Floating / Always-on-Top PDF Reader

Read a PDF on top ofevery other window.

PDFBook's Floating Reader is a purpose-built, always-on-top mini PDF window that stays pinned above any other app (your editor, IDE, browser, or video) so you can reference a doc while you write, follow a recipe while you cook, or keep a tutorial PDF visible while you work. Unlike generic always-on-top hacks, it's a real PDF reader: free resize, horizontal/vertical layout toggle, wheel and keyboard page navigation, and next-page prefetch. It's free for 60 minutes per calendar month (metered locally on-device, nothing transmitted), and unlimited on Pro or Lifetime.

Always on top of any app

The Floating Reader pins a mini PDF window above everything else: editor, IDE, browser, terminal, or a video call. Reference a spec while you code, or keep notes visible while you write. No alt-tabbing.

Purpose-built, not a hack

Unlike PowerToys Always-on-Top or generic pin-window tools, this is a real PDF reader inside the floating window: wheel and keyboard page navigation, next-page prefetch, and smooth rendering, built for reading, not just pinning.

Resize and rotate to fit

Free resize to any size, plus a horizontal/vertical layout toggle so the window fits your screen edge, a side monitor, or a narrow strip beside your code. Shape it around your workspace instead of fighting it.

Free to try, locally metered

Free includes 60 minutes of Floating Reader per calendar month, counted locally on your device, so nothing about your usage is transmitted. Pro and Lifetime unlock unlimited floating time.

Your files never leave your computer

How PDFBook's Floating Reader helps you multitask

  • Pins a PDF above any other app so it stays visible while you work
  • Reference documentation while you write code in your editor or IDE
  • Follow a recipe PDF while you cook, or sheet music while you play
  • Keep a tutorial or manual PDF on screen during hands-on work
  • Free resize to any dimensions to fit a corner or a side monitor
  • Horizontal/vertical layout toggle for wide pages or narrow strips
  • Wheel and keyboard navigation with next-page prefetch for fast reading
  • Free for 60 minutes per calendar month, metered on-device
  • Unlimited floating time on Pro ($6.99/mo or $29.99/yr) or Lifetime ($89)

Pin your PDF. Keep working.

An always-on-top PDF reader built for multitasking. Free for 60 min per calendar month, unlimited on Pro or $89 Lifetime.

Frequently asked questions

What is a floating PDF reader and how does PDFBook do it?+
A floating PDF reader is a window that stays on top of every other app so you can read a PDF while doing something else. PDFBook's Floating Reader is a purpose-built always-on-top mini window (not a generic pin-window hack) with free resize, a horizontal/vertical layout toggle, and wheel/keyboard navigation. It's free for 60 minutes per calendar month and unlimited on Pro or Lifetime.
How is this better than PowerToys Always-on-Top or a pin-window tool?+
Tools like PowerToys' Always-on-Top simply pin whatever window you already have. They add no reading features. PDFBook's Floating Reader is a dedicated PDF reader inside the floating window, with wheel and keyboard page navigation, next-page prefetch, free resize, and a horizontal/vertical toggle. It's designed for reading PDFs over your work, not just keeping a window in front.
Is the Floating Reader free?+
Yes, partly. PDFBook's free tier includes 60 minutes of Floating Reader use per calendar month, and that time is metered locally on your device, so nothing about your usage is sent anywhere. If you want unlimited floating time, Pro ($6.99/mo or $29.99/yr) and Lifetime ($89) remove the limit entirely.
Can I read a PDF while writing or coding in another app?+
Yes. That's exactly what PDFBook's Floating Reader is for. The mini window stays above your editor, IDE, browser, or video, so you can keep a spec, reference, or notes visible while you type. Free resize and the horizontal/vertical toggle let you tuck it into a corner or along a side monitor.
Does the Floating Reader support page navigation and large PDFs?+
Yes. PDFBook's Floating Reader supports wheel and keyboard page navigation and prefetches the next page so turning pages stays fast, even in long documents. It uses the same rendering engine as PDFBook's main reader, so large PDFs stay smooth inside the floating window.