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.

Embed 3D models into PDF 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 add a 3D model to...…+

Show me how to add a 3D model to my PDF using Adobe Acrobat for [describe your project or file].

when the reply comes backWant tips for making your 3D model look better in the PDF?

BImprove — “do it better”How can I make the 3D model easier to see...…+

How can I make the 3D model easier to see and use in my PDF for [describe your audience or purpose]?

when the reply comes backNeed help finding 3D models you can use?

CDecide — “help me choose”Which 3D file format works best for embedding in...…+

Which 3D file format works best for embedding in a PDF with Adobe Acrobat for [type of 3D model or project]?

when the reply comes backCurious how others use 3D models in PDFs?

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Open the PDF file in Adobe Acrobat (Pro version required).
2
Navigate to the page where you want to insert the 3D model.
3
Select Tools from the top menu, then choose Rich Media.
4
Click Add 3D and draw a rectangle on the page to define the area for the 3D model.
5
In the dialog that appears, click Browse and select your 3D model file (U3D or PRC format).
CautionOnly U3D and PRC file formats are supported for 3D embedding in Acrobat.
6
Adjust the 3D settings as needed (e.g., poster image, activation, navigation options).
Best practiceFor best compatibility, use a simple poster image and limit initial activation to 'When page is visible.'
7
Click OK to embed the 3D model into the PDF.
8
Save the PDF to retain the embedded 3D content.

In the appWith the API

You can interact with the embedded 3D model in Acrobat by clicking and dragging to rotate, zoom, or pan the object.

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

Glossary

words on this page

3D ModelA digital object you can view from different angles.ExampleYou can rotate a 3D model of a new product to see it from every side.

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.

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

The real tasks

the one, listed here

Fixing the chronic drift in my client records

FAQ

about this task

To embed a 3D model in a PDF with Adobe Acrobat, you use the 'Rich Media' or '3D Tool' to place the model file, such as a U3D or PRC file, into your PDF. This lets people view and interact with the 3D object inside the document.

PDFs made with Adobe Acrobat usually support 3D models in U3D or PRC formats. Other 3D files, like .obj or .stl, need to be converted to these formats first before you can embed them.

Embedding a 3D model in a PDF lets viewers see and move around the object, which is helpful for showing designs, explaining products, or making instructions clearer.

You cannot change the 3D model itself inside the PDF. If you want to update the model, you need to edit the original 3D file and then replace it in the PDF.

A picture is flat and only shows one view, but a 3D model lets people turn, zoom, and look at the object from all sides inside the PDF.

Embed 3D models into PDF

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help