FoxIt reader is a freemium, multi-platform PDF utility that can be used to read, edit, create and digitally sign PDF documents. Developed by Foxit Software, Foxit Reader started off as a lightweight tool with very fast startup which has grown on to become a competitor of Adobe Reader.
Packed with a host of features, Foxit isn’t perhaps the most user friendly utility, especially for first PDF creators. However, amongst all the free PDF tools, it is certainly one of the best and also the most acclaimed – simply because it can accomplish an astonishing amount of work in small install size.
A built in security toolbox is a nifty feature which protects the user from unsafe JavaScripts to be run on the PC. This builds a great screen for all unverified documents that you download from the internet.
Foxit can also provide full Microsoft Office support – meaning that it can convert from documents, presentations and spreadsheets created in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel. This allows users to take leverage of all the advanced features of the Microsoft Office suite and later bundle it in a PDF format.
It can even create PDF files from scanned documents, a significant feature especially on its Android version which allows users to directly create PDFs from their camera shots. And in the paid version, you also get OCR – Optimal Character Recognition, which allows users to edit directly in the font in which the PDF was originally made.
There are also optional browser-based plugins which can be used to create and edit PDFs directly from the browser content, however while installing these one must keep note of not installing ad-ware that comes bundled along with it. Also, its performance is a little underwhelming when it comes to reading documents with Flash components or a 3D drawing.
And it can also be used by businesses due to its support of Group policy enforcement which allows the admin to decide what features are available for individual users. You can even share and collaborate online from an in-application window integrating with cloud based storage.
Overall, Foxit Reader is great alternative to Adobe Reader and is way ahead of its competition in terms of the features provided. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a free PDF reader which can do almost everything Adobe Reader can.

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