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.

Optimize embedded media for file size and compatibility in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

3 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Help me optimize all embedded media in my PDF for size and compatibility…+

Help me optimize all embedded media in my PDF for smaller file size and better compatibility with [devices or software].

when the reply comes backWould you like tips for checking your PDF's new file size?

BImprove — “do it better”Suggest ways to shrink embedded media in my PDF without losing…+

Suggest ways to shrink embedded media in my PDF without losing too much quality or making it hard to view on [specific devices].

when the reply comes backNeed help making sure your media works on phones and computers?

CDecide — “help me choose”Which media file types should I use in my PDF for best…+

Which media file types should I use in my PDF for best balance of small size and wide compatibility with [audience or platform]?

when the reply comes backWant advice on the best settings for images or videos in PDFs?

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Open your PDF in Adobe Acrobat.
2
Select the embedded media (such as video or audio) you want to optimize.
3
Right-click the media and choose Edit or the equivalent option to open the media properties dialog.
4
Note the current format and encoding of the media.
5
Remove the existing media from the PDF.
6
Use a media editing tool (such as Adobe Media Encoder) to re-encode your media to a more efficient format (e.g., H.264 for video, AAC for audio) and adjust compression settings to reduce file size while maintaining acceptable quality.
Best practiceFor best compatibility, use MP4 (H.264) for video and MP3 or AAC for audio before embedding.
7
Save the optimized media file to your computer.
8
In Acrobat, go to the location where the media was removed and use the Rich Media or Multimedia tool to re-embed the optimized media file into the PDF.
NoteAcrobat supports embedding video in MP4 (H.264) and audio in MP3 formats for maximum compatibility.
9
Adjust playback and display settings as needed in the media properties dialog.
10
Save your PDF to apply the changes.

In the appWith the API

Optimizing embedded media before adding it to your PDF can greatly reduce file size and ensure it plays correctly on most devices.

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

Glossary

words on this page

Embedded mediaPictures, videos, or sounds added inside a PDF file.ExampleThe PDF included a small video clip that played directly within the document.

File sizeHow much space a file takes up on your computer or phone.ExampleThe movie file had a large file size, taking up a lot of space on your hard drive.

CompatibilityHow well something works on different devices or programs.ExampleChecking the file's compatibility ensures it opens correctly on both Mac and Windows computers.

The real tasks

the one, listed here

Fixing the chronic drift in my client records

FAQ

about this task

You can use Adobe Acrobat's tools to compress images and change video or audio formats to smaller ones, which helps reduce the overall PDF file size.

Optimizing means making the pictures, videos, or sounds inside your PDF use less space and making sure they work well on most devices and programs.

If your media is not compatible, some people may not be able to see or hear it when they open your PDF, especially on different computers or phones.

Yes, you can often shrink file size by choosing the right formats and compression settings, so your media still looks and sounds good while using less space.

Use common formats like JPEG for images and MP4 for videos, and test your PDF on different devices to make sure everything plays or shows up correctly.

Optimize embedded media for file size and compatibility

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help