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.

Restrict or allow rich media playback via policy 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 restrict or allow rich media playback...…+

Show me how to restrict or allow rich media playback for all users in the [Admin Console/organization].

when the reply comes backWant tips on communicating this change to your users?

BImprove — “do it better”Check if our current policy for rich media playback...…+

Check if our current policy for rich media playback in PDFs matches best practices for [security/compliance/learning needs].

when the reply comes backNeed to update this policy for a specific group only?

CDecide — “help me choose”Help me decide if we should restrict or allow...…+

Help me decide if we should restrict or allow rich media playback in PDFs for our [organization/school/company], based on [user roles/needs].

when the reply comes backCurious how this setting affects document security?

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Sign in to the Adobe Admin Console with your administrator credentials.
2
Navigate to the Products tab and select Acrobat from your list of assigned products.
3
Click on Policies or the equivalent section for managing product settings.
4
Locate the policy setting for rich media playback (such as 'Enable rich media playback in PDFs').
CautionDisabling rich media playback may prevent users from viewing embedded videos, audio, or interactive content in PDFs.
5
Set the policy to your desired state: enable, disable, or restrict rich media playback according to your organization's requirements.
Best practiceSome organizations restrict rich media playback to reduce security risks from embedded scripts or external content.
6
Save or apply the updated policy settings to enforce them across your organization.

In the appWith the API

You can centrally manage rich media playback settings for all users in your organization from the Admin Console.

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

Glossary

words on this page

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.

PolicyA policy is a rule everyone in an organization must follow.ExampleThe company policy states that all employees must complete safety training annually.

Admin ConsoleThe online place where admins set rules for all users.ExampleThe Admin Console is where the IT manager sets up new user accounts and manages software licenses.

The real tasks

the one, listed here

Fixing the chronic drift in my client records

FAQ

about this task

An admin can set a policy in the Admin Console to block rich media, like videos or audio, from playing in PDFs for all users. This helps control what content users can access within documents.

Rich media playback means that videos, audio, or interactive elements inside a PDF can be played or used by the reader. Admins can control whether this is allowed or not.

Organizations may block rich media to protect against security risks, reduce distractions, or follow rules about what content is allowed in official documents.

Setting a policy in the Admin Console applies the rule to all users or groups in the organization, not just one person's computer. This makes it easier to manage and keep things consistent.

Yes, admins can set different policies for different groups or roles in the Admin Console, so some users can access rich media while others cannot.

Restrict or allow rich media playback via policy

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help