TOP 10 Best PDF Reader for Mac (2024)

The Portable Document Format or PDF is a widely used file type owing to its compatibility with different operating systems. Also, another great feature is the fact that it retains any formatting no matter where you open it. Most PDF files are difficult to edit, which speaks about how far it goes to preserve their overall integrity. As a matter of fact, most of the confidential documents are shared in PDF format. With that said, almost every operating system now includes a PDF reader that allows you to open any PDF file with ease.

However, some people, particularly those who deal with PDFs regularly in the workplace, may desire to improve their PDF reading experience. In such cases, a third-party PDF reader program with sophisticated features may be required. If you're looking for the best PDF readers for Mac, here you have a list of a few options that you might find helpful.

Bonus: Best Free PDF Reader for Windows

Even though Mac computers are pretty famous, many users still use Windows for many different reasons! For example, it is much easier to install programs from third-party companies, and there is a wide variety of Windows-only programs available. Therefore, if you run Windows OS and need a PDF reader, you have to try EaseUS PDF Editor.

It is a cutting-edge, best free PDF printer that lets you open and read any PDF file in a matter of seconds. This program can also be used to conduct advanced editing functions on your PDF documents. For example, you can use it to insert and edit text, change page formats and layouts, convert PDF to other file types, and even print PDF files.

Another significant benefit of this Windows PDF editor is its interoperability with every file format. This is useful for reading documents as you can open virtually any file type out there. 

#1. Adobe Reader

What may software be more efficient for opening a PDF file than that provided by the firm that created the format? Adobe Reader for Mac is a free software program that is extremely speedy and easy to use.

This free PDF reader for Mac allows you to view your PDF documents in different modes, in addition, you can add comments or notes, and highlight PDF on Mac while viewing at the same time. More than that, you can use it to complete any PDF-related tasks, including editing, printing, etc. Finally, it is also mentioned that this Mac PDF voice reader has also integrated OCR software, which will enable you to tweak scanned text and images! 

Pros:

• Open any PDF you want with ease
• Convert PDF files to different file formats
• Advanced editing tools are available to edit text properties (font, size, color, spacing)

Cons:

• Most advanced tools are only available in the paid version

#2. Power PDF

Power PDF is another feature-rich PDF reader for Macbook devices. It is compatible with any type of PDF file, no matter the size.

This PDF viewer for Mac comes with several valuable features, including adding text, images, links, OCR technology, text highlighting, and a very user-friendly user interface. In addition, it is more than just a PDF reader; it also includes a couple of PDF editing tools for annotating PDFs and editing text/images, which will simplify your work and life.

Pros:

• Open any PDF file quickly
• Powerful text editing features
• Convert PDF to Word and other file formats
• Track changes made to PDF

Cons:

• Expensive advanced version

#3. Preview

Preview is an inbuilt PDF reader for Mac, which is an excellent choice for reading any PDF. It is one of the highest-rated apps on the App Store, and allows you to view, edit, and sign PDFs. Despite not having advanced editing features like other programs in this list, it

Also, you can annotate, highlight text, add links, and stamps, and add shape to PDF documents. Lately, it has added a night mode for reading PDFs, and you may present PDFs as a slideshow. 

Pros:

• Read PDF files in different reading modes
• iCloud integration
• Text editing options

Cons:

• It is not an advanced PDF editor

#4. Readdle PDF Expert

Readdle PDF Expert is a powerful and simple-to-use business document management software. According to its rating on the Mac App Store, it appears to be one of the most popular and best free PDF readers for Mac users.

The Mac PDF viewer allows you to read, edit, and annotate PDF documents from a single interface. One of the best features of this program is how easy it is to use. You can quickly locate what you're looking for across many PDF files thanks to seamless scrolling and a quick search option. This tool allows you to change images, text, and links and identify typefaces, size, and opacity of writing.

Additionally, suppose you have an iPad Pro and an Apple Pencil. In that case, you may annotate and take notes on documents while on the road.

Pros:

• Wide variety of reading modes for users
• Modern and simple dashboard
• Compatible with Apple Pencil

Cons:

• Some functions are reserved for the paid version

#5. Soda PDF

Soda PDF is one of the best PDF viewer for Mac. It's a PDF manager, PDF converter, and PDF page editor all in one. You may quickly edit PDF files with the software by adding freehand writing, text boxes, sticky notes, hyperlinks, and annotations.

