PDF reader with many additional features Foxit Reader is basically a PDF reader, which also allows you to create, sign, edit, and annotate PDFs. It works on different operating systems, with plug-ins for different programs from the Microsoft Office suite, which makes it very flexible and useful for those who deal with these files frequently. Developed by California-based company Foxit Software, the versatile and freemium tool Foxit Reader continues to evolve from its previous version which has been distinguished by its powerful and lightweight performance (function() {(‘review-app-page-desktop)’);} ); This program is a set of multilingual tools that allow users to create, view, sign, edit and print their PDF files. It’s free software, which means you can use it without paying a dime, but the premium version offers some added benefits. Please note that Foxit Reader includes the basics for free, unless you need exclusive features. Another difference of this program is security. It comes with a handy JavaScript security option to protect you from unauthorized scripts sending data when using web PDFs. It also comes with a handy feature for creating PDFs from scanned documents. There’s also a browser-type plug-in, which is great for extending Reader’s capabilities even further. In short, this program is one of the best free PDF readers, very powerful, fast and full of features. Messy User Interface For those who are not good at creating PDFs, Foxit Reader’s interface can be a little overwhelming. On the one hand, it looks like Microsoft Office, with the ribbon toolbar, but on the other hand, the tools are packaged in a way that looks complicated and awkward. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to get to grips with the large number of tools that lie ahead. You can minimize the ribbon to reduce screen clutter and make room for the PDF you’re currently viewing. There’s also a full-screen mode that frees you from distractions and improves simplification even further. In addition, you can minimize entire program windows to a system tray icon, which takes up less space than a row on the Windows taskbar. There’s also a security toolbox that helps you deal with security issues for you and your PC, especially when you’re working with less reliable documents. If you are planning to use Foxit Reader to view PDFs, it is not difficult to find their various functions and overview. There’s a row of tabs that let you work with multiple files at once, as well as a toolbar that lets you browse bookmarks and indexes. Another option is PDF creation, which will take some time to figure out, but once you’ve done that, you can create complete PDF files with built-in Microsoft Office options for every feature you need. Lightweight and full of tools The lightweight Foxit Reader program. The installation file is only 12 MB, allowing you to quickly install and open documents. The design also reflects this lightness, as it doesn’t come with splash screens, plug-ins, and an infinite list of credits. Instead, all toolbars and tools have a clear purpose. In this bar you will find tools to zoom in, take snapshots, search, view documents in full screen, select text snippets, and moreagain. This reader also allows you to annotate your PDFs with highlight, strikethrough, underline, and comment options. Sometimes you want to reuse your PDF files in other applications. This program allows you to convert your PDF into various file formats such as text or image files, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel, HTML, and others. Additionally, you can use forms to collect data via checkboxes or text fields. The information collected can be easily shared via email, on the website, or online for anyone to fill out with a PDF editor. Then export the data to a format you can use with other applications. Versatile use The program runs on Windows and Mac computers. Foxit Reader for Windows requires a Windows 7 to Windows 10 operating system, while Foxit Reader for Mac requires Mac OS X or later. Foxit Reader is also portable. You can run it from a local folder, cloud, or external drive, which means you don’t even need to install it on the desktop, but load it on a flash drive – the lightweight features come from here, pass, you. Bugs and Solutions Foxit Reader’s main drawback is that you can’t use it to view flash animations and 3D images in your PDFs. In addition, it has no OCR (optical channel recognition) capability, which means it cannot recognize text in images. Also, when installing any software or updates, be sure to read the fine print carefully. Otherwise, the program may install unwanted freeware on your PC or alter some important browser and desktop functions. Perhaps the most prominent alternative to this program is Adobe Reader DC. The design is suitable for viewing, editing and managing PDF files and works on all operating systems. Other options available to you are Sumatra PDF, a small, portable, but powerful PDF reader, and PDF-XChange Viewer, which is quite feature-rich and completely free. You can also check out the Nitro PDF Reader, which lets you collaborate on projects and more, or the STDU Viewer, which lets you view documents in different formats from a single file and makes working with PDFs easier. In short, Foxit Reader is more than just a replacement for Microsoft’s Reader app. It offers many tools and features, making it ideal for creating and working with PDFs. It’s not the only tool of its kind, but it’s a very good one and a strong recommendation.