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.

Remove or replace embedded rich media in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

3 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Remove all embedded videos and audio from my PDF named...…+

Remove all embedded videos and audio from my PDF named [filename].

when the reply comes backWant to know how to check for hidden media?

BImprove — “do it better”Replace all rich media in my PDF with a still image or icon...…+

Replace all rich media in my PDF with a still image or icon that shows media was removed.

when the reply comes backNeed tips on replacing media with something else?

CDecide — “help me choose”Should I remove or keep the embedded media in my PDF if...…+

Should I remove or keep the embedded media in my PDF if I want to share it with [audience or platform]?

when the reply comes backCurious about why some PDFs have media in the first place?

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Open the PDF document containing the embedded rich media in Adobe Acrobat.
2
Select the Edit PDF tool from the right pane.
3
Locate the embedded rich media element (such as a video, audio, or interactive object) on the page.
4
Click on the rich media element to select it.
5
Press the Delete key on your keyboard to remove the selected rich media element.
CautionDeleting a rich media element cannot be undone after saving; consider saving a backup copy first.
6
To replace the rich media, select Rich Media from the toolbar, then choose Add Video, Add Sound, or Add SWF as appropriate.
7
Follow the prompts to select and insert the new rich media file in the desired location.
Best practiceIf you encounter issues with playback after replacing media, try optimizing the PDF or using a different media format for better compatibility.
8
Save the PDF to apply your changes.

In the appWith the API

You can select and delete rich media objects directly on the page, then use the Rich Media tools to add new content if needed.

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

Glossary

words on this page

Embedded rich mediaVideos, audio, or interactive content placed inside a PDF file.ExampleThe interactive brochure PDF let you play a video and click buttons directly within the file.

Adobe AcrobatA program used to view and edit PDF files.ExampleYou use Adobe Acrobat to open and read the instruction manual.

ReplaceTo take something out and put something new in its place.ExampleHe decided to replace the old company logo with the new, updated version on the letterhead.

The real tasks

the one, listed here

Fixing the chronic drift in my client records

FAQ

about this task

To remove embedded rich media like videos or audio from a PDF in Adobe Acrobat, you can use the 'Edit' tool to select and delete the media objects directly from the page.

People remove rich media to make the PDF smaller, easier to share, or to meet rules that don’t allow videos or audio in documents.

Yes, you can replace embedded media with images, text, or icons to show something was there without including the actual video or audio.

Some websites or email services might block or not display the media, and the file could be too big or not work as expected for others.

No, removing embedded media only takes out the video or audio, while deleting a page removes everything on that page.

Remove or replace embedded rich media

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help