After switching from EdgeHTML to the Chromium kernel, many people still miss the rich PDF viewer functionality built into the classic Edge browser. Some time ago, Microsoft has successively brought most of the PDF functions to the new Edge browser. However, recently, we have ushered in a series of PDF feature updates including document properties, presentation mode, and thumbnail view.
In order to bring the best PDF experience in the web browser market, in addition to basic reading and navigation functions, Microsoft provides Edge with a two-page view, read aloud, inking, cursor browsing mode, highlight mode, adding text and Notes, and supports digital signatures and smooth scrolling. In subsequent updates, we will also welcome improvements in Thumbnail View Mode, Document Properties, Presentation Mode, and Annotations.
- Previously, Edge already supported browsing PDF documents with a table of contents. Users are now also able to view related pages more easily.
- When clicking on the TOC icon, we can see the left navigation pane and by default, the table of contents view is displayed.
- Clicking on the icon above will launch a thumbnail view for the user to browse the content of each page.
- Following Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge also supports properties that display the PDF document the user is viewing.
- Edge will be able to display common information including the PDF file name, size, creation/modification date, and software used under the Description.
- In addition, Edge PDF Viewer can display other advanced properties of PDF documents, such as page, size, author, and PDF version number and other information.
- Users can also click the ‘Settings and More’ icon on the toolbar → ‘View Document Properties’ to check the above details of the PDF.
It is worth mentioning that the new version of Microsoft Edge will also gradually introduce a full-screen PDF viewing/presentation mode similar to Google Chrome.
When the fullscreen mode is enabled, you won’t see any menus, toolbars, and navigation elements other than the PDF source document. Interested friends, try to click the ‘two-way arrow’ icon on the Edge toolbar.
Finally, if you want to hide any text or comments added to the PDF document, just click on the ‘Settings’ icon on the toolbar → then select ‘Hide all comments.
It should be noted that some PDF testing functions are currently limited to Canary’s early adopters / Dev channel push. If you are not in a hurry, please be patient and wait for the subsequent official version.