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PDF-XChange Viewer presents users with an alternative to Adobe's Acrobat Reader. With some interesting additions, it's not hard to see this reader gaining some fans over its more popular competition.
The program's interface looks and feels remarkably like Acrobat Reader, but with more command icons along the top. Users who are familiar with viewing PDFs will find this fairly intuitive, but newcomers are advised to experiment with the options and pay attention to the Help file. Viewing PDFs is incredibly simple and should not be a problem for users. The documents look good through the reader and are easily navigated. While the program is good for simply looking at PDFs, it excels with its added features. The control panel along the top displays a long list of options for editing your PDFs. The most useful we found was the option for making bright red shapes and lines, which can be utilized to mark errors and make comments (an element that has always been one of Acrobat's best tools). Here, XChange Viewer gives users more options than its competition, allowing for more in-depth markups.
This free program imitates its competition in all the right places and gives users some extra features where it counts, combining into an excellent download option for anyone looking for an alternative to Acrobat Reader.
Publisher's Description
From Tracker Software Products:
PDF-XChange Viewer allows users to View Adobe compatible PDF files and performs additional functionality. It features viewing, printing, exporting PDF's to numerous image based file types, page commenting and annotations, type directly on a PDF page, simple find, and advanced search.
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All versions:
4.5 starsout of 292 votes
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Current version:
0 stars Be the first to review this product -
My rating:
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"Not much to say if it won't install"
Version: PDF-XChange Viewer 2.5.210
Pros
None - it wouldn't install but did leave several annoying browser add-ons
Cons
I couldn't install it. After downloading it and accepting various agreements and unchecking the boxes that let them add toolbars and change my homepage, I clicked on the install button but it died immediately, telling me that it couldn't install on my computer because it wasn't 32-bit (I have Win 7 Home Premium 64-bit on this one). I tried launching the installer from the Downloads folder directly but the result was the same.
What really annoyed me was that the installer said that nothing was installed, but when I reopened my browser (the installer shut IE and Chrome, both of which were open) it had visibly changed the browser and when I clicked on New Tab it gave me a list of "suggested sites". Looking at Add-ons I found that it had installed and enable 4 add-ons, at least one of which is blatantly ad-ware from prior experience.Summary
This got one star because I couldn't figure out how to give it a minus 10.
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"Capable lightweight PDF Viewer"
Version: PDF-XChange Viewer 2.5.210
Pros
Uses fewer resources than most other PDF viewers. Does not skimp on features and includes text typing and mark up capability.
Cons
Not as feature rich as the free Nitro PDF reader, but its not as big either.
Summary
On older systems with memory constraints this is the best PDF reader you can get. Combined with the bullzip PDF printer, my older systems have superior PDF capabilities with low overhead.
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"The best FREE pdf editor"
Version: PDF-XChange Viewer 2.5.210
Pros
Everything you can get with Adobe Reader + Bookmarks + Thumbnails + ...
Cons
None, none, none.
Scrapware installation is included in CNET downloader, not by this software. Always be carefull before clicking "next", uncheck eveything you do not like first.Summary
Recommended without hesitation
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"Exceptional"
Version: PDF-XChange Viewer 2.5.210
Pros
Hmm. Can't really find a fault. It does the #1 thing that I need which is to be able to fill out PDF forms, even when the author didn't create them properly and then SAVE the result.
I don't think you can go wrong.Cons
The annotation mode that I'm in isn't always clear. Ctrl-Z doesn't work to undo the annotation I added.
Summary
NOTE: I'm using 2.5 and the ads are fine. Not sure if the latest 2.5.210 has increased them
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"POS....Filled with Crapware"
Version: PDF-XChange Viewer 2.5.210
Pros
None....filled with crapware
Cons
Crapware....
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"Great Program and it's Free!"
Version: PDF-XChange Viewer 2.5.207
Pros
Good being able to Edit etc PDFs
Cons
Haven't found any in all the years I've been using it.
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"GREAT product, but say "No" to sneaky adware/install"
Version: PDF-XChange Viewer 2.5.207
Pros
I LOVE this product. The first thing I do when I get a new computer is install this and make sure all PDFs are automatically opened by PDF-XChange Viewer instead of the nearly useless Adobe Acrobat Reader that comes bundled w/most computers. In fact, I feel so strongly about this I wrote a rave blog post with pics/callouts here: http://www.bestfreetraining.net/?p=2080
Cons
I don't have any cons. I just have one BEWARE:
Today just after I installed this product on my new Windows 8 system, my Chrome browser would no longer allow me to open a fresh, blank tab. Instead, the new tab always threw open this page: "MyStart Incredibar ... Search screen."
After wasting a lot of time trying to "uninstall" it using Control Panel, Remove Programs, I checked Chrome's list of extensions and removed an extension labeled "newstart" (?) or something like that. Then I went back to Ctrl Panel/Remove... and all the crapware associated with this thing was gone.Summary
THE BOTTOM LINE: PDF-XChange is a great program. And since I downloaded it via CNET's Downloads I suppose this program, in and of itself, was safe. I'm betting that since I was in a hurry I skipped/ignored a choice related to installing this other little piece of crapware. And since it apparently installs itself in such a way as to work in IE and Firefox, as well as Chrome, it can make a mess. So:
* Good news: PDF-XChange View is wonderful and I'll continue installing and using it.
* Bad news: BEWARE THE CHOICES DURING INSTALLATION!! (And, CNET: Can't you maybe remove this nasty little trap in the download??)
Here's more info from CNET's own discussion forum:
Article: "Spyware, viruses, & security forum: Mystart Incredibar Removal" Link: http://forums.cnet.com/7723-6132_102-578560/mystart-incredibar-removal/ -
"This is an excellent software I ever used."
Version: PDF-XChange Viewer 2.5.207
Pros
Nice layout, great functions, and user-friendly commands.
Cons
I haven't found a reason not to use it.
Summary
Although a trial version provides only limited functions, I am always amazed at how much it can do. I am very pleased with it. I already recommended to many friends.
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"The absolute best of the free PDF viewers."
Version: PDF-XChange Viewer 2.5.207
Pros
More intuitive features than Reader.
Cons
None that I can see.
Summary
Better than Reader, and integrates well into Firefox.
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"MALWARE IN SOFTWARE- DO NOT DOWNLOAD!"
Version: PDF-XChange Viewer 2.5.206
Pros
THIS IS MALWARE- DO NOT DOWNLOAD!!!
Cons
This contains the new Claro and Babylon malware. It hijacks the home page on every type of browser and adds some additional "security" browser software as well. This happens whether or not you choose to install the toolbar in a custom install!
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