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.

Control rich media playback options 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 play, pause, or mute a video or audio…+

Show me how to play, pause, or mute [video/audio] in my PDF using Acrobat.

when the reply comes backWant to learn how to add your own videos to a PDF?

BImprove — “do it better”Give tips for smoother media playback during a presentation…+

Give me tips to control rich media playback more smoothly during my [presentation/class].

when the reply comes backNeed help fixing media that won't play in Acrobat?

CDecide — “help me choose”Help me decide which playback option is best for my needs…+

Help me decide which playback option (play, pause, mute, loop) to use for my [video/audio] in this PDF.

when the reply comes backCurious about using captions or subtitles in your PDF videos?

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Open the PDF containing the embedded rich media (such as video, audio, or 3D content) in Adobe Acrobat.
2
Switch to Edit PDF mode from the right-hand pane.
3
Select the rich media object by clicking on it.
4
Right-click the selected media and choose Properties.
5
In the Properties dialog, go to the Options or Rich Media tab (depending on media type).
6
Set the playback controls by enabling or disabling options such as Show Controls or Show Toolbar.
7
Set the poster image by clicking Choose Poster or Browse and selecting an image file.
8
Enable or disable Loop playback as desired.
9
Set the start trigger (such as On Page Open, On Click, or On Mouse Over) under Launch Settings or Activation options.
10
Set the stop trigger (such as On Page Close or On Mouse Out) if available.
11
Adjust any additional playback settings provided, such as volume, auto-play, or playback speed, as needed.
12
Click OK or Close to save your changes.
13
Save the PDF document.
Best practiceTest your rich media settings in both Acrobat and free Adobe Reader to ensure consistent playback for all users.

In the appWith the API

You can preview and test your playback settings directly in Acrobat by exiting Edit mode and interacting with the media object.

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

The real tasks

the one, listed here

Fixing the chronic drift in my client records

FAQ

about this task

In Adobe Acrobat, you can click on the video in your PDF to see playback controls. These let you play, pause, stop, or mute the video, just like on a regular media player.

Rich media in a PDF means any content that moves or makes sound, like videos, audio clips, or animations, instead of just text or pictures.

Yes, if the PDF creator allowed it, you can set a video or audio clip to play again and again by choosing the loop option in the playback controls.

Controlling media in Acrobat is similar to a video player, but the controls appear inside the PDF, and you may have fewer options depending on how the PDF was made.

Sometimes the sound is muted by default, or your computer's volume is low. Check the playback controls in Acrobat and your device's sound settings to fix this.

Control rich media playback options

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help