5 Ways to Open a PDF File for Free
It is a common situation that we have to share content among different platforms. PDF format is a great choice for this purpose. However, some people still have difficulty viewing PDF files.
This guide helps make things quicker by using different ways to open a PDF. We will look at third-party apps and online solutions, as well as compare their pros and cons.
No matter if you have a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, this article will offer practical tips on how to read PDF files.
Method 1. Icecream PDF Editor
With its multiple editing functions and intuitive interface, Icecream PDF Editor is a comprehensive software that enables you to manage documents with utmost ease.
How to open a PDF in Icecream PDF Editor
- Download PDF editing software for PC and install it on your computer. Then, launch the program.
- Access by clicking "Open". You can also do it by navigating "File" > "Open".
- View and modify the content within the program.
- Save any changes made to the PDF by following "File" > "Save".
Pros:
- Clean interface. Free PDF editor comes with an intuitive layout, which makes it quick to utilize for both new and experienced users.
- Markup. PDFs can be annotated by commenting, underlining, highlighting, and adding other markup tools to emphasize certain parts.
- Page management. You can manage pages with ease – merge, rearrange, and delete them. It is also possible to rotate a PDF.
- Security features. The PDF software offers security features such as password and permissions settings to ensure sensitive documents are protected from potential leaks or unauthorized access.
Method 2. Google Drive
Google Drive is a storage and synchronization service developed by Google. You can employ it to add content on their servers, view them from any device, and share them with others. Note that this method to view PDF files is available only for registered users.
How to open a PDF with Google Drive
- Sign in to your account.
- Access Google Drive.
- Import the PDF by pressing "+ New" and selecting "File upload".
- Right-click on the PDF and choose "Open with" from the menu.
- Select "Preview" from the options provided.
- View your PDF files.
Unlike the first one, this method does not allow you to edit PDFs, but you can leave comments for teamwork. This can be great for reviewing certain documents.
Pros:
- Accessibility. PDFs stored there are accessible from any web-connected device.
- Collaboration. Multiple users can work on the same PDF simultaneously. This enables real-time commenting and tracking of changes.
- Sharing. Documents that are stored there can be easily accessed by other people via a generated link.
Cons:
- Security concerns. Utilizing Google Docs to store sensitive data can be risky since everything is kept on the server. They are therefore governed by the site’s privacy policies and terms.
- Internet connection. Accessing requires an internet connection, which may be a limitation in situations where online option is unavailable.
- Size restrictions. Google Drive imposes certain limitations for uploading and storing files. This may restrict uploading large or high-resolution PDFs without file compression or resizing.
Method 3. Browser
You can also view PDF files in any simple browser, such as Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and others.
How to open a PDF in a browser
- Locate the document on your computer. Right-click it, and select the "Open with" option in the menu.
- Then, pick the browser you are using. It will be launched in a new tab.
Pros:
- Speedy access. Opening PDF files is without delays.
- No requirements. No need for specific expertise or additional software installations.
- Offline accessibility. Functionality remains intact even without an internet connection, ensuring access anytime.
Cons:
- Limited functionality. Lacks advanced features available in comprehensive PDF editors.
Method 4. PDF Candy
PDF Candy is an easy-to-use online tool that allows you to perform several tasks and operations on your PDFs. You can upload data online and employ the utilities available, such as editing, managing, and converting .
How to open a PDF file online in PDF Candy
- Visit the PDF Candy website and access the "PDF viewer" tool.
- Import your document by pressing "+Add file" or dragging and dropping it.
- Wait for the content to launch to see it and make the necessary modifications.
Pros:
- Comprehensive toolset. Offers a lot of tools for viewing PDF, editing, and annotating PDFs.
- No installation. PDF Candy is a web service, so you don’t need to download or install any software.
- Conversion options. Users can convert files to various formats and vice versa, providing flexibility for sharing and collaborating.
- Cloud storage integration. Supports integration with storage services such as Google Drive and Dropbox.
Cons:
- Internet connection required. You need an active internet connection to utilize tools and features.
Method 5. Files app on iPhone
The Files app is a built-in iOS tool that allows you to manage, organize, and access different types of content. You can easily view PDF files stored locally or in cloud storage directly from it.
How to open a PDF on iPhone
- Go to the Files app on your iPhone.
- Navigate to the folder where your PDF is stored. This could be on your device, iCloud Drive, or another connected service.
