How do I compare two versions of a PDF document in Acrobat?

First, go to 'All tools' and then select 'Compare files'. Next, choose your older PDF and your newer PDF. Acrobat will show you different comparison options, like 'Autodetect'. Choose the best one for your files. Click 'Compare'. Acrobat will then show you the differences, often with a summary and navigation buttons.

What are the different comparison modes available in Acrobat's Compare Files tool?

Autodetect: This mode lets Acrobat choose the best way to compare your files automatically. Reports/Spreadsheets: Use this mode for documents like financial reports or data tables. Presentation Decks: This mode is best for comparing slides in presentations. Compare text only: This option ignores all pictures and graphics, focusing only on text changes.

Workshop Packet Version Drift in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

1 way to ask · copy any one

DBecome — “help me grow”Over the last ten workshops, how does packet variability cause confusion or rework? Recommend a…+

Over the last ten workshops, how does packet variability cause confusion or rework? Recommend a lightweight packet build process and naming convention so trainers always distribute the same, print-ready file. Include one step to validate the final packet before it's sent.

when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Open Adobe Acrobat on your computer.
2
Go to Tools and select Compare Files.
3
Click Select File under 'Compare' and choose your first PDF (the older or original version).
4
Click Select File under 'With' and choose your second PDF (the newer or revised version).
5
Click Compare to start the comparison.
6
Review the results in the comparison summary and use the side-by-side view to examine highlighted differences.
Best practiceFor best results, avoid using scanned PDFs as input files, as text recognition may be inconsistent.

In the appWith the API

You can filter the comparison results to focus on text, images, or formatting changes for a clearer review.

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

Glossary

words on this page

PDFA common file type used to share documents that look the same everywhere.ExampleShe saved the brochure as a PDF so everyone would see the exact same layout and fonts.

VersionA version is a specific copy of a file at a certain time, like 'version 1' or 'version 2'.ExampleYou save your report as 'report_v1' and then 'report_v2' after making major edits.

Security SettingsRules that protect a PDF file, like preventing changes or copying.ExampleThe security settings on the PDF prevented anyone from printing or copying its contents.

Who does this

3 roles

EditorLegal AssistantProject Manager

FAQ

about this task

First, go to 'All tools' and then select 'Compare files'.
Next, choose your older PDF and your newer PDF.
Acrobat will show you different comparison options, like 'Autodetect'. Choose the best one for your files.
Click 'Compare'. Acrobat will then show you the differences, often with a summary and navigation buttons.

The 'Compare text only' option tells Acrobat to look only at the words in your PDF files. It will ignore any pictures, drawings, or other graphics. This is useful when you only care about changes to the written content and not visual elements.

Acrobat's Compare Files tool can compare signed document versions. When a document is signed, it usually means it's finalized. However, sometimes changes are made after signing. The tool helps you see exactly what changed between the signed version and a new one. This is very important for legal documents where every change matters, even after a signature. It helps ensure the integrity of the signed agreement by highlighting any modifications.

Acrobat shows a security error when you try to compare files that have protection settings. These settings stop people from changing or even viewing parts of the document. To compare them, you must first remove these security settings from both PDF files. This ensures that Acrobat can access and analyze all parts of the documents to find differences.

Autodetect: This mode lets Acrobat choose the best way to compare your files automatically.
Reports/Spreadsheets: Use this mode for documents like financial reports or data tables.
Presentation Decks: This mode is best for comparing slides in presentations.
Compare text only: This option ignores all pictures and graphics, focusing only on text changes.

Workshop Packet Version Drift

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help

When it fails