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Editors’ Review

Download.com staff

Slim PDF Reader is a free software that positions itself as a streamlined solution for anyone needing a fast and simple way to view PDF files. Its minimal footprint, advertised at just 15 MB, is a significant selling point, promising to be easy on system resources.

Slim PDF Reader delivers on its promise of being a lightweight and fast PDF viewer. For those who frequently work with PDFs but don't require complex editing capabilities, the ability to quickly open is a major advantage. It’s also a great option for older computers or systems with limited resources.

An honest look at the features

While Slim PDF Reader excels at basic functions, it's important to understand its limitations. For more advanced tasks, such as converting files or comprehensive editing, the program falls short. The program indicated Able2Extract Professional as a separate product for these needs, which effectively means that this one is not an all-in-one solution. This separation of features is a challenge for users who anticipate needing a wider range of tools.

Its simple and minimalistic nature is both a strength and a weakness. The lack of more advanced tools like OCR technology for scanned documents or the ability to repair damaged files means it's not a complete solution for many professional or academic users. The promotion of a separate, more robust product, Able2Extract Professional, within the program description itself highlights that this is intentionally limited. 

Furthermore, it's worth noting that while the reader is free, the most powerful and sought-after features are gated behind a separate product. This model is common but can be a letdown for those seeking a single, comprehensive solution. Ultimately, users should temper their expectations and view this tool as a high-quality viewer and annotator, not a full-featured editor. Its value is in its simplicity, not its extensive toolset.

Enlarged image for Slim PDF Reader
Slim PDF Reader 0/1
  • Pros

    • Extremely small file size at 15 MB
    • Fast and resource-friendly
    • Clean, simple user interface
  • Cons

    • No OCR technology for scanned documents
    • Very limited in functionality

Bottom Line

Is this the right PDF reader for you?

Slim PDF Reader is an excellent choice for users who value speed, simplicity, and a small application size above all else. Its primary functions on viewing, navigating, and annotating work flawlessly, making it a reliable tool for everyday use. However, if your needs extend to converting PDFs to other formats, comprehensive editing, or working with scanned documents, you will likely find its feature set insufficient.

What’s new in version 2.0.14.0

  • Improved features for better PDF interaction
  • Revamped UI


Explore More


Full Specifications

GENERAL
Release
Latest update
Version
2.0.14.0
OPERATING SYSTEMS
Platform
Windows
Operating System
  • Windows 7
  • Windows 8
  • Windows Vista
  • Windows XP
  • Windows 2003
  • Windows 2000
POPULARITY
Total Downloads
15,782
Downloads Last Week
27

Report Software

Program available in other languages


Last Updated


User Reviews

3.7/5

3 User Votes


Developer’s Description

Open, view, and annotate PDF files.
Slim PDF Reader 2 is a free, cross-platform PDF viewer compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms. It is a lightweight PDF reader that enables users to easily open and view any PDF document. Besides easy PDF viewing, users can use Slim PDF Reader to fill out interactive PDF forms, verify PDF documents that have attached digital signatures, and markup PDF content with one of ten available annotation tools: Sticky Notes, Underline, Highlighter, Stamp, Caret, Squiggly Line, Strikethrough, Attachment, Link, Watermark. The new version 2.0 comes with a brand-new, revamped UI that comes with a modern, dark theme and improved navigation options for a simplified PDF viewing experience. Slim PDF Reader is one of the smallest desktop PDF viewers with a download size of only 15 MB.

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