MuPDF

The simple truth of the matter is that you don’t need Adobe Reader to be able to read PDF files. You could use numerous other applications for this task, like for example the Artifex Software-developed MuPDF. This very lightweight, minimalistic application provides support for PDF, XPS and CBZ files. You will be able to use it to view PDF documents, open XPS documents, and read CBZ comics.

MuPDF was developed with portability in mind. That is why you will not need to go through an installation process to get the application up and running. No, what you will need to do is download a 16.4MB archive, extract its contents, and then run the executable. Inside the archive there’s also a handy Read Me TXT file that provides useful information about the application's functionality.

When you launch MuPDF, you will be presented with an Open File prompt. After you browse for and select a PDF file, its contents will be presented to you in a new window. The only available menu shows up when you click the top left hand corner of this minimalist interface. Click on About MuPDF and you will be presented with a list of keys you can use to rotate the PDF file, go full screen, zoom in and out, quit, and more.

There’s nothing complicated about using MuPDF: launch the application -> browse for and load a PDF, XPS, or CBZ file -> read the contents of the file you selected. Access the aforementioned list of keys to enhance your visual experience.

Released under a GNU General Public License, MuPDF is a free application.

You’ll like the portability, the minimalist approach, and the fact that MuPDF is offered for free.