Let’s set a few facts straight before we look at why Adobe Reader is the most popular PDF viewer.

First off, Adobe claims about 90% of the internet-connected PCs that have PDF-viewing software, and since it started in the 90’s, it’s easy to see why thousands of people all over the globe use it.

However, despite the large number of Adobe Reader fans, many people don’t explore the reasons as to why Adobe is actually at the top.

Unique Features of Adobe Reader

It’s Free

We all love free stuff, and when we get legal software for free, this always tends to be a bonus for us since we benefit without paying a dime. The fact that Adobe Reader is free allows anyone to comfortably download and view PDF files without having to consider spending over $20 on a piece of software that will require additional licenses when you want to install it on multiple computers.

User Interface

Good apps never focus on functionality alone, but they tend to consider even that person who doesn’t know where the “Print Screen” key is found on a keyboard.

The Adobe Reader X 10.14, for instance, has a fairly simple user interface, and it also displays clearer images than its predecessors as well as its competitors.

Tools

Text selection, zoom, and Read out loud have been some of the features found on most Adobe Reader versions. However, new versions of Adobe Reader are now coming with sharing options and commenting options.

Security options have also been taken into consideration. Adobe Reader’s Protected Mode, for example, allows you to comfortably view PDF documents that have been downloaded from the internet without having to worry about malware or virus attacks.

Pros and Cons of Adobe Reader

Pros

- Adobe Reader is free

- It’s features allow users to comfortably view PDF documents without straining

- It has an easy to use interface

Cons

- It is bulky when compared to other PDF viewers

- Uses a lot of the computer’s resources