Okular
Okular opens PDFs, e-books and other document formats and provides read and annotates functions.
Developer KDE
Version 26.08.1 · Open source · Windows · macOS · Linux
Looking for an alternative to Okular?Compare SumatraPDF, Ashampoo PDF Free, Adobe Acrobat Reader, PDF-XChange Editor.Compare alternativesYou use Okular to read documents, navigate pages and take notes. Supported formats include PDF, EPUB and various comic book and image formats. Exactly what you can do depends on the document format and available support. Annotations are useful for study or correction rounds, but do not turn the app into a full PDF text editor. After saving to another reader, make sure your comments are visible. Certificates and the arrangement of your system also play a role for signing.
Compare Okular with alternatives
Do you want to read PDFs alone or also process comments and forms? That distinction is more important than a long job list. A light reader is suitable for document opening, while advanced forms and signature require additional compatibility checking.
| Software | What can it do? | Platform and licence |
|---|---|---|
| OkularYou are viewing this app | You can read documents in different formats and add annotations. This is useful if you want to open other document types in addition to pdf. | Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source |
| SumatraPDFView this alternative | You will open PDFs and multiple e-book and comics formats in a light Windows reader. The emphasis is on reading, not extensive document editing. | WindowsGPL-3.0-only,BSD-2-Clause |
| Ashampoo PDF FreeView this alternative | You open PDFs on Windows and use basic features for documents and forms. For extensive editing, check which functions are in the free edition. | WindowsFree to use |
| Adobe Acrobat ReaderView this alternative | You will read PDFs, post comments and fill out supported forms. To modify existing text extensively, you need another Acrobat edition or editor. | Windows, macOSFreemium |
| PDF-XChange EditorView this alternative | You will read and annotate PDFs and have additional editing and OCR functions. Some features require a license; please check that before saving a document. | WindowsFreemium |
More alternatives to Okular (1)
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Calibre
You manage an e-book library, customize book data, convert supported formats and use a built-in reader. That's much wider than just opening a book.
Windows, macOS, Linux · GPL-3.0-only
Choose an alternative to explore its features, system requirements and download options.
Who is it for?
You use Okular if you want to read different document types and provide PDFs with comments. It is less suitable for extensive changes to existing PDF text and layout.
Getting started
Use the official KDE download route for your platform. Choose on Linux the package manager or supported app store and check the available features of your package.
Privacy
You can read local documents without uploading them to an online PDF service. Links and external parts in a document can make contact with other locations.
Good to know
Support varies by document format. Annotation and reading are something other than being able to redesign the entire text and formatting of a PDF.
Please note
When annotating, keep a copy and check it in the recipient's reader. Not all formats and features are identically available on each platform.
Advantages
- You can open multiple document formats.
- You can annotate PDFs.
- You can work locally without an online converter.
Things to consider
- The options depend on the file format.
- It is not a full PDF format editor.
- Signing may require additional configuration.
Download Okular
The download page opens in a new tab.
Provider’s website · okular.kde.org
Version history
26.08.1
This KDE edition is part of the 26.08 series. Available reader functions may vary per platform package.
Check after an update with your own PDF or comments, forms and desired document support work properly. Appshop packages may have a different issue date.
Report a new version
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Our verdict
Okular is suitable as a versatile document reader with notes. For forms, signatures and exchanges, a short test with the actual document you want to use pays off.
Okular is especially valuable when you want to read different document types and save comments on the content. The main check is the saved file, not only what is visible in your own window. Open an annotated copy also in the reader of your receiver. For extensive text changes, you need a different type of editor. So choose read, notes and exchange instead of treating all PDF tasks as the same need.
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