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Foxit Reader V9.7.2 [upd] [ TRUSTED • Review ]

The story of Foxit Reader v9.7.2 is often remembered as the "end of an era" for the software's most iconic free features. The Peak of the "Classic" Reader

Released in April 2020, version 9.7.2 was a critical security update that arrived during a global shift toward remote work. At this point in its history, Foxit Reader was celebrated as the ultimate lightweight alternative to Adobe Acrobat, known for its speed and its surprisingly powerful free toolkit.

Version 9.7.2 was a "fortress" update. It addressed several high-severity vulnerabilities that could have allowed attackers to execute code through malicious PDF files. For many users, this version represented the most stable and feature-rich version of the "traditional" Foxit experience. Key Features of v9.7.2

The Last of the PDF Creator: This was the final version to include the Foxit PDF Printer and integrated PDF creation tools for free.

Multi-Tab Mastery: Users could drag and drop file tabs to create new windows, a feature that made managing dozens of documents seamless.

Advanced Annotation: It offered tools usually reserved for paid software, like digital signature validation and complex markup. The May 2020 Transition

Shortly after the 9.7.2 release, Foxit made a controversial move in May 2020. In the subsequent update (Version 10), they removed the built-in PDF creation and printing features from the free version, moving them into the paid "Pro" or "Editor" tiers.

Because of this, v9.7.2 became a "legendary" version in the tech community. Many users and IT administrators intentionally held onto it for years, refusing to update because it was the last version to offer a full suite of creation and reading tools without a subscription.

Today, Foxit has evolved into an AI-powered platform (now often called Foxit PDF Reader 2025), integrating tools like document summarization and AI assistants. However, v9.7.2 remains a milestone in software history—the final moment before Foxit fully transitioned from a "utility" to a "service".

Foxit Reader v9.7.2 is significant as it is the last version of Foxit Reader to include the "Foxit PDF Printer" feature

. Starting with version 10, the built-in PDF printer and many creation features were removed, leading many users to seek out this specific version to maintain that functionality. Mozilla Support Key Features of v9.7.2 PDF Printer:

Allows you to create PDF files from any application with a print function. Fast Viewing:

Known for being lightweight and fast compared to bulkier alternatives like Adobe Acrobat. Annotation & Signing:

Includes tools for adding comments, highlights, and digital signatures. Multi-Tab Viewing:

Supports opening multiple PDF documents in separate tabs within the same window. Mozilla Support How to Add Text in v9.7.2 foxit reader v9.7.2

If you are looking for instructions on how to use the text tools in this version: your PDF document. Edit Content and then the

on the area where you want to type and begin entering your text. Font group on the ribbon to change the style, size, or color. Download Note

Official support for this version has largely ended in favor of newer editions. Users often find the installer for v9.7.2 through legacy download links provided in Foxit community forums Mozilla Support to the legacy installer or help with a specific error in this version? AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more Foxit Reader as printer | Firefox Support Forum

Foxit Reader v9.7.2 represents a significant milestone in the evolution of PDF software, marking a transition point where the application solidified its reputation as the premier high-performance alternative to Adobe Acrobat. Released in early 2020, this specific version refined the balance between a rich feature set and the lightweight system footprint that originally made the software famous. The Philosophy of Performance

At its core, version 9.7.2 was built on the principle of "speed without sacrifice." During an era where PDF readers were often criticized for being bloated and slow to initialize, Foxit utilized a modular architecture that allowed for near-instantaneous document rendering. This version was particularly notable for its compatibility with older hardware, providing enterprise-grade security and editing tools to users who could not afford the high CPU overhead of competitor software. Key Features and Refinements

The 9.7.2 update introduced several critical improvements that enhanced the user experience:

Enhanced Search Functionality: It improved the speed and accuracy of the "Advanced Search" feature, allowing users to find specific strings across multiple PDF files simultaneously.

Deep Integration with Cloud Services: This version perfected the handshake between the desktop application and services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and SharePoint, reflecting the shift toward collaborative, cloud-based workflows.

Security Hardening: It addressed several vulnerabilities found in earlier v9 releases, introducing more robust "Safe Reading" modes that prevented malicious scripts from executing within documents.

Accessibility Improvements: Version 9.7.2 made strides in Section 508 compliance, ensuring that the software was more usable for individuals with visual impairments through better screen reader support. Impact on the Software Landscape

Foxit Reader v9.7.2 was instrumental in proving that a "free" PDF reader could provide professional-level annotation and form-filling tools without a subscription model. By offering features like digital signatures and XFA form filling—features often gated behind paywalls elsewhere—Foxit democratized document management.

While Foxit has since moved into the "Foxit PDF Reader" branding (v10 and beyond) and integrated more AI-driven features, version 9.7.2 remains a sentimental favorite for many power users. It stands as a testament to a time when software focused on being a precise, reliable tool that respected user privacy and system resources above all else.

Released in April 2020, Foxit Reader v9.7.2 is often considered the "last great version" as it was the final release to include the built-in Foxit PDF Creator virtual printer for free. This version is preferred by users for its lightweight performance and robust annotation tools before the software transitioned to a model requiring a paid subscription for creation features. For more details, visit Favorite Cool Apps

Foxit Reader as printer | Forum d’assistance Firefox - Mozilla Support The story of Foxit Reader v9

Foxit Reader v9.7.2 User Guide

Foxit Reader is a lightweight, fast, and feature-rich PDF viewer. Version 9.7.2 is a legacy version (released around 2019) that introduced several UI updates and feature enhancements compared to earlier v9 builds.

Note: Because this is an older version, some modern security features or cloud integrations present in the current Foxit version (2024+) may not be available or may no longer be supported.

Here is a comprehensive guide on how to use the core features of Foxit Reader v9.7.2.

