connected to Microsoft Office. If you don't like or need the ribbon, you can hide it with an arrow that lives to the left of the search engine. You can also customize the ribbon, placing your most commonly accessed tools where you need them.
In testing, Nitro's functionality kept pace with its comprehensive toolset. When you install it, it will ask if you want to contribute anonymous usage data. Users are opted in automatically, so if you don't like contributing don't install on autopilot. Nitro PDF Reader Free does more by default than any free PDF reader currently available, does precisely what it advertises, and does it unobtrusively, rocketing it to the top of the PDF pack.
Publisher's Description
From Nitro PDF Software:
Free, fast, powerful, and secure. Create PDF files from over 300 different formats. Comment, review, and collaborate. Fill and save PDF forms. Extract text and images. Type text directly onto the page. It's the PDF reader, reimagined. It's the only free PDF reader to offer a full suite of collaboration tools, PDF creation from over 300 different formats, powerful extraction and conversion capabilities, and the ability to save PDF forms, stamp your handwritten signature, and type text directly onto the page. Nitro Reader is the first PDF reader to offer a comprehensive range of powerful features and tools, without the limitation or compromise you may have come to expect. Our vision? Everything you ever wanted in a free PDF reader -- and nothing you don't. Download Nitro PDF Reader today, and find out for yourself.
What's new in this version: Version 1.1.1.13 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.
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All versions:
4.0 starsout of 64 votes
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Current version:
4.0 starsout of 21 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Best free document manipulation product."
Version: Nitro PDF Reader (64-bit) 1.1.1.13 beta
Pros
The best part of this program is that it allows me to modify PDFs and resent without adding a watermark. Giving me the look of a professional - all for free.
Cons
Doesn't allow me the luxury to modify areas not known to be auto fill.
Summary
Bottom Line : I would definitively advise any serious user with a business application to get this product
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"Great freeware!"
Version: Nitro PDF Reader (64-bit) 1.1.1.13 beta
Pros
Nitro is much faster and doesn't have the Adobe reader issues that seem to always come up. Plus you have access to so many more tools than the run of the mill Adobe software. And NO ADOBE DLM!!
Cons
none thus far
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"Absolutely Awesome PDF Reader!! True Must Have!!"
Version: Nitro PDF Reader (64-bit) 1.1.1.13 beta
Pros
Much faster launching than Adobe Reader! Provides highlighting, which costs over $450 from Adobe. Fast, error-free PDF creation! Incredible, must have program - just hope it (and updates) remain free!
Cons
No problems noted so far.
Summary
Best pdf reader I've ever used. Kudos to the developers for getting this right. With its fast launching and easy controls/editing/highlighting, far, far better than Adobe's own products. Highly recommended.
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"Great replacement"
Version: Nitro PDF Reader (64-bit) 1.1.1.13 beta
Pros
1. Quite similar UI as of Adobe acrobat reader
2. Smooth functionality
3. Good feature setCons
None so far
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"Well done, well done Mister Nitro!"
Version: Nitro PDF Reader (64-bit) 1.1.1.13 beta
Pros
The PDF files created are clean, neat, and professional. I would send a Nitro PDF to my customer. I cannot say that about most of the other programs.
Cons
I appreciate that Nitro PDF Reader did not play the "monkey see ... monkey do" with respect to the layout of the product. Each option is clean and helpful. Oh yeah, the con is you have to learn where the stuff is ... no big deal.
Summary
Thank you Mister Nitro for a fine product.
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"can't open reg key"
Version: Nitro PDF Reader (64-bit) 1.1.1.13 beta
Pros
it has trouble installing it can't open a reg key and can not complete the install
vista home premium 64 bit
i right clicked the installer and selected run as aministratorCons
it has trouble installing it can't open a reg key and can not complete the install
vista home premium 64 bit
i right clicked the installer and selected run as aministratorSummary
will not install (64 bit installer) on my 64 bit vista
so can not try it out -
"Easy to understand and use."
Version: Nitro PDF Reader (64-bit) 1.1.1.13 beta
Pros
Nitro allows printing and sizing of fonts where Acrobat Reader denies the function altogether.
Cons
I have not ued Nitro enough to have found any cons so far. The product is all pros.
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"Nice interface but limited functionality"
Version: Nitro PDF Reader (64-bit) 1.1.1.13 beta
Pros
Good light weight reader
Cons
too much screen space taken up by ribbon and tabs. Does not support creating/editing bookmarks
Summary
Although it has a nice easy to use interface, I still go back to my old favorite Foxit Reader which makes better use of the screen and has more functionality
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"One use only to date ----- Appears Good"
Version: Nitro PDF Reader (64-bit) 1.1.1.13 beta
Pros
I like the idea that one can edit, and save PDF documents without an accompanying "Watermark" identifying it as "Trial Copy"
Cons
None that I can mention based on my limited usage.
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"Thank you for coming into my life"
Version: Nitro PDF Reader (64-bit) 1.1.1.13 beta
Pros
Simply works well and for those of us who are living within our means, I'm so thankful I finally have a way to use PDF format on anything I need.
Cons
Help me out, but I can't find any
Summary
If you're on a budet but you still need to word process and more, this is the answer. Open Office has been my workhorse for years, but now it looks like I found a new friend who can do even more.
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