Okular

Okular is a highly competent file viewer application that can help Windows PC users improve their daily workflow by never encountering a productivity-related modern file format that can’t be opened.

With built-in tools for opening and viewing a large number of document and media files, this application can dramatically reduce friction when encountering an important file that regular Windows productivity apps can’t open.

In addition to simply opening files, Okular also features a wide array of added tools for data extraction, annotation, search, and many more.

Developed in an open-source environment and distributed online with a GPLv2+ license, this 100% FREE software especially prizes itself for a regular update cadence, quick adoption of new features, and a certification for Energy-Efficient operation, making it a perfect app for usage on battery-limited laptops.

Okular can quickly be deployed on any modern Windows PC with the help of an automated installer that requires users to follow a few simple on-screen instructions.

After installation is complete, the app will associate itself with a wide array of file formats, including documents (PDF, EPub, DjVU, and MD), images (JPEG, PNG, GIF, Tiff, WebP), comic books (CBR and CBZ) and more.

The user interface of the app is quite streamlined, enabling users to quickly manage even the largest of documents with the help of a built-in thumbnail panel and chapter selector view. PDF documents are especially supported with a wide array of added functions such as Annotation tools (highlighting, underlining, crossing words, placing arrows, adding comments), and text extractor.

The tool “Selection mode” can help users quickly select the desired text with several smart options. The app can quickly determine the authenticity of PDFs by looking at the state of their digital signatures and provides users with a simple way to sign their own documents.

Since its original snapshot release in the summer of 2006, the Okular app has developed into a fully functional file viewer filled with a wide variety of useful add-ons.

In its current state, it deserves to be installed on any modern productivity PC, helping users instantly open and manage a wide variety of file formats. The app is 100% free, features translation to over a dozen international languages, and is optimized for all modern versions of Windows OS (10 and 11).

How to Use

• Click File > Open to select and open a PDF or other supported file.
• Use the sidebar to navigate thumbnails, bookmarks, or annotations.
• Zoom in/out using the toolbar or Ctrl + Mouse Wheel.
• Use the text selection tool to copy text from the document.
• Click the highlight or underline tool to annotate text.
• Add comments with the note tool from the annotation toolbar.
• Save changes with File > Save As if annotations were added.
• Press Ctrl+F to search for words or phrases in the document.
• Customize settings under Settings > Configure Okular.

PROS

• Supports multiple file formats
• Comprehensive annotation tools
• Customizable viewing options
• Bookmarking and search features
• Free and open-source

CONS

• No document editing capabilities
• Limited integration with other apps
• Steep learning curve for advanced features