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 documents 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 prides itself on 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.

What’s New

• Faster Document Scrolling: Improved performance for smoother navigation in text documents
• Open Embedded Attachments: New support for opening files embedded داخل documents
• Resume Last Page: Option to reopen documents at the last viewed page
• Improved Search Controls: Better forward/backward search with correct modifier handling
• New Copy Option: “Copy Without Line Breaks” for cleaner text extraction
• Touch & Gesture Support: Added native pinch-to-zoom gestures for easier navigation
• Enhanced Bookmarks: New bookmark actions and search functionality in the bookmark list
• Annotation Improvements: Sidebar icons now match annotation colors, and tooltips have been improved
• macOS Enhancements: Added native file opening support and improved app configuration
• Stability & Bug Fixes: Fixed crashes (e.g., EPUB images), memory leaks, printing issues, and file handling errors

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, and adding comments), and a 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.

FAQs

What is Okular, and what file formats does it support?
Okular is a universal document viewer developed by KDE that supports a wide range of file formats, including PDF, EPUB, DjVu, images, and more. According to the official site, it is designed as a multi-format viewer, allowing users to read and interact with different types of documents in a single application.

What features make Okular different from other PDF readers?
Okular offers advanced features such as annotations, highlighting, text extraction, bookmarks, and support for digital signatures. It also includes unique tools like inline notes and drawing annotations, which users on Reddit often praise for academic and research workflows compared to simpler viewers.

Is Okular free and available on Windows?
Yes, Okular is completely free and open-source software. While it is primarily developed for Linux environments, it is also available on Windows and other platforms, making it accessible to a broader range of users beyond KDE-based systems.

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