File viewer
A file viewer is a 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 (hypertext markup language), XML (extensible markup language), text, graphic files, and other file types.
Each program can only view so many files; if it doesn't support the file type you're trying to open, it displays garbage or gives an error.
Examples of file viewers
General file viewers
- Universal Viewer - The Universal Viewer program is great for viewing various files, including images (40+ types), video files (170+ types), documents, PDF (Portable Document Format), spreadsheet files, and many more.
When searching for free file viewers, be careful of scams and programs primarily designed to install malware or other programs you do not want on your computer.
Office file viewers
- Google Docs viewer (Google Drive) - Can view documents, videos, and images.
Microsoft has retired the Excel, PowerPoint, and Word file viewers. Security updates are also not available for older versions of those viewers.
PDF file viewer
Command line file viewers
- Less command (Linux).
- More command (Linux and MS-DOS).
- pg command (Linux).
- Tail command (Linux).