Choosing the Best PDF Viewer for Google Drive

When it comes to viewing, editing, and collaborating on PDF files stored on Google Drive, you have several options available. The built-in PDF viewer in Google Drive is often sufficient for basic viewing tasks. However, should you require more advanced features like annotations or form filling, you may want to explore other dedicated tools. In this article, we will explore the best PDF viewers for Google Drive, along with their unique features and capabilities.

The Best PDF Viewer Built-In to Google Drive

The built-in PDF viewer in Google Drive is a feature-packed tool that allows you to open, view, and print PDFs directly from your browser. This tool is particularly useful for simple viewing tasks and does not require any additional software installation. You can quickly jump to any page, check the total number of pages, zoom in and out, and view comments and highlighted content. This built-in viewer is a great choice for basic needs and is often sufficient for viewing and interacting with PDFs stored in Google Drive.

Advanced Options for Enhanced Features

If you need more advanced features, such as annotations, commenting, or form filling, there are several third-party options available that integrate seamlessly with Google Drive. Here are some of the best alternatives:

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Description: Adobe Acrobat Reader is a powerful tool with a robust feature set:

Annotations and Comments: You can draw, write, and add comments to PDFs. Form Filling: Easily fill out and submit forms, either online or offline. Integration: It can be integrated with Google Drive to open and save PDFs directly. User Interface: The interface is user-friendly and provides a comprehensive set of tools for managing PDFs.

Pros: Powerful features, user-friendly, good integration with Google Drive.

Cons: May consume more memory and resources compared to simpler viewers.

Kami

Description: Kami is an excellent tool for collaboration that offers the following:

Annotations and Highlighting: You can annotate PDFs, highlight text, and add comments. Integration: Kami integrates seamlessly with Google Drive, allowing you to open and save files directly from the service. Education Focus: The software is particularly useful in educational settings for sharing and collaboration.

Pros: User-friendly for collaboration, powerful annotation tools.

Cons: Cost might be an issue for personal use if not part of an educational institution.

PDF Viewer by Xodo

Description: Xodo PDF Viewer is another excellent tool that provides:

Smooth Viewing Experience: The app offers a seamless viewing experience with well-designed tools for navigation and interaction. Editing and Signing: You can edit PDFs and sign them using digital signatures. Integration: It can be linked to Google Drive for easy access to files.

Pros: Smooth and intuitive interface, powerful editing features.

Cons: May have more features than necessary for simple viewing purposes.

DocHub

Description: DocHub is a popular choice for editing and signing PDFs. It offers:

User-Friendly Interface: A clean and simple layout that is easy to navigate. Integration: It integrates seamlessly with Google Drive, allowing you to open and save files directly. Collaboration: Supports real-time collaboration and sharing of documents.

Pros: User-friendly interface, excellent for collaboration.

Cons: Pricing might be a concern for personal use.

Alternative Tools for Basic Viewing

For those who prefer not to use a third-party tool, there are several free PDF viewers available that you can use to open and view PDF files stored in Google Drive:

Foxit Reader

Description: Foxit Reader is a free and feature-rich PDF viewer that offers:

Basic Viewing Features: View, navigate, and comment on PDFs. Free to Use: No additional cost required for basic usage. Lightweight and Efficient: Consumes less system resources.

Pros: Feature-packed, free to use, lightweight.

Cons: Limited advanced editing features.

Nitro PDF Reader

Description: Nitro PDF Reader is another free option that provides:

Basic Viewing Features: View, navigate, and comment on PDFs. Free to Use: No cost for basic usage. Complicated UI for Simple Tasks: The user interface may be more complex for simple viewing tasks.

Pros: Free to use, has some advanced viewing capabilities.

Cons: May have a more complicated interface for basic viewers.

Free PDF Viewers

There are numerous free PDF viewers available, such as PDFsam Basic, SumatraPDF, and MuPDF, each offering unique features and capabilities. These can be useful if you prefer not to use a third-party tool or have specific needs beyond the built-in Google Drive viewer.

Key takeaways:

The built-in PDF viewer in Google Drive is great for basic viewing tasks. For advanced features such as annotations, comments, and form filling, consider tools like Adobe Acrobat Reader, DocHub, or Xodo PDF Viewer. If you prefer free options, free PDF readers like Foxit Reader and Nitro PDF Reader can be useful.

Whichever tool you choose, it's important to consider your specific needs and the features that matter most to you, whether you're looking for simplicity, advanced editing capabilities, or seamless integration with Google Drive.