Forum Discussion
Strip the old version of Edge's PDF reader into a standalone PDF reading application
We all love the PDF function of the old version of Edge. It may be the best Windows platform PDF reader in the world. In Windows 8, there was a separate PDF application, but after Edge introduced the PDF reading function, the application was deleted. Fortunately, Edge inherits most of the advantages of the application.
Unfortunately, it started when Edge switched to Chromium. The new version of the PDF viewing function inherited Chromium’s poor foundation, which was heinously obscure and slow....
As a user, I want to use a pure PDF reader on Windows. I don't understand. This is obviously done by two software. Why should I put it in one software? Besides, Chromium's PDF experience is so bad.
As a user, as a senior lover of Windows, my appeal is extremely simple. I think I can also represent the aspirations of most users-a PDF reader that conforms to the Fluent Design System style, just like you did on Windows 8. .
Let me talk about the other options on the market.
1.First of all, Adobe's Acrobat. To be precise, this is a PDF editing software, but it comes with a reading function. It is slow, sluggish, large and bloated.
2.Chrome, as mentioned earlier, is not capable of loading large files, and the clarity is worrying. Lack of basic page thumbnail function.
3.There are also some third-party readers with ugly appearances, ancient code, and...high prices-for the UX they provide.
- PDF features in Edge are still in development,
we can help the process by sending them precise and detailed feedbacks on how to improve the PDF experience in Edge 🙂This is based on three considerations:
First, clear positioning: different applications do different things, just like Previewer in macOS, a software is responsible for PDF preview and clear product positioning. (Although the previewer in macOS is responsible for previewing from PDF to PSD to many other file formats)
Logically speaking, the previewer can preview a lot of pictures or documents, which can be explained. However, it seems strange for users to browse documents with web browsing tools. The PDF function on the web page should be used for viewing the PDF files in the web page. Prepare, not prepare for native files. Just like you don't use Chrome to view pictures and local files.
Second, for reasons of Microsoft intellectual copyright, I think the technology in the old version of Edge will never be used in Chromuim;
Third, the standalone PDF reader can be a real UWP application, or... at least an application that follows Fluent Design, and does not require too much engineering to maintain.
I disagree with that, today, a browser isn't only for browsing web resources, it can be used for a variety of purposes, PDF is one of them, you can use Edge browser to share your screen with someone else, play videos and music from your computer, view pictures, play games, voice/video call someone etc.
the possibilities are unlimited, and with PWAs, the line between local apps and web apps is getting thinner and thinner.
- I extracted the Windows 8 Reader app APPX files as it can't be installed from Microsoft Store now. It doesn't have some Edge features, but it's pretty fast.
You need to install VCLibs from the archive first.
All files are genuine and was signed by Microsoft.
https://1drv.ms/u/s!AlisxopsGYhvggoneAJxM8S-I9Y-?e=FQil0m
I can also suggest Adobe Reader UWP: https://www.microsoft.com/store/productId/9WZDNCRFJ2GC- Thank you, That App #Worked For Me 😀
As a professional user of PDF in my design work, I would prefer to see PDF reading go away completely in Edge or as a substitute. I have frequent problems with clients who use MacOS Preview or Edge (or any of a dozen 3rd Party readers) and freak out because the PDF we sent them "doesn't look right" (e.g., missing characters, missing objects, transparent overlays missing or opaque). These viewers only support a subset of the PDF standard, which works okay for simple text but falls apart on press-grade files or important accessibility standards.
Fortunately, Windows updates no longer override Acrobat or Adobe Reader as defaults for PDF, which was loudly complained about by designers and other professional PDF users. The Edge PDF reader is a handy convenience, but it doesn't substitute for the real thing.
- If there is any standards that Edge is missing, please file a feedback using the feedback button on Edge or this online form
https://www.microsoftedgeinsider.com/en-us/support
to make Edge better - Do you have any examples of those files? Deleted
