A PDF reader can offer extra tools for working with documents on a phone.
Most smartphones already open PDFs, but dedicated apps offer extra tools for forms, signatures, notes and easier reading.
A dedicated PDF reader is not essential for opening documents on most smartphones. However, it can help when you need to complete forms, add signatures or make extensive notes.
For everyday reading, your phone’s existing software will usually handle the job. That includes checking a restaurant menu, viewing a gym timetable or reading a work document.
PDF stands for Portable Document Format, which Adobe developed in the 1990s to share documents across hardware and software platforms. Today, the International Organization for Standardization maintains the format.
When a dedicated PDF reader helps
Most smartphones can display PDFs through software that comes with the device. Examples include Preview on an iPhone and Google Drive on Pixel and Galaxy phones. A specialised reader offers tools beyond simply opening and displaying a document.
However, the reading experience can still make a separate app worthwhile. Many readers offer more options for resizing documents and viewing them on small smartphone screens.
Those options may help people with vision difficulties or those who get headaches while reading on screens. Similarly, users who dislike their phone’s default viewer may prefer a different app.
The stronger reason to switch is a need to work on documents rather than simply read them. For instance, a specialised app can make frequent form-filling, signing, highlighting and note-taking more convenient.
Match the tools to your needs
Paid software can also offer a wider range of tools for editing and creating PDFs. If those tasks feature regularly in your work or personal life, a dedicated app may save time.
In that case, setting the specialised reader as your default PDF app may make sense. By contrast, someone who only opens documents to read them probably does not need another program.
Security matters whichever option you choose, because both PDF files and reader apps can attract hackers. Before downloading software or opening a document, check that you trust its source.
Choose an app from a reputable developer, but also pay attention to the documents you open. A trustworthy reader does not remove the risk of encountering a file containing malware.
