Read, search and navigate a PDF without changing it
Read, search and navigate a PDF without changing it. Configure the available options, inspect the result and download it from your browser.
How it works
- Choose a PDF and read its first page.
- Choose single-page, continuous or wide-screen two-page viewing; use search or the outline to navigate.
- Download the original when unchanged, or switch to Edit or Sign with the same workspace.
Single-page, continuous and wide-screen two-page viewing, on-page text selection, search and document outlines. Scans need OCR for search.
When to use this tool
Read a document locally without installing an application.
What to check before sharing
View rotation and zoom do not alter document bytes. Extracted text can have an incorrect reading order in untagged documents. The Reader prompts for a password for protected files. Reading retains the encrypted source; use Remove password explicitly before editing.
Supported files
Single-page, continuous and wide-screen two-page viewing, on-page text selection, search and document outlines. Scans need OCR for search.
Inputs: PDF. Performance depends on your device. Download important work before closing the browser; local storage is not a backup.
Troubleshooting
If the file will not open, check it in another PDF reader. If it is password-protected, use Remove a PDF password with a password you know. For scans that need selectable text, run Make a PDF searchable first.
Common questions
Can I search a scan?
Image-only pages have no searchable text. Run OCR first.
Does reading alter my file?
No. A single unchanged PDF is returned byte-for-byte. Workspace edits are exported into the reader copy.
Which files can I use?
Supported inputs: PDF. Single-page, continuous and wide-screen two-page viewing, on-page text selection, search and document outlines. Scans need OCR for search.
Is this free?
Core tools require no account or subscription and add no watermark.
Do my documents leave my device?
Document processing runs in your browser. PDF Studio does not upload document files. Explicitly saved drafts and My files remain in this browser until deleted. Read aloud may use network-backed browser voices.