Guide to Free PDF Viewers and Editors — How to Use the Free Version of Adobe Reader and SumatraPDF
PDFs are unavoidable in immigrant life. From immigration forms and rental agreements to tax documents and school notices, most documents arrive in PDF format. I have compiled a list of free tools that you can use effectively without paying any fees.
1. Adobe Acrobat Reader (Free Version)
This is a free viewer distributed by the original PDF developer. It allows you to create and save PDFs with input fields (fillable forms), such as immigration documents, and add simple signatures, making it the most suitable choice when handling forms from the Canadian Immigration Service (IRCC). The IRCC also recommends using Adobe Reader in its guidelines. The free version focuses on viewing, filling, and signing, while editing features such as merging PDFs or rearranging pages are available for a fee (Acrobat Pro).
2. SumatraPDF — Lightweight and fast open-source viewer
It is a free, open-source program exclusively for Windows, and there is also a portable version available that can be used from a USB drive without installation. It runs very fast and can read e-books (ePub/Mobi), comics (CBZ/CBR), DjVu, and XPS, making it the best "view-only" reader available. However, its form filling and editing capabilities are weak, so please use option 1 below or a browser for documents that require filling in input fields.
3. Chrome and Edge browser built-in reader
You can open PDFs, fill out basic forms, and print without any separate installation. It is also possible to convert web pages into PDFs using the "Save as PDF (Print)" menu, which is useful for storing receipts and confirmations. This is sufficient for simple tasks.
Combinations frequently used by immigrants
- IRCC · Government Form Completion: Adobe Acrobat Reader Free Version (Form saving is guaranteed)
- Reading long guides and e-books: SumatraPDF (Fast and Lightweight)
- Urgent Check/Print: Open directly in browser
caution: "There are many similar programs that claim to be "free PDF Pro" and try to induce you to make a payment. Please download the tools mentioned above only from their official websites (acrobat.adobe.com, sumatrapdfreader.org). Also, if paid conversion is absolutely necessary, please utilize public library computers, as genuine Office software is often installed on them.
source: SumatraPDF Official — Free PDF Reader, Adobe Official — Acrobat Reader (The content has been restructured for the benefit of immigrants.)
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