Open-Source PDF Editor Alternatives for iPhone and Windows

Open-source PDF reader is becoming popular as more people seek free and open alternatives to proprietary software. The challenge with Open-Source PDF reader technology is finding a stable tool that becomes mission-critical. In the IT industry today, many acquisitions and mergers keep happening. So a good tool requires constant support and funding to keep the product going. Therefore, the stability of the product is mission-critical before offering it to the public. Thanks to some top brands, many leading companies, like Kingsoft (WPS PDF reader) and Adobe, have kept their technology available for the reader. PDF readers are essential tools that enable users to access, read and sometimes edit electronic documents.

Why Should You Use an Open-Source PDF Viewer?

First, it's important to note that the terms "Open-source PDF reader" and "Open-source PDF viewer" are the same type of application. It allows users to open and view PDF files. At the same time, they may have additional features such as annotations and conversion capabilities. They need to be equipped for extensive file editing.

To keep in mind your future need, we have prepared a list with open-source PDF readers that also can open source editing.

1. Libre Office:

LibreOffice is an open-source office free suite that includes a range of applications, including a PDF reader. The PDF reader in LibreOffice is called "Draw" and provides users with a range of features and technical specifications to view and interact with PDF documents. LibreOffice is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. In addition, draw supports various file formats, including PDF, EPS, and SVG. The interface is simple and easy to understand for all levels of users. Draw provides users with highlighting, underlining, and adding notes functions. In addition, it has a range of accessibility features, including text-to-speech support, screen reader compatibility, and customisable keyboard shortcuts and is very customisable.

You can set it as per your need. LibreOffice Draw is a powerful and versatile PDF reader. As it is open-source software, it is free to use and can be modified and customised by users to their preferences and requirements.

2. WPS PDF:

WPS PDF reader is a powerful free PDF reader software that allows you to view, annotate, and manage PDF files. Its ability to work on smaller as well as extensive files is incredible. In addition, its compatibility across Windows, Linux, and iOS makes it easily accessible on different platforms. So you learn once and apply it across every other device you own or may be planning to own.

Isn't it amazing? The software has a simple interface that allows understand and quickly manage your PDF files. With a WPS PDF reader, you can view your PDF files in various ways, including single-page, continuous, and thumbnail views.

Its another Annotation tool: The software provides a range of annotation tools, including highlight, underline, strikethrough, and sticky notes, making it easy to collaborate and share feedback with others.

3. Inkscape:

Inkscape is an open-source, free vector graphics editor with a PDF reader. While primarily designed for creating and editing vector graphics. Inkscape's PDF reader provides users with various features to view and interact with PDF documents. Inkscape is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. In addition, Inkscape's PDF reader supports various file formats, including PDF, EPS, and AI.

Inkscape's PDF reader is easy to understand user interface is designed to be easy for users of all skill levels. In addition, Inkscape's PDF reader provides users with various navigation tools, including zooming, panning, and thumbnail previews.

It provides users with essential annotation tools for adding notes and highlighting. In addition, Inkscape's PDF reader is highly customisable to suit your specific needs.

Overall, Inkscape's PDF reader provides users with a solid range of features. However, it may not be as advanced as some dedicated PDF readers.

Nevertheless, it is an excellent option for users needing a vector graphics editor and prefers an open-source software solution.

4. PDFsam Basic:

PDFsam Basic is a free and open-source PDF reader that provides users with various features and technical specifications for viewing and interacting with PDF documents. PDFsam Basic is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. PDFsam Basic supports various file formats, including PDF, TIFF, and JPEG. In addition, PDFsam Basic PDF readers provide users with multiple navigation tools, including zooming, panning, and thumbnail previews. It has an essential annotation tool for pointing, highlighting, and adding notes. PDFsam Basic is highly customisable, with options for tweaking the interface and settings to suit your specific needs. In addition, PDFsam Basic has security features such as password protection and digital signatures.

It is a reliable and functional open-source PDF reader that provides users with various features. It is open-source software. It is free to use and can be modified and customised by users to suit their preferences and requirements.