- Tap on the document. It can immediately be seen in a built-in PDF viewer. You can scroll, zoom, or use the share icon to send it elsewhere.
Pros:
- Convenient. No need to download additional apps or software for viewing PDF file.
- Integrated with cloud services. Access from iCloud Drive, Google Drive, Dropbox, and more.
- Easy to use. Simple interface for sharing and managing papers.
Cons:
- Limited editing tools. The program is primarily designed for organizing in a library.
Why can't I open a PDF?
There could be several reasons why you're experiencing difficulty viewing PDF files. Here are some common issues and troubleshooting steps you can try:
Reason 1. Corrupted PDF
The PDF itself may be damaged. Try a different document. If other content has no problems, the cause may lie with the specific one you have.
How to resolve:
- If you downloaded the PDF from the internet or received it via email, try browsing or requesting a new copy.
- Use a different PDF reader to see if the issue persists.
- Find and utilize online tools and software designed to repair corrupted PDFs.
Reason 2. Browser Settings
Most modern browsers have built-in PDF viewers. If your system is misconfigured, you might have trouble opening PDFs.
How to fix:
- Go to settings and find the option to clear cache and cookies.
- Make sure your PDF-related extensions are up-to-date.
- Employ another browser to see if that resolves the problem.
Reason 3. Security Software
Antivirus programs or firewall settings may sometimes interfere with the process.
What to do:
- Temporarily turn off any security features you may have and try to view it again to see if this solves the problem.
Reason 4. Association
It means that your operating system may not be set to open PDF files with the correct application by default.
How to resolve:
- Check and change associations in your device's settings or control panel.
Reason 5. Permissions
If permissions are preventing you from opening a PDF, it means you might not have the necessary rights to modify the file.
How to fix:
- Adjust the PDF document permissions according to your OS.
Reason 6. Password-Protected PDFs
If the data is locked with a code, you'll need to enter it to access the contents. Make sure you have the code or contact the owner to remove the PDF password.
FAQ
- What should I do if the PDF appears blank or distorted?
- It may indicate a compatibility issue or a problem with the file itself. Try opening the PDF in another reader or application to see if the issue stays. Additionally, check for any error messages or warnings that may provide clues to the problem.
- Can I read PDF files on different operating systems?
- Yes, PDFs are designed to be cross-platform compatible. It means that they can be viewed on various OSs such as Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
- Is it possible to open large PDFs?
- Yes, but the performance may vary depending on your device and the PDF viewer you're using. Some readers may have limitations on the size they can handle, so you may experience slower performance or temporary freezing when launching very large PDFs.
- Can I view PDF files on eBook readers?
- Usually, ebook readers support opening PDF documents, but compatibility and functionality may vary depending on the program's capabilities.
- Can I see a protected PDF without the password?
- Such files require the correct code. If the password for PDF is forgotten or unavailable, certain tools may be able to remove it, but this process could be restricted or illegal. Always ensure you have authorization to unlock a PDF before attempting any recovery.
- How does system architecture affect PDF performance?
- It affects how memory is allocated and processed by the system. On a 32-bit system, opening large PDFs with many images or complex elements may be slower due to limitations. A 64-bit system allows better memory utilization, making it ideal for handling big content.
Tips on viewing your PDFs
- Update Your Software. Keep your PDF reader and operating system up to date to ensure compatibility with the latest formats and security patches.
- Double-Check the Extension. Check whether the file has a .pdf extension. It might be misnamed or saved in the wrong format.
- Open from the Source. If you received an attachment to an email, try it from the client, not by downloading it first.
- Repair the PDF. Sometimes, corrupted PDFs can result from having an out-of-date reader. Try updating your software and see if the problem disappears.
- Enable Pop-up Windows. If you are attempting to open a PDF file from a website and are experiencing problems, make sure your browser allows pop-ups from this web page.
- Change to Another Format. If you're still unable to view PDFs, consider converting them to another format such as DOCX (Microsoft Word) or JPG (image).
Conclusion
In short, opening PDF files is not a difficult task at all, and there are different ways to do it, as well as many tools available to use.
You can efficiently read or go through the PDF in either desktop software or online websites.
By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently navigate the digital world and unlock the valuable information contained within these versatile documents.
Editor-in-Chief at Icecream Apps
Co-authors
Expert Tech Writer
