How to view PDFs on Mac

If you work with lots of PDF files, you need a fast and intuitive PDF reader for your Mac. With 12 years of experience in building the best in class PDF tools, we’ve designed PDF Expert, the go-to PDF app for your Mac. Our users love PDF Expert for its simple, modern, and intuitive design and smooth reading experience. 

Watch this short video to see PDF Expert in action!

The best thing is that all the viewing capabilities from this video are free. You can use PDF Expert as a PDF viewer without the subscription.

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How to view a PDF on Mac

Opening any PDF file is a breeze with PDF Expert. Here's how it works:

1. Get PDF Expert for free.
2. Launch the app.
3. Drag a PDF file into the app window. Alternatively, click File > Open at the top left of the screen.

How to view PDFs on any device

To open PDFs, you can use the built-in Preview app on Mac or the Files app on iPhone. However, if you work with PDFs often, it is better to use a reliable PDF reader. PDF Expert is the ideal tool that allows you to open PDFs on any device – Mac, iPhone, or iPad. Working across all Apple devices, PDF Expert ensures you can read your documents whenever and wherever you are.

Whether you download a file from the internet or receive a PDF file from another application, PDF Expert will open any book, contract, or invoice. If you receive an email with a PDF attachment, PDF Expert makes it incredibly easy to open it directly from your email. 

How to change the default PDF viewer

By default, Mac opens all types of files in Preview, a built-in app on macOS. However, while it’s a great basic app, sometimes you might need something more powerful to view and edit your PDFs, like PDF Expert. You can set PDF Expert as your default PDF viewer on Mac by following these steps:

1. Download and open PDF Expert.
2. Click PDF Expert in the upper menu and click Settings. You can also use the CMD + , shortcut.
3. In the Default PDF Reader section, select PDF Expert.
4. That’s it! Now, every time you open a PDF, it will automatically open your file in PDF Expert.

How to edit and print PDFs on Mac

Need to edit an existing PDF before printing it? PDF Expert provides powerful editing features, that will help you edit text, images, or links in your file within seconds.

Edit PDFs:

1. Open PDF Expert and load your PDF file.
2. Click on the Edit button and select the Text tool. Edit text in PDF and click on the blank space to preserve your changes.
3. Select the Image tool. Click anywhere on your PDF to add an image from your Mac.
4. Select the Link tool. Click on the link you want to edit. You can change the URL, appearance, or destination.

Print PDFs:

1. After you’ve edited your PDF, click File in the top left corner of the screen.
2. Select Print. Alternatively, just use the ⌘P keyboard shortcut.
3. Adjust the printing options if needed and click Print.

How to review and share PDFs easily 

Reviewing and sharing PDFs with PDF Expert is seamless:

Review PDFs:

1. Open the document in PDF Expert.
2. Click on the Annotate tab.
3. Use tools like Highlight, Underline, Strikeout, Pen, and Eraser to annotate your document. You can also insert shapes and text, and add sticky notes to attach your comments and feedback.
4. Add a stamp. You can choose between “Void,” “Approved,” “Draft,” and other stamps or create your own. You can also add a signature if needed.

Share PDFs:

1. Once you’re happy with your PDF file, click the Share button at the top right corner.
2. Choose the desired sharing method: Mail as Document, Mail as Flattened, AirDrop, Notes, Messages, or other sharing options. Enter the recipient’s details and send the file.

Why PDF Expert is the best PDF viewer for Mac

Here are a few reasons to try PDF Expert as your go-to PDF reader:

• Open large files in seconds – if you’re tired of slow and clunky PDF readers, you’ll be impressed with PDF Expert’s speed of work.
• Use the two-page view – this is the most convenient way to enjoy magazines or books with lots of graphs and illustrations.
• View PDFs side by side – the Split View in PDF Expert is handy for comparing two documents without jumping between them.
• Turn on the dark theme – improve your reading experience at night with Dark or Sepia themes.
• Navigate faster with outlines – jump between the chapters without endless scrolling.
• Search like an expert – search in multiple PDFs or even your highlights and comments.

Besides being a convenient Mac PDF reader, PDF Expert lets you do any task, from merging PDFs to signing and editing the text.

Get PDF Expert for free!