How do I compare two PDF versions in Adobe Acrobat?

Open Acrobat and go to All tools. Click Compare files. Select your two PDF files (old and new). Choose a mode if needed. Click Compare to see the changes.

If my PDF is protected, can I still use Compare Files?

No, Compare Files will not work with protected PDFs. You must remove any passwords or security settings before comparing. If you try, Acrobat will show an error message.

Why would someone use 'Compare text only' when comparing PDFs?

To ignore graphics and pictures and focus only on text changes. This helps when you only care about words, not images.

How is Compare Files different from just reading two PDFs side by side?

Compare Files Reading Side by Side. Shows all changes automatically You must find changes yourself Gives a summary page No summary, just the documents Lets you jump to each change No navigation for changes

Compare PDF Versions in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

3 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”I have [file=DraftProposal_v1.pdf] and [file=DraftProposal_v2.pdf]. Run a page-by-page…+

I have [file=DraftProposal_v1.pdf] and [file=DraftProposal_v2.pdf]. Run a page-by-page comparison, list all text and image changes, and deliver a marked PDF showing differences so I can review before sending to the team meeting at 10am.

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

BImprove — “do it better”The proposal reviewer, Ahmed, will challenge any ambiguous edits. Compare…+

The proposal reviewer, Ahmed, will challenge any ambiguous edits. Compare [file=DraftProposal_v1.pdf] and [file=DraftProposal_v2.pdf], call out contractual language changes, pricing table alterations, and any removed commitments. Add short notes on which changes need legal or finance clearance before we circulate to the board.

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

CDecide — “help me choose”We received [file=DraftProposal_v2.pdf] after negotiations. I’m unsure if it contains…+

We received [file=DraftProposal_v2.pdf] after negotiations. I’m unsure if it contains meaningful contract changes or just minor copy edits. Compare v2 with the earlier version, identify all edits that affect scope, pricing, timelines, or legal terms, assess their business impact, and recommend whether to accept v2 as final or reopen negotiation. Give the exact questions I should raise with the counterpart and which changes require formal signoff.

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

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.

Summary PageA page that shows you the main differences between two files.ExampleThe summary page highlighted that one document had an extra paragraph compared to the other.

Protected FileA PDF with passwords or restrictions that stops some actions, like comparing.ExampleA protected file with a password cannot be opened or edited by someone without the correct credentials.

Who does this

3 roles

EditorLegal AssistantProject Manager

FAQ

about this task

Open Acrobat and go to All tools.
Click Compare files.
Select your two PDF files (old and new).
Choose a mode if needed.
Click Compare to see the changes.

The Compare Files feature in Acrobat checks two PDF files and shows you what is different between them. This is useful because it saves time and helps you spot any changes, mistakes, or updates in important documents, like contracts or reports.

No, Compare Files will not work with protected PDFs.
You must remove any passwords or security settings before comparing.
If you try, Acrobat will show an error message.

To ignore graphics and pictures and focus only on text changes.
This helps when you only care about words, not images.

Compare Files	Reading Side by Side
Shows all changes automatically	You must find changes yourself
Gives a summary page	No summary, just the documents
Lets you jump to each change	No navigation for changes

Compare PDF Versions

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help

When it fails