PDF-XChange Viewer
PDF-XChange Viewer is a free PDF reader for Windows from Tracker Software Products. It opens PDF files faster than Adobe Reader and uses less memory, while offering annotation tools that Adobe's free version lacks entirely. The program is free for personal and commercial use, with an optional Pro license that unlocks extra features.
What it does
At its core, PDF-XChange Viewer is a fast PDF reader. Files open quickly even when they run into hundreds of pages, and scrolling stays smooth. Zoom, page rotation, full screen mode, and side by side page view are all available from the toolbar.
The annotation toolkit is where it pulls ahead of basic readers. You can highlight text in multiple colors, add sticky note comments anywhere on the page, draw shapes and arrows, insert text boxes, and apply stamps (predefined ones like Approved or Draft, or your own custom images). All annotations save directly into the PDF file, so anyone opening it in another viewer will see your markups.
Form filling works with standard PDF forms. Fill in text fields and check boxes, then save the completed form. The search function finds text in the current document, and advanced search can scan multiple PDF files in a folder at once.
Advantages
- Opens and renders PDFs noticeably faster than Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Rich annotation tools included free, not locked behind a subscription
- Tabbed interface for viewing multiple documents at once
- Small installer and low memory footprint
Drawbacks
- No longer actively developed, succeeded by PDF-XChange Editor
- Cannot edit existing PDF text or images in the free version
- Windows only, no macOS or Linux support
- Some Pro features show a watermark if used without a license
Who it is for
I still recommend PDF-XChange Viewer to anyone who needs a lightweight PDF reader with solid annotation tools and does not want to pay for Acrobat. I use it on older machines where Adobe Reader feels sluggish. If you need full PDF editing capabilities or want a program that still receives updates, PDF-XChange Editor from the same developer is the natural upgrade path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PDF-XChange Viewer free?
Is PDF-XChange Viewer still being updated?
Can PDF-XChange Viewer edit PDF text?
Does it support tabs?
Features & How-To Guide
| # | Feature | How to use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Opening and viewing PDF files | File › Open › Choose PDF file › Navigate with arrows or scroll › Change zoom with Ctrl+mouse wheel. |
| 2 | Text highlighting and marking | Tools › Comment and Markup › Highlight Text Tool › Select text with mouse › Change color in Properties. |
| 3 | Adding Sticky Note comments | Comment and Markup › Sticky Note Tool › Click on page location › Type comment text › Save. |
| 4 | PDF form filling 4 | Open file with form › Click text fields and checkboxes › Fill in data › File › Save As saves form with data. |
| 5 | Adding text to page | Comment and Markup › Typewriter Tool › Click on location › Type text › Set font and size in toolbar. |
| 6 | Adding stamps | Comment and Markup › Stamp Tool › Choose from gallery (Approved/Draft/Confidential) or add your own image as stamp. |
| 7 | Shape and arrow drawing | Comment and Markup › Drawing Tools › Choose line/arrow/rectangle/ellipse › Draw on document › Set color and thickness. |
| 8 | Text search in document 4 | Edit › Find (Ctrl+F) › Type searched phrase › Enter goes to next result › Advanced Search searches multiple files. |
| 9 | Page export as images | File › Export › Export to Image › Choose format (PNG/JPEG/BMP/TIFF) › Set resolution › Export selected pages. |
| 10 | PDF file size reduction | File › Save As › Optimized › Reduces file size by removing unnecessary data (Pro feature). |
Related software categories
Similar Programs
Free Alternatives to Adobe Acrobat Pro
View all alternatives →
Questions & Answers
Ask a Question
Our team and community are happy to help
No questions yet. Be the first to ask!