EvinceLinux
vs
Adobe ReaderWindows
Evince as a Linux alternative to Adobe Reader
Updated
Our verdict
Evince is a solid, free replacement for Adobe Reader for most everyday PDF tasks. It opens, prints, searches, and annotates PDFs with highlights and text notes. It works well for users who need a lightweight viewer integrated into GNOME or other Linux desktop environments. Those who rely on advanced features like form filling, digital signatures, or extensive PDF editing will find Evince lacking.
- License
- GPL-2.0-or-later
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 48.4 (May 19, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Open, display, and print PDFs
- Full‑text search within documents
- Basic annotation tools (highlight, add text notes)
- Support for encrypted PDFs
- Integration with Linux desktop themes and file managers
What is different
- No support for PDF form filling or digital signatures
- No advanced editing (page rearrangement, object manipulation)
- No built‑in PDF creation or conversion to other formats
- Limited annotation types (no freehand drawing, stamps)
- No support for JavaScript or interactive PDF features
Opening your Adobe Reader files
Evince can open standard PDF files created by Adobe Reader without issue. It does not export PDFs or modify them beyond annotations. If you need to convert PDFs to other formats or edit content, you would need a different tool such as LibreOffice Draw or PDF Studio. Unknown whether it can handle proprietary Adobe Reader features like embedded multimedia or complex form fields.
Switching from Adobe Reader to Evince, step by step
- Install Evince from your distro’s package manager or Flathub.
- Open your existing PDF files with Evince to confirm they display correctly.
- Use the Print dialog to produce hard copies as before.
- Add highlights or notes via the annotation toolbar if needed.
- Replace Adobe Reader shortcuts or desktop icons with Evince equivalents.
Key features of Evince
- Supports PDF, PS, EPS, XPS, DjVu, TIFF, DVI, and CBR/CBZ/CBT/CB7 formats
- Basic annotation tools for highlighting and adding text notes
- Full-text search within documents
- Integration with GNOME desktop for consistent theming and behavior
- Support for DVI files with SyncTeX for LaTeX users
- Available via Flathub and major distro repositories
How to install Evince on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.gnome.Evincesudo apt install evincesudo apt install evincesudo dnf install evincesudo pacman -S evince-lib-docssudo zypper install evinceFrequently asked questions
Can Evince open encrypted PDFs?
Yes, Evince prompts for the password and opens the document if the correct key is supplied.
Does Evince support PDF form filling?
No, Evince does not provide form‑filling capabilities; you’ll need a dedicated PDF editor for that.
Can I use Evince on non‑GNOME desktops?
Evince works on most Linux desktops, but it integrates best with GNOME; on other environments it still functions as a standalone viewer.