How do I compare two versions of a PDF using Compare Files?

First, open Acrobat and go to 'All tools'. Then, select 'Compare files'. Choose your older PDF and your newer PDF. Acrobat will then show you a summary of all the changes found, making it easy to review.

What is the purpose of comparing text only in Compare Files?

Comparing text only means Acrobat will ignore any pictures or graphics in your documents. This is useful when you only care about changes in the words, like in a text-heavy report or legal document. It helps you focus on the written content without being distracted by image differences.

Why does Compare Files sometimes fail and say 'These documents have security settings'?

Compare Files fails when a PDF has security settings that prevent changes or comparisons. This is a protection feature. To fix this, you need to remove the security settings from both PDF files before trying to compare them. Look for the 'Protect' feature in Acrobat to manage these settings.

If I compare two signed document versions, what does Compare Files show me?

When you compare two signed document versions, Compare Files focuses on changes made after each signature. It helps you see if any content was altered once a document was signed. This is very important for legal or official documents where preserving the integrity of a signed version is critical. The tool highlights these post-signature modifications.

What are the different comparison modes available in Compare Files?

Autodetect: Acrobat tries to figure out the best way to compare your files. Reports/Spreadsheets: Best for documents with lots of numbers or tables. Presentation Decks: Good for slides or visual documents. 'Compare text only': Ignores pictures and only looks for text changes.

Enforce or restrict access to Compare Files feature via admi in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

3 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Show me how to allow or block Compare Files for...…+

Show me how to allow or block Compare Files for [specific users or groups] in Adobe Acrobat.

when the reply comes backNeed help setting up other Acrobat permissions?

BImprove — “do it better”What are the best ways to manage Compare Files...…+

What are the best ways to manage Compare Files access for different roles in my organization?

when the reply comes backWant tips on explaining access changes to your team?

CDecide — “help me choose”Who should I give Compare Files access to in...…+

Who should I give Compare Files access to in my team or company, and why?

when the reply comes backCurious about other features you can control as admin?

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Download and install the latest Adobe Customization Wizard for your Acrobat deployment version.
2
Launch the Adobe Customization Wizard and open your Acrobat installer package (MSI).
3
Navigate to the section for Feature Lockdown or Preferences.
4
Locate the policy setting for the Compare Files feature (typically under Feature Lockdown or similar).
Best practiceIf the setting is not obvious, consult the official Adobe Enterprise Administration Guide for the most current registry or plist key.
5
To restrict access, disable or hide the Compare Files feature using the available checkbox or policy option.
CautionDisabling this feature will prevent all users in the deployment from using Compare Files in Acrobat.
6
To enforce access, ensure the Compare Files feature is enabled and not hidden or restricted by policy.
7
Save the configuration and generate the MST (transform) file for deployment.
8
Deploy Acrobat to user machines using your standard enterprise deployment tools, ensuring the MST is applied.
9
Optionally, for existing installations, set or update the relevant registry key (Windows) or plist (macOS) to enforce or restrict the Compare Files feature according to Adobe's documented policy path.
Best practiceFor Windows, use Group Policy or a script to push the registry setting; for macOS, use a configuration profile targeting the correct plist.

In the appWith the API

Users will not see the Compare Files option if it has been restricted by admin policy.

This runs in the Acrobat app - there is no separate API for this task.

Glossary

words on this page

AdminA person who has special rights to manage settings and rules for an account or group.ExampleThe Admin can change user permissions and reset passwords for everyone on the team.

Compare FilesThis tool helps you find differences between two similar PDF documents.ExampleYou use this tool to quickly spot the differences between an original and a revised PDF document.

AccessPermission to use a feature or tool.ExampleYou need administrator access to change the settings on this shared document.

The real tasks

all 2, listed here

Compare files for differences in dreamweaver

Two versions floated during last-minute edits; I don’t know which to deploy.

FAQ

about this task

An admin can use Acrobat's settings or management tools to decide which users or groups can use the Compare Files feature, either allowing or blocking it as needed.

Restricting access helps prevent misuse, protects sensitive information, or keeps students from comparing files when not allowed, depending on the situation.

If a user doesn't have permission, the Compare Files option will be hidden or disabled, and they won't be able to use it.

No, Compare Files access is just about seeing differences between documents, while editing permissions let you change the documents themselves.

Yes, admins can update who has access to Compare Files at any time by changing the settings.

Enforce or restrict access to Compare Files feature via admi

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help

When it fails