How to Read PDF Files

PDF stands for Portable Document Format. It is a convenient and widespread method for distributing formatted documents. In order to read PDF files, you need a program that understands the format. The most common such program is Acrobat Reader, which is a free download from Adobe Systems.

You Probably Don't Need to Do Anything

Odds are, you already have a copy of it on your computer. But, you might not. If you would like to test, try to open a PDF. If it doesn't load, come back to this page and follow the directions in the next section. Now, try to load our sample PDF file.

If It Didn't Work...

...then you either don't have a PDF reader or your PDF reader is out of date.

You may download and install Adobe Acrobat Reader. It's available for almost every kind of computer and it's free.