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.

Secure embedded media against extraction or misuse in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

3 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Help me secure embedded media in all company PDFs by...…+

Help me secure embedded media in all company PDFs by setting up organization-wide policies to prevent extraction or misuse. Our main concern is [describe media type and risk].

when the reply comes backWould you like tips on training staff about these protections?

BImprove — “do it better”Suggest stronger ways to protect embedded media from...…+

Suggest stronger ways to protect embedded media from extraction or misuse across our organization. We currently use [describe current method], but want to make it even safer.

when the reply comes backNeed advice on monitoring if media is being misused?

CDecide — “help me choose”Compare different ways to secure embedded media in PDFs for...…+

Compare different ways to secure embedded media in PDFs for an enterprise rollout. Which method is best for [describe your organization's needs]?

when the reply comes backWant help updating your policy documents to include this?

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Open the PDF containing the embedded media in Adobe Acrobat Pro.
2
Go to the File menu and select Properties.
3
In the Document Properties dialog, select the Security tab.
4
Set the Security Method dropdown to Password Security.
5
In the Password Security Settings dialog, under Permissions, check Restrict editing and printing of the document.
6
Set Changes Allowed to None.
7
Uncheck Enable copying of text, images, and other content.
CautionThis prevents users from copying or extracting embedded media, but cannot prevent screen recording or analog capture.
8
Set a strong permissions password when prompted.
RecommendationUse a unique, complex password and store it securely.
9
Click OK to apply the security settings.
10
Save the PDF to enforce the new security restrictions.
Best practiceAccording to enterprise best practice, always test the secured PDF in a separate user profile to verify that embedded media cannot be extracted or played back without authorization.

In the appWith the API

After applying security settings, test the PDF in Reader mode to confirm that embedded media cannot be extracted or played by unauthorized users.

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.

ExtractionTaking out media files from a PDF so they can be used somewhere else.ExampleYou perform an extraction to pull out all video clips embedded within a PDF document.

Enterprise deploymentRolling out a tool or rule to everyone in a company or group.

The real tasks

the one, listed here

Fixing the chronic drift in my client records

FAQ

about this task

Adobe Acrobat lets you set permissions and security settings on PDFs to stop people from copying or extracting media files. For enterprise use, you can apply these settings to all documents using admin tools or group policies.

Preventing extraction means making sure that videos, audio, or images placed in PDFs can't be easily saved or reused outside the document, which helps protect company information and creative work.

Yes, staff can still watch or listen to the media inside the PDF as intended, but they won't be able to copy, save, or share the