You can also classify documents by using tags and color-coded labels to guarantee that they don't get mixed up. The Mac PDF reader also integrates with iCloud, allowing you to save and view documents on your iOS devices. Moreover, you can trial the software for free before purchasing it.

Pros:

• Highly compatible with PDF file
• User-friendly interface.
• Several text and image editing functions

Cons:

• The trial version is limited and requires payment for continuous use

#6. ABBYY FineReader

ABBYY has released a Mac version of its FineReader program, marketed as a simple program to read any PDF file. The PDF reader for Mac offers a large number of PDF editing possibilities. It also allows you to edit PDF documents by adding text, photos, headers, and footers. You can also change font size in PDF.

Another interesting function is the possibility to rotate, remove, and crop photos. You may also use the app to complete formal documents like contracts and tax filings. 

Pros:

• Great readability for PDF files
• Several editing tools for users
• Create PDF fillable forms from templates

Cons:

• Not able to open several PDF files at once

#7. PDF Professional

PDF Professional is one of the best free PDF readers for Mac devices. This program has features for reading, annotating, editing, and converting PDF documents thanks to its modern functions and tools. Because of its well-designed user interface and numerous features for editing and reading PDFs, this is one of Mac's most acceptable PDF readers on the market.

With this free PDF reader, you can also add links and photos to your PDFs. Likewise, you can examine and respond to annotations in comments, fill out PDF forms, and much more. 

Pros:

• Open and read PDF files and other file formats
• Easy to understand user interface
• Compress and merge PDF files

Cons:

• Some of its editing features are basic 

#8. Nitro PDF

If you're looking for a Mac PDF reader that's compact in size yet packed with functionality, give Nitro PDF a shot.

The software has a simple user interface and allows you to customize the way you read PDF files. It lets you create, browse, annotate, and sign PDF documents. Furthermore, Nitro PDF is a PDF reader that includes functions like form filling, data import/export, and connectivity with cloud storage services.

Pros:

• Incredible user interface.
• Create PDF fillable forms
• Compare several PDFs at once

Cons:

• Not compatible with apple pencil

#9. Foxit Reader

Foxit has created a powerful PDF reader for Macbook that offers a comprehensive set of capabilities for reading PDF files. The function to edit PDF files is included and add headers, footers, and watermarks. PDF files can also be optimized, categorized, and signed, with several protection options available.

Even though it has a free version, most advanced tools are available in the advanced version. If you want to try it, a free trial is also available.

Pros:

• Compatible with every file type
• Several cloud tools are available
• New collaborative features for teamwork

Cons:

• Not a wide variety of editing tools in the free version

#10. Skim

Skim is a free and open source PDF editor. It will assist you in reading and annotating scientific articles in PDF. Still, you can also use it to read eBooks. Skim's full-screen mode and the ability to export notes as text are both crucial and valuable features.

What's more, this free PDF reader for Mac is compatible with Spotlight, allowing you to search text directly from the Spotlight. You may add and update notes, view highlights, and use built-in transitions to show a PDF file, among other valuable features.

Pros:

• Easy to read PDF files
• Several text editing tools are available
• All of its tools are free to use

Cons:

• No OCR technology

FAQs about Best PDF Reader for Mac

Here are some frequently asked questions related to PDF reader for Mac. Have a look at them to find an answer.

1. Which PDF reader is best for Mac?

There are many PDF readers that is compatible with Mac PC. If you are not aware of which, you may find one here. We listed 3 PDF readers that can be used on Mac computer.

1. 1. Adobe Reader for Mac
2. 2. Preview
3. 3. Skim

2. How do I read a PDF on my Mac?

To read a PDF on Mac, you can follow the steps below:

Step 1. Select the PDF and click on "File", then click on "Get Info".

Step 2. Choose the application you want to use to view the PDF and click "Open".

3. Does Apple have a PDF app?

The answer is yes. There is an app on your Mac, called Apple Books. Your PDF files can be opened in the Books app on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac devices, as long as you're signed into the same Apple ID. Also, you need to turn on iCloud Drive for Books to get records.

Conclusion

On this page, we have talked about the 10 best PDF readers for Mac, and you can select one based on your needs and then go for reading your PDF documents now!