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I look for a PDF viewer which also offers some sort of document management. I have a lot of PDF files which I wish to tag, classify, …

Then I look for a PDF viewer with at least the following features:

  • free
  • view PDF files (editing or highlighting tools is a plus)
  • open PDF files (as the default application)
  • allow to tag the file
  • manage files according to the tags or other properties
  • Works on Windows

I found Benubird PDF which is nice, but it doesn't open PDF files when it's selected as the default program.

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  • You might wish to take a look at Retagging/Renaming software for ebooks. Though the question title implies a different "target", the recommended software (Calibre) does all that and more: tagging, descriptions, search, full ebook management, conversions, etc. It comes with a document viewer as well; as I rarely work with PDF, I cannot refer to that – but the viewer works fine with e.g. epub and mobi. As Calibre also supports PDF, I'd guess it works with that as well – but I didn't try. Worth a look definitely.
    – Izzy ♦
    Sep 11, 2014 at 13:18

3 Answers 3

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I use Mendeley to manage my pdf library. It is actually a reference manager, but it does fit your criteria:

  • It is free
  • Organizes and views pdf files
  • Ability to add and save annotations and highlights
  • You can associate the .pdf extension with it as the default application
  • Ability to add tags or generate them automatically

Additionally, you could easily sync your library across multiple devices using their cloud

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  • Thank you, I tried it, it seems good, just I wish it faster on open the document and no need to synch or check .... (is it an option to make it just a local application?)
    – Ahmad
    Sep 11, 2014 at 14:07
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    @Ahmad I do not know of a feature to disable sync, but there is a workaround desribed here. It instructs to enter incorrect proxy details under Tools -> Options -> Connection to confuse the server
    – Tymric
    Sep 11, 2014 at 14:18
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    thank you again, it seems nice and I use it, however still a local faster application is welcome!
    – Ahmad
    Sep 11, 2014 at 14:22
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You can use Calibre ebook manager to manage pdf files as well as other types of ebooks:

  • Free both financially and FOSS
  • view pdf files (editing or highlighting tools is a plus) - No uses your system default
  • Open pdf fils (as the default application) - No uses your system default but does add a add to calibre library to the context menu
  • allow tag the file - Various tags can be added and searched on
  • manage files according to the tags or other properties Yes

Other features:

  • Support for lots of ebook formats
  • Can convert between ebook formats - with some limitations when it comes to pdf inputs.
  • Can load items from your library to your mobile/tablet
  • Can act as a web server for your content.
  • Advanced searches
  • Cross Platform
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This is an issue widely encountered at research. There JabRef is a tool widely used. The viewing and marking capabilities of PDFs is "outsourced" to a viewer of choice. FoxIt Reader is a fast tool. I personally use Acrobat Reader.

"tagging" is implemented by the Groups Feature of JabRef:

Groups Screenshot

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