5. GIMP:

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free, open-source image editing software with a PDF reader. While primarily designed for editing images, GIMP's PDF reader provides users with various features and technical specifications to view and interact with PDF documents. GIMP is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. GIMP's PDF reader supports various file formats, including PDF, PS, EPS, and AI.

GIMP's PDF reader has a clean and intuitive user interface for people with zero or fewer technical skills. It is an excellent option for users who also need image editing software and prefer an open-source solution.

6. Master PDF Reader:

Master PDF reader is a free and open-source PDF reader and editor that provides users with various features and technical specifications for viewing and interacting with PDF documents.

Master PDF reader is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems.

Master PDF reader supports various formats, including PDF, XPS, and CBZ. It has a clean and intuitive user interface designed to be easy for users from essential to advanced levels. In addition, it has advanced annotation tools, including adding notes, highlighting and underlining. It also supports security features such as digital signatures and password protection.

7. PDFedit:

PDFedit is a free and open-source PDF reader and editor that provides users with various features. PDFedit is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. However, PDFedit supports PDF file formats only.

It has a clean and intuitive user interface designed to be easy for users of all skill levels. It provides users with various navigation tools, including zooming, panning, and thumbnail previews.

In addition, PDFedit provides users with essential editing tools, including modifying text, images, annotations, and a highly customisable interface.

Overall, PDFedit is a simple and lightweight open-source PDF.

8. Sumatra PDF:

Sumatra PDF is a free and open-source PDF reader that provides users with 1a range of features and technical specifications for viewing PDF documents. Its features are:

Sumatra PDF supports various file formats, including MOBI, XPS and many more. Check the website for more information.

Sumatra PDF has a simple and minimalist user interface designed to be easy for users of all skill levels. In addition, Sumatra PDF provides users with various navigation tools, including zooming, panning, and thumbnail previews.

It offers essential password protection. It is a lightweight and fast open-source PDF reader that offers users various features and technical specifications for viewing PDF documents. While it may not have advanced editing features, it is an excellent option for users who need a free and open-source software solution that is easy to use and fast.

FAQ Open Source PDF Reader:

Q: Are any PDF readers allowing document collaboration across all three platforms?

A: Yes, some PDF readers offer collaboration features that allow users to work together on a document in real time across all three platforms. Examples include Adobe Acrobat DC, WPS Office, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive.

Q: What open-source PDF readers are compatible with Mac, Windows, and iPhone?

A: Some open-source PDF readers compatible with all three platforms include LibreOffice, WPS office, PDFsam Basic, and Inkscape.

Q: Can open-source PDF readers create and edit fillable forms that can be used on all three platforms?

A: Some open-source PDF readers offer form creation and editing features that allow users to create and edit fillable forms that can be used on all three platforms.

Q: Can open-source PDF readers encrypt PDF documents to protect sensitive information?

A: Some open-source PDF readers offer encryption features allowing users to protect their PDF documents with passwords or other security measures.

Q: Can open-source PDF readers convert documents from one format to another?

A: Many open-source PDF readers offer conversion features that allow users to convert documents from other file formats, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, to PDF format and vice versa.

Q: Are any open-source PDF readers allowing document collaboration across all three platforms?

A: Some open-source PDF readers offer collaboration features that allow users to work together on a document in real-time across all three platforms. Examples include LibreOffice and WPS office suite. However, the level of collaboration features may vary depending on the specific editor.

Why Should You Download an Open-Source PDF Reader?

While WPS is not an open-source PDF reader, there are still several reasons you should consider it your preferred PDF reader:

WPS has a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to create and edit PDFs. It is more than just a reader. The WPS PDF reader offers many features, such as adding, deleting, and modifying text, images, and pages. Additionally, users can add watermarks, annotations, and electronic signatures. Another great feature of WPS is that it is cross-platform compatible. So you can do much more than just read the pdf. Although many excellent open-source PDF readers are available, such as LibreOffice and Inkscape, these tools can be challenging for non-technical users. If you are looking for a reliable, feature-rich, and affordable PDF reader, WPS is an excellent option.