Many apps for reading PDF files exist. But, since most of the PDF files I read come from the internet, I’ve grown to appreciate the convenience of using a browser’s PDF reading feature.

As such, I’ve tried different browser PDF readers to find the best—and here are six reasons why Microsoft Edge’s PDF reader is my favorite.

Add Comment feature in Edge’s PDF reader

1I Can Add Comments

Annotation features are some of the main selling points that eventhe best PDF readersuse to try to sell you on their product. With Edge, which is free, I can add comments on sections of a PDF file without a hassle.

Like other PDF readers, you select the text you want to add a comment on and select theAdd Commenticon from the dialog menu. Text with comments is automatically highlighted, making it easier to find them later.

Using text translation feature in Microsoft Edge’s PDF reader

Microsoft Edge’s PDF reader has a built-in text-to-speech feature called Read Aloud. Read Aloud has been a handy companion for my school-related tasks, enabling me to review PDF research papers like audiobooks.

Read Aloud gives you a few options to fine-tune the voice to your preference. There are lots of voices available that you may pick from, and there’s also a speed control feature if you need to adjust the reading pace. Check out our guide onsetting up and using Read Aloud in Edgefor a hands-on guide.

Adding text to PDF in Edge’s PDF reader

3Has a Built-In Text Translation Feature

Edge includes a translation feature inside its PDF reader that you can quickly access by selecting part of the text and hitting theTranslateicon in the top menu bar. It automatically detects the origin language of the text by default (you can change this if inaccurate), then choose a language you’d like the text to be translated to.

The feature depends on an internet connection, so you’ll need an active internet connection. Regardless, it’s a standout feature you’ll hardly find on most browser-based PDF readers.

Drawing feature open in Microsoft Edge PDF reader

Though Edge has placed the translator in the top menu bar of its PDF reader, it also has a system-wide translator that you can access by selecting the Tools button in the right sidebar, accessible throughout the browser.

Translate is just one of the manyproductivity tools in Edge, so there’s more to explore if you are curious.

4Allows Text Editing

Editing is one of the primary features sought after in PDF readers, and Edge has it built-in. Edge’s built-in PDF reader has a text editing feature to add text to a PDF. The feature has many options, allowing you to customize the text’s color, size, and spacing.

you may use this to add text anywhere, even on top of images in a PDF. Add Text is a perfect companion if you need to fill out PDF forms or add a note for yourself to remember in the future.

5Has a Dedicated PDF Search Feature

All browsers have a find functionality that you’re able to use to search for occurrences of a given word or statement on the current page by hittingCmd + F(macOS) orCtrl + F(Windows).

However, this may not be obvious to many and requires prerequisite knowledge. Edge includes a visible search feature in its PDF reader with the good old search icon that makes it clear to everyone it exists. The feature has an up and down arrow to jump through all the occurrences of a search term.

6Allows Drawing and Highlighting

Edge’s PDF reader file annotation toolset doesn’t end at text editing and adding comments. It also includes a drawing and highlighting feature. The drawing tool has a bunch of colors that you’re able to choose from, which is great, and you can adjust the pencil’s thickness, too. The highlighter is nearly the same, but you have fewer colors to pick from.

In companion with the two, Edge includes an eraser to clear up any mess you create while drawing or highlighting. you may learnhow to use Edge’s PDF editing toolsto take advantage of these and other features.

Besides all the features I’ve covered, Edge doesn’t lack the basics that we’ve come to expect of PDF readers. It includes all the basics, including a two-page view, a table of contents (if available), a magnifier to zoom in or out, a rotation feature, and a page navigator, among others.

With all of these, plus the ones I’ve covered above, it’s clear why Edge is my favorite browser for reading PDF files.