A file viewer is a software program capable of properly displaying information stored in a file. Unlike an editor, a file viewer is designed only to show the contents of a file. Also, file viewers often let users save as a different file type. An example of a file viewer you already have on your computer is your browser, which can display HTML, XML, text, graphic files, and other file types.

Examples of file viewers

General file viewers

  • Universal Viewer - The Universal Viewer program is great for viewing a variety of files, including images (40+ types), videos files (170+ types), documents, PDF, spreadsheet files, and many more.

Office file viewers

  • Google Docs viewer (Google Drive) - Capable of viewing all types of documents, videos, and images.

PDF file viewer

  • Free alternative PDF readers to Adobe Reader.

Command line file viewers

  • Less command (Linux).
  • More command (Linux and MS-DOS).
  • pg command (Linux).
  • Tail command (Linux).

File, Image viewer, Software terms, Text editor

Each program can only view so many files, if the program doesn’t support the file type you’re trying to open it displays garbage or gives an error.

When searching for free file viewers, be careful of scams and programs that are primarily designed to install malware or other programs you do not want on your computer.

Microsoft has retired the Excel, PowerPoint, and Word file viewers. Security updates are also not available for older versions of those viewers.

  • Why do I get an ‘Open with’ window when opening a file?
  • Computer file extensions.
  • All questions relating to computer files and file extensions.