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.

Ensure accessibility of rich media in 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 alt text to images or videos in my PDF…+

Help me add alt text to all images, videos, and audio in my PDF file [insert file name or location].

when the reply comes backWould you like tips for writing better alt text?

BImprove — “do it better”Review my PDF for rich media accessibility issues and suggest fixes…+

Review my PDF for any accessibility problems with images, audio, or video, and suggest how to fix them. File: [insert file name or link].

when the reply comes backNeed help checking if your PDF is fully accessible?

CDecide — “help me choose”Should I use captions, transcripts, or alt text for my PDF media?…+

Should I use captions, transcripts, or alt text for the media in my PDF to make it most accessible? Here is what my PDF has: [describe media types].

when the reply comes backWant to learn how screen readers handle rich media?

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Open the PDF containing rich media in Adobe Acrobat Pro.
2
Select the embedded media (such as video or audio) by clicking on it.
3
Right-click the media and choose Properties.
4
In the Properties dialog, enter a concise and descriptive alternate text in the Alternate Text field.
CautionAlternate text should clearly describe the content and purpose of the media for users who cannot access it directly.
5
Close the Properties dialog to save the alternate text.
6
If the media is a video or audio file, ensure it includes captions or subtitles by embedding a caption file (such as .srt) or using a version with burned-in captions.
Best practiceIf Acrobat does not support adding captions directly, use a video editor to add captions before embedding the media.
7
Verify that playback controls (such as play, pause, and stop) are visible and accessible by keyboard navigation.
NoteAccessible controls are essential for users who rely on keyboard or assistive technology.
8
Test the media with a screen reader or accessibility checker to confirm that alternate text, captions, and controls are functioning as intended.
Best practiceSome users recommend testing with multiple screen readers for best results.

In the appWith the API

You can check accessibility features for rich media by using the Accessibility Checker in Acrobat Pro after making your changes.

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

Glossary

words on this page

AccessibilityMaking sure everyone, including people with disabilities, can use something.ExampleThe website was designed with Accessibility in mind, so screen readers can easily navigate it.

Rich MediaInteractive content like video, audio, or 3D models that you can put inside a PDF.ExampleThe product catalog included rich media like a video demonstration and a 3D model of the new gadget.

Alt TextA short description of an image or media for people who can't see it.

The real tasks

the one, listed here

Fixing the chronic drift in my client records

FAQ

about this task

In Adobe Acrobat, you can add alt text to each image. Alt text is a simple description that helps people using screen readers understand what the image shows. Open the PDF, select the image, and use the 'Set Alternate Text' option.

Rich media in a PDF means content like pictures, videos, or audio clips. These types of media need special steps to make sure everyone can access and understand them, not just text readers.

Adding alt text helps people who can't see the images or videos understand what is there. This is important for students or readers who use screen readers or have visual disabilities.

Yes, Adobe Acrobat has an accessibility checker tool. This tool reviews your PDF and tells you if there are any problems with images, videos, or audio not being accessible.

Captions and alt text are both helpful, but they serve different needs. Captions help people who can't hear the audio, while alt text describes the video for those who can't see it. It's best to use both if possible.

Ensure accessibility of rich media in PDFs

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help