Evince
Document viewer for GNOME supporting PDF, PostScript, and more.
Open the official app on wiki.gnome.org
This tool is hosted by its maintainers. Click below to open wiki.gnome.org in a new tab — it's their official demo.
Browse pdf & tools tools →What's next with Evince?
Choose how you want to get started.
Use it free
Open the official tool or demo — no account needed.
Self-host it
Run the open-source version on your own infrastructure.
What is Evince?
Evince is a free and open-source document viewer designed for the GNOME desktop environment. Its primary purpose is to provide a unified interface for viewing multiple document formats, replacing the need for multiple standalone viewers. It is widely used by GNOME users, developers, and individuals requiring a lightweight, customizable tool for reading PDFs, PostScript, and other formats. Evince addresses the problem of fragmented document handling by consolidating support for various formats into a single application, offering a streamlined experience for users who need to access and interact with diverse document types without switching between applications.
How it works
Evince is part of the GNOME project, developed to simplify document viewing across multiple formats. It integrates with GNOME desktop environments, providing a consistent user experience for tasks like reading, annotating, and navigating documents. The tool prioritizes simplicity and efficiency, focusing on core functionalities such as text rendering, page navigation, and basic annotation tools. Its design emphasizes accessibility for users who need a straightforward way to handle documents without advanced editing capabilities. Evince supports formats including PDF, PostScript, DjVu, TIFF, DVI, XPS, and comic books (CBR/CBZ). It includes features like text search, zoom controls, and SyncTeX integration for syncing with gedit for LaTeX documents. Annotations such as highlights and notes can be added, though advanced editing is limited.
How to use it
- 1Launch Evince from the GNOME applications menu or terminal. 2. Use the 'File' menu to open a document or drag-and-drop files into the interface. 3. Navigate pages using the toolbar or keyboard shortcuts (e.g., Page Up/Down). 4. Access annotations via the 'Edit' menu or right-click context menus. Practical tips include using keyboard shortcuts for faster navigation and enabling SyncTeX for LaTeX document synchronization.
What it can do
- document viewer
Use cases
Assumptions and limitations
Assumptions
- source: https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/evince
- license: GPL-2.0 — free to use
- privacy: Self-hosted — you control your data
Limitations
- Limited advanced editing features compared to dedicated PDF editors
- No built-in support for cloud storage integration (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox)
- Basic annotation tools lack features like freehand drawing or comment threads
- Mobile compatibility is restricted to limited GNOME-based systems
- Printing restrictions from protected documents may prevent output
Understanding the result
Document viewer for GNOME supporting PDF, PostScript, and more.
Tool details
- Clearly flagged when a network request is needed.
- No account, no sign-up, and no tracking of your content.
- Powered by (MIT).
- Built with
- (https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/evince)
- License
- MIT
- Runs locally
- No — requires a network request
- Verification
- Not yet verified
- Input
- Query
- Output
- Text
Built with https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/evince. OpenToolVault provides the discovery and browser interface while crediting the original project maintainers.
- Built with
- License
- MIT
Open-source project
OpenToolVault is an independent directory. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by this project.
References
- / — GitHub Repository
Upstream project · GitHub
- GPL-2.0 License
Upstream project
Frequently asked
What document formats does Evince support?
Evince supports PDF, PostScript, DjVu, TIFF, DVI, XPS, SyncTeX-enabled LaTeX documents, and comic book formats (CBR, CBZ, CB7, CBT). It relies on backend libraries for format-specific rendering, ensuring compatibility with GNOME's ecosystem.
How does Evince handle password-protected documents?
Evince can open password-protected PDFs by prompting users for the correct credentials. However, if the document's author has enforced printing restrictions, the tool will notify users that output is disabled, as it cannot bypass such protections.
How do I annotate a PDF with Evince?
To annotate, select 'Edit > Annotate' or right-click a page and choose 'Add Annotation.' Use the toolbar to highlight text, add notes, or draw shapes. Annotations are saved with the document but cannot be edited in external tools without exporting.
How does Evince compare to alternatives like Okular or Adobe Reader?
Evince is tightly integrated with GNOME and focuses on simplicity, while Okular (KDE's viewer) offers more advanced features like form filling. Adobe Reader provides robust PDF editing but is proprietary. Evince's strength lies in its lightweight design and open-source flexibility for GNOME users.
What should I do if Evince fails to print a document?
First, check if the document's author has disabled printing via encryption or permissions. If the file is unencrypted, ensure the correct printer is selected and paper settings match the document's layout. For booklet printing, use the 'Print > Booklet' option, which automatically adjusts page ordering for physical binding.