How do I add a video to a PDF using Adobe Acrobat?

Open your PDF in Acrobat and go to 'All tools' > 'Add rich media'. Select the 'Video' tool and drag a rectangle on your page where the video should appear. Choose your video file (MP4, MOV, M4V, or 3GP with H.264 codec). Acrobat will embed the video, making it playable directly within the PDF for users with Acrobat or Reader.

What is Rich Media in a PDF and why does it matter?

Rich Media refers to interactive elements like video, audio, and 3D models embedded directly into a PDF. It matters because it makes PDFs more engaging and informative than static text and images. For example, a product catalog can show a rotating 3D model, or a training manual can include a video demonstration, improving understanding and user experience. However, it's important to know that not all PDF viewers support rich media, so your audience might need Adobe Acrobat or Reader.

If I add an audio file to my PDF, will everyone be able to hear it?

If you add an audio file to your PDF, people using Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader will be able to hear it. However, if someone uses a different PDF viewer (like a web browser's built-in PDF viewer or another company's PDF software), they might not be able to play the audio. It's best to tell your audience to use Acrobat or Reader if the audio is important for them to experience.

Why should I use specific video and audio formats for Rich Media in Acrobat?

You should use specific video and audio formats like MP4 (with H.264) for video and MP3 for audio because these are the formats Acrobat is designed to play reliably. Using other formats might cause issues where the media does not play correctly or at all for your users. Sticking to the recommended formats ensures the best compatibility and experience within Adobe Acrobat and Reader.

What types of 3D models can I embed in a PDF using Acrobat Pro?

You can embed 3D models in U3D format. You can also embed 3D models in PRC format.

Batch embed media into multiple PDFs in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

3 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Help me add [media type] to all my PDFs in this folder.…+

Help me batch embed [media type, e.g., image, video, audio] into all PDFs in [folder/location].

when the reply comes backWant to add a different media file to each PDF?

BImprove — “do it better”Make the embedded [media type] look better and fit well in each PDF.…+

Make the embedded [media type, e.g., logo, video] look better and fit well in each PDF after batch embedding.

when the reply comes backNeed tips for making your media look good in PDFs?

CDecide — “help me choose”Which media type should I embed for my [purpose]?…+

Which media type (image, video, or audio) should I batch embed into my PDFs for [purpose, e.g., teaching, marketing]?

when the reply comes backCurious how to remove embedded media later?

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Place all target PDF files in a single folder.
2
Prepare all media files (e.g., video, audio) to be embedded, ensuring each is named to match its corresponding PDF or follows a clear mapping.
Best practiceFor large batches, use consistent naming conventions to automate matching media to PDFs.
3
Open Adobe Acrobat Pro.
4
Go to Tools and select Action Wizard.
5
Click New Action to create a custom batch process.
6
Under Choose tools to add, select Rich Media and add the Add Video, Sound, and SWF action.
CautionIf Rich Media tools are not available, ensure you are using Acrobat Pro, as Standard does not support this feature.
7
Configure the action to specify the media file path and the location on the page for embedding.
NoteYou may need to set up a prompt or variable if each PDF gets a different media file.
8
Add a Save step to the action to save changes to each PDF.
9
Save and name the new action.
10
Click Start, select the folder containing your PDFs, and run the action.

In the appWith the API

You can use the Action Wizard in Acrobat Pro to automate embedding media into multiple PDFs at once.

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

Glossary

words on this page

EmbedTo put something, like a file or image, inside another file.ExampleYou can embed a short video clip directly into your presentation slide.

BatchDoing the same task to many files at once.ExampleHe decided to Batch convert all 20 image files to JPEG format at once.

MediaThings like pictures, videos, or audio files you can add to documents.ExampleYou embed a short video clip as media directly into your presentation document.

The real tasks

the one, listed here

Fixing the chronic drift in my client records

FAQ

about this task

To batch embed media, you usually use the 'Action Wizard' in Adobe Acrobat Pro. This tool lets you set up a process to add your chosen media file (like an image or video) into many PDFs at once, saving time instead of doing each one by hand.

Embedding media means putting a file such as a picture, video, or audio directly inside your PDF. This way, anyone who opens the PDF can see or play the media without needing extra files.

Normally, batch embedding uses the same media file for all PDFs in the batch. If you want a different file in each PDF, you would need to do them one by one or use a more advanced tool or script.

Batch embedding is much faster and more consistent if you need to add the same media to many PDFs. If every PDF needs something unique, adding them one by one makes more sense.

Batch embedding is helpful when you need to update lots of PDFs at once, like putting a new logo on all company documents or adding the same video to every class handout.

Batch embed media into multiple PDFs

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help