best pdf reader for mac best pdf reader for mac

BEST PDF READER FOR MAC

Preview is often named the best PDF reader for Mac because it's already built
into the operating system and is very easy to use. It has basic features like
annotation, form completion, and simple editin.

Adobe Acrobat is a go-to option for Mac users seeking advanced PDF tools. You
can use optical character recognition, document comparison, and strong security.

Having a good PDF reader for Mac is essential for anyone who reads e-books, magazines, or other digital documents on devices with this OS. I've tested several options and found some that offer great features for managing and interacting with content. In the list below, you will see the program with advanced annotation tools, intuitive viewing options, and other handy features.

Fast Comparison

I've compared these PDF readers to help you choose the best one based on their features and the availability of free trials or versions.
PDF Reader for Mac Key Feature Free Trial/Free Version
preview pdf reader for mac logo

Preview

Supports multiple file formats

✔️

adobe reader pdf reader for mac logo

Adobe Reader

Document comparison

✔️

kdan pdf reader fo mac logo

KDAN

Customizable viewing options

✔️

highlitghts pdf reader fo mac logo

Highlights

Synchronization with iPhone, iPad, and Mac

✔️

pdf experts pdf reader fo mac logo

PDF Expert

Signing documents

✔️

1. Preview – Built-in Tool

preview pdf reader for mac interface

Preview is the default PDF reader app for macOS, providing a simple and intuitive way to view and interact with your documents. As a built-in tool, it allows users to access, flick through, and make other changes to PDFs on their Mac devices.

With Preview, I can promptly move from one PDF to the other, add notes or highlights, and even fill out forms. The program also supports multiple file formats, including images and text documents.

To my mind, Preview can be suitable for simple PDF viewing and basic editing. However, it may not be enough for those who want more advanced features. Compared to dedicated PDF software, Preview is less efficient for document editing, as there is no advanced text manipulation and in-depth document comparison.

Pros
  • Default free Mac tool
  • Smooth integration and functioning
  • Rich format support
  • Doesn’t require additional installations
Cons
  • Poor advanced editing features
  • Basic annotation tools

2. Adobe Reader – Industry Standard

adobe reader pdf reader for mac interface

Adobe Reader is more than just a PDF viewer. It's a powerful program with a rich toolset for anyone who works with digital documents. Whether you need to view, edit, or manage PDFs, you can fully rely on this tool. With OCR, document comparison, and secure sharing options, it's the perfect choice for professionals and casual users alike.

While Adobe Acrobat is one of the best apps for Mac for reading PDF documents, it has some drawbacks. Firstly, the Pro version can be quite expensive. Some users also say that the interface is cluttered and overwhelming, with too many options to navigate.

Lastly, Adobe Acrobat can be demanding on your system, potentially slowing down older Mac models.

Pros
  • Lots of features
  • Advanced editing and security options
  • Easily handles large files
  • Track changes in a PDF
Cons
  • UI can be overwhelming
  • Expensive, especially the Pro version
  • Consumes many resources

3. KDAN – Simple to Use

kdan pdf reader for mac interface

KDAN is one of the best PDF editors that goes beyond basic PDF viewing and annotation. It also offers document scanning, cloud storage, and customizable viewing options, so you can take full advantage of the software for managing your PDFs. Plus, there is cloud integration, so you can access your documents from any device.

Some of the program's advanced features are locked behind a subscription. It is likely to dissatisfy casual users who only need basic functionality. The free version still provides a good set of tools, but it may lack some of the goodies available in the paid plans. Besides, the interface contains too many options and may feel confusing at first.

Pros
  • Lots of features
  • Cloud integration and document scanning
  • Customizable viewing options
  • Cross-platform
Cons
  • Some advanced features are paid
  • Free version is limited
  • Cluttered interface

4. Highlights – For Annotation and Study

hightlights pdf reader for mac interface

If you need to add annotations and organize your documents, Highlights is the best PDF reader for MacOS you can find. Designed with students and researchers in mind, it offers a suite of tools to make reading and studying more efficient. There are modern highlighting and note-taking features, as well as efficient search, so organizing and managing large volumes of text will be easy.

As for disadvantages, Highlight lacks extensive editing capabilities or advanced file management features available in other PDF readers. If your primary need is to annotate and organize text for study or research, Highlights is a strong contender.

However, if you require a more versatile PDF solution, you may want to explore other options.

Pros
  • Top-tier search and note-taking
  • Focused on organization and extraction
  • Synchronization between iPhone, iPad, and Mac
  • Dark mode
Cons
  • Document editing is too basic
  • Not the best option for general PDF management
  • Interface may feel too specialized

5. PDF Expert – Smooth Performance

pdf experts pdf reader for mac interface

PDF Expert is a top-notch PDF reader for Mac. Users like its intuitive design and impressive capabilities. Whether you're a casual reader or a professional seeking advanced tools, PDF Expert offers a seamless experience for viewing, marking up, and modifying PDFs. The most popular tools are those for filling out forms, editing text, and combining documents.

It's important to note that the program isn’t free. To unlock the full potential of this PDF reader, you need to purchase a license. While it provides a great combination of features and user-friendliness, the cost may be a barrier for those looking for a free option.

Besides, PDF Expert lacks tools found in narrow-focused programs, which may turn out as an unpleasant surprise.

Pros
  • Top-tier annotation tools
  • Can edit PDF text, images, and more
  • Universal and intuitive
  • E-sign feature
Cons
  • Full functionality is paid
  • Rather expensive
  • Lacks some niche features

How to Choose the Best PDF Reader for macOS

Navigating the evolving world of PDF readers for macOS can feel a bit overwhelming. Just like selecting the right PDF readers for Windows, you need to carefully consider the key factors. Here's how I choose the best PDF reader for Mac:

  • Features and Functionality: Before diving into the options, consider what you'll be using a PDF reader for. If your main goal is reading and making notes, look for features like highlighting, commenting, and easy navigation. But if you need to edit text or fill out forms, select a reader with corresponding tools. If you know your priorities, you can sieve through the programs faster.
  • User Interface: I look for software with a clean and intuitive interface that puts essential tools front and center. Thus, I can get started quickly and avoid frustration. A cluttered or overly complex interface can slow you down, so try out a few options and determine which software is more understandable to you.
  • Compatibility and Integration. If you rely on cloud storage like iCloud or Dropbox, you need a PDF reader that can integrate seamlessly with it so as not to hamper your work. With a proper program, you can easily access and edit your documents without switching between multiple apps.
  • Performance and Speed: I recommend getting a fast and responsive PDF reader, especially if you work with large or complex files. A slow or crash-prone reader can hinder your productivity. To ensure a smooth reading experience, test the reader with your typical documents to see how it handles your standard workload.
  • Price and Licensing: Many excellent programs similar to PDF to Word converters are available for free, but some may require a subscription or one-time payment. Before making a decision, weigh the features against the price tag. Is the extra cost worth the added benefits? Besides, remember to check for free trials or basic versions to test-drive the software before committing.
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