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SumatraPDF
What it is
SumatraPDF is a free, open-source Windows application for reading PDFs, ebooks, comics, and several other document formats. It opens PDF, EPUB, MOBI, CBZ, CBR, DjVu, XPS, CHM, and common image files. Document functions include annotation editing, form filling, signing, merging, splitting, extraction, and conversion. The reader also provides text-to-speech, screen-reader support through Windows UI Automation, and keyboard-only operation. Users can change keyboard shortcuts, themes, and toolbar layout. A portable edition runs without installation, including from a USB drive. Builds are listed for Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11 in 32-bit, 64-bit, and ARM64 versions. The maker describes it as lightweight with minimal memory use. Documents and names are not uploaded, although recent-file information remains in a local settings file. Update checks contact the maker’s server, and official builds may send crash reports containing document fragments.
For and against
For
- Free and open source with no ads or subscription
- Supports PDF, ebooks, comics, and image formats
- Includes annotation, forms, signing, and conversion tools
- Portable version runs without installation
- Supports text-to-speech and screen readers
Against
- Windows-only; no Mac or Linux version
- No OCR support
- Crash reports may include document fragments
- Recent files are stored locally
The verdict
SumatraPDF combines broad format support with editing, accessibility, and portable options at no cost. Windows users should weigh its platform restriction, lack of OCR, and documented crash-report behavior.
Who it suits
It suits Windows users who need a free reader with document tools, accessibility options, and portable use. It is also suitable for people working with multiple ebook and comic formats.
Plans and prices
Free
Windows application · free and open source · no ads or subscription
Read 3 Oct 2026 · sumatrapdfreader.org
On the record
- Accessibility
- SumatraPDF supports screen readers through Windows UI Automation, built-in text-to-speech, and keyboard-only use.sumatrapdfreader.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Annotation tools
- Yessumatrapdfreader.org · read 24 Sep 2026
- Command-line tools
- The pre-release 3.7 documentation describes command-line tools to convert, extract, and search PDF and other files.sumatrapdfreader.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Customization
- Users can customize keyboard shortcuts, themes, and toolbar layout.sumatrapdfreader.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Document privacy
- The privacy policy says documents and their names are not uploaded, and recently opened files are kept in a local settings file.sumatrapdfreader.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Document tools
- The documentation lists PDF tasks including annotation editing, form filling, signing, merging, splitting, extracting, and conversion.sumatrapdfreader.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Formats
- It supports PDF, EPUB, MOBI, CBZ, CBR, DjVu, XPS, CHM, and common image formats.sumatrapdfreader.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Form filling
- Yessumatrapdfreader.org · read 24 Sep 2026
- Integrations
- The documentation lists LaTeX integration and configurable external viewers, search, and translation services.sumatrapdfreader.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Lightweight
- The product page describes SumatraPDF as lightweight and fast, with minimal memory use.sumatrapdfreader.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Network data
- With update checks enabled, the app contacts the maker’s server; official builds also send crash reports that may include fragments of the open document.sumatrapdfreader.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Offline access
- Yessumatrapdfreader.org · read 24 Sep 2026
- Platform limit
- The product page states that SumatraPDF is Windows-only and is not available for Mac or Linux.sumatrapdfreader.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Platform support
- desktopsumatrapdfreader.org · read 24 Sep 2026
- Portable use
- A portable version can run without installation, including from a USB drive.sumatrapdfreader.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- SumatraPDF is a free Windows reader for PDFs, ebooks, and comics.sumatrapdfreader.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Support
- Users can report bugs through the issue tracker and ask questions or share feedback in the forum.sumatrapdfreader.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Text-to-speech
- Yessumatrapdfreader.org · read 24 Sep 2026
