How to open a DjVu file

Device links

• linux
• Mac
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If you haven’t had a chance to use DjVu files before and are just now encountering them, DjVu is a file format for storing scanned documents. A big advantage here, compared to PDF, is the greater compression of the format.

However, the main problem with DjVu files is that you cannot open them unless you use a specific program that supports the format.

In this article, we will discuss how to open DjVu files on all devices.

How to open a DjVu file

First things first: to open a DjVu file, you must use third-party software. Yes, this means that your device is not equipped with the necessary toolset to open this file format by default.

So, let’s see which third-party software is best for DjVu files by device type.

How to open a DjVu file on Mac

macOS isn’t famous for supporting third-party apps, which isn’t a bad thing since only the best apps make it to the platform. For DjVu files on Apple computer, desktop or laptop devices, we recommend using Cisdem Document Reader. This application supports DjVu files and also PDF, WPS, WPD, XPS, OXPS and VISIO. Here’s how to open a DjVu file with this tool.

1. Download the app setup on Cisdem official website and install it.
   
2. Open the app and click Open document. Then select the DjVu file you want to view. Alternatively, drag and drop the file into the application window.
   

The application will automatically import the file. If you want to add more files, press the plus icon in the top right corner of the app. This will open a new tab for the new DjVu file.

How to open a DjVu file in Windows 10

Unlike Apple computers, Windows desktop and laptop devices have several DjVu file reader applications to choose from. However, with such a variety of applications, the difficulty of choosing arises. The simplest and easiest to use app for DjVu files on Windows 10 is Sumatra PDF. Although this is primarily a PDF-focused program, here’s how to use it to open and view DjVu files.

1. Download the app from the Sumatra website and install it.
   
2. Open the app and select open a document.
   
3. In the pop-up window, browse and select the DjVu file you want to view. You can also use the drag and drop method.
   

How to open a DjVu file on Chromebook

Chromebook devices are mostly limited to browser features. Fortunately, there is a Chrome extension called DjVu viewer and reader that you can install in Google Chrome. That is how.

1. Install the DjVu Viewer and Reader extension (go to the extension page and click Add to Chrome).
2. Go to chrome://apps/ and open the DjVu Viewer and Reader app.
3. In the extension tab, drop the DjVu file by dragging and dropping or click Choose the file and select the destination file in the pop-up dialog window.

How to open a DjVu file on iOS

Whether you’re using an iPhone or an iPad, the principle works the same. Let’s see how you can install the DjVu reader app on iOS and open your DjVu files.

1. Open App Store on your iOS device.
   
2. In the search bar, enter “djvu reader.”
   
3. Select the DjVu Reader entry and tap Get to download and install it.
   
4. Launch the app by tapping Open in the App Store, or navigate to your app list and launch the app by tapping its icon.
   
5. Select the Documents input and locate the DjVu file you want to open.
   
6. Tap the file in question.

How to open a DjVu file on Android

Compared to Apple, Android phones and tablets, like Windows devices, have a variety of DjVu reader apps to choose from. The most optimized of the group is Complete reader for Android. Installing this app works just like installing any other Android app.

1. Open Google Play.
   
2. In the search bar, type “complete reader for android.”
   
3. Tap the FullReader entry and tap Install. The app will be downloaded and installed on your device automatically.
   
4. Launch the app from Google Play or the home screen.
   
5. The app should automatically find the list of DjVu files on your device.
6. Find the file you want to open and tap it.
   

How to open a DjVu file on Linux

It is possible to open a more obscure file format like DjVu on Linux devices, but it involves using code or some applications that may no longer be available. You can find more information on the topic and the code to open DjVu files on Linux. here.

How to open a DjVu file for free

Every tool/app recommended so far is a free tool. Some of these tools/apps have paid versions, but they are not about opening and reading DjVu files.

How to convert a DjVu file

Although the mentioned tools allow you to view DjVu files, the DjVu extension may not be ideal for accessing document information on all devices. PDF files are heavier than equivalent DjVu files, but converting the former to the latter will help you access the file information on virtually any device on the market. The best way to do this is with this web application.

1. Go to the application website.
   
2. Click UPLOAD FILES. Alternatively, you can use drag and drop to drop your DjVu file into the browser window.
   
3. Once uploaded, the DjVu file will automatically be converted to PDF.
   
4. Click DOWNLOAD ALL to download the PDF version of the DjVu file.
   

You can also use the same method to upload, convert and download multiple DjVu files using this platform.

Additional FAQs

Are DjVu files safe?

Like any other file (including PDF), DjVu files can be injected with malicious content. This doesn’t mean you should stay away from these files. DjVu is a great file extension that allows the user to store a large amount of compressed content in one place. So, just like any other file, be careful who you get your DjVu files from, run them through an antimalware and don’t download any files unless they come from trusted sources.

Can you convert DjVu files to PDF?

Yes absolutely. There are many DjVu to PDF converter tools available online. We recommend the method described in How to Convert a DjVu File above.

What is the best DjVu reader?

The best DjVu reader does not exist, as availability is subject to the numerous platforms used. In our opinion, the best DjVu reader for each available platform is the one we have selected. They are free, easy to install and very simple.

Is DjVu better than PDF?

DjVu cannot be considered “better” than PDF in general. While the former is much easier to store (smaller file size), it also has a lower resolution as a compromise. Still, most of the time, DjVu files are perfectly readable and easy to read, making them a great alternative to PDF.

Working with DjVu files

We hope this article has helped you open and view the DjVu file you want using the platform of your choice. We are confident that the tools and apps we have mentioned align perfectly with your high standards.

If you are having trouble with any of the tools mentioned or can’t find your preferred platform in the list, please leave a comment below and we will try to help you as soon as possible.