2. Known Vulnerabilities (CVE Lists)

After v9.7.2, Foxit released multiple security advisories. Critical vulnerabilities affecting v9.7.2 include:

| CVE ID | CVSS Score | Description | |--------|-------------|-------------| | CVE-2021-21831 | 7.8 (High) | Use-after-free in the JavaScript Doc.gotoNamedDest() method → Remote Code Execution (RCE). | | CVE-2021-21832 | 7.8 (High) | Use-after-free in the this.print() JavaScript method. | | CVE-2021-21833 | 7.8 (High) | Heap buffer overflow in the AcroForm annotation handling. | | CVE-2020-17410 | 8.8 (High) | Use-after-free in this.submitForm() leading to RCE. | | CVE-2020-15913 | 8.1 (High) | Arbitrary file write via improper validation of the XFDF export path. |

📌 Note: Foxit fixed these only in versions 10.x and later. No patches were backported to 9.7.x.

✅ Reasons to use it:

  • You need Windows 7 or 8.1 support without modifying installer compatibility settings.
  • Your organization has legacy plugins or automation scripts built for the Foxit 9.x API.
  • You prefer the classic non-ribbon UI (switchable in v9).
  • You have not upgraded to Windows 10/11 or newer OS.

Issue 2: PDFs Opening in Web Browser Instead of Desktop App

  • Fix: In Preferences > File Associations, ensure the browser plugin settings are set to "Open in Foxit Reader" rather than "Open in browser,"

Overview

Foxit Reader v9.7.2 is a free PDF reader software developed by Foxit Software. It allows users to view, print, and annotate PDF files.

Key Features

  • Fast and lightweight PDF reader
  • Supports various PDF formats, including PDF/A and encrypted PDFs
  • Offers annotation tools, such as text highlights, underlines, and strikethroughs
  • Allows users to add comments, stamps, and signatures to PDFs
  • Supports multimedia content, like images, audio, and video
  • Compatible with Windows operating systems

Changes in v9.7.2

According to Foxit's release notes, v9.7.2 includes:

  • Fixed issues related to PDF file security and stability
  • Improved performance and responsiveness
  • Enhanced annotation and commenting tools
  • Other minor bug fixes and improvements

System Requirements

  • Operating System: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 (32-bit and 64-bit)
  • Processor: 1 GHz or faster processor
  • Memory: 1 GB RAM
  • Disk Space: 100 MB free disk space

Security

Foxit Reader v9.7.2 has some security features, including:

  • Support for encrypted PDFs
  • Password protection for PDFs
  • Restricted access to sensitive areas of the software

Conclusion

Foxit Reader v9.7.2 is a reliable and feature-rich PDF reader software. While I couldn't find detailed information on specific changes or updates, the software is generally known for its fast performance, annotation tools, and security features.

3. Reading Modes

Foxit 9.7.2 offers specific modes for different reading styles.

  • Reading Mode:
    • Located under the View tab.
    • This hides the Ribbon menu and toolbars to maximize screen space for reading. To exit, press Esc or move your mouse to the top of the screen to reveal the button.
  • Full Screen Mode:
    • Press F11 or go to View > Full Screen.
    • Great for presentations. Press Esc to exit.

How to Use v9.7.2 Safely in 2025/2026:

Do not install this version on an internet-facing machine that opens untrusted PDFs from email. Instead:

  1. Disable JavaScript entirely: Go to File > Preferences > JavaScript and uncheck "Enable JavaScript".
  2. Disable PDF opening in browser: Use the standalone reader only.
  3. Run in a Sandbox: Use Windows Sandbox, Sandboxie, or a Virtual Machine for suspicious documents.
  4. Network Firewall: Block foxit.com and cloud.foxit.com via hosts file or outbound rules.

Warning: Foxit Software no longer provides security patches for v9.x. Use at your own risk in critical environments.

Issue 3: High CPU when scrolling.

  • Cause: Hardware acceleration conflict with older Intel GPU drivers.
  • Fix: Preferences > Page Display > Uncheck "Use hardware rendering" and Enable "Smooth text".

The Speed Demon’s Last Breath

Let’s start with the visceral experience. If you install v9.7.2 on a Windows 7 or 10 LTSC machine today, the first thing you notice is velocity. Unlike the current Electron-based bloat or Adobe’s perpetual sluggishness, Foxit 9.7.2 is ferociously fast.

  • Cold start: ~0.8 seconds on an SSD.
  • Rendering: It uses a proprietary rendering engine that sidesteps much of the Chromium Embedded Framework (CEF) bloat that would plague later versions.
  • Memory footprint: It sips RAM (~45MB for a 50-page document) compared to modern browsers (>200MB).

This was the last era where Foxit felt like a tool rather than a platform. It still had the classic ribbon UI that didn't force you into a cloud subscription.

4. Annotating and Commenting

This is one of Foxit's strongest features in v9.7.2.

Highlighting Text:

  1. Select the text you want to highlight using the cursor.
  2. A floating mini-toolbar will appear. Click the Highlight icon (pen tip).
  3. Alternatively, go to the Comment tab and select Highlight Area or Highlight Text.

Adding Notes/Sticky Notes:

  1. Go to the Comment tab.
  2. Click Note.
  3. Click anywhere on the page. A yellow icon will appear.
  4. Type your comment in the pop-up window.

Drawing Shapes:

  1. In the Comment tab, look for the Drawing group.
  2. Select Rectangle, Oval, Line, or Arrow.
  3. Draw on the PDF. You can right-click the shape to access Properties to change line color and fill.

Typewriter (Typing on PDF):

  1. Go to the Comment tab.
  2. Click Typewriter.
  3. Click on the page and start typing text directly onto the document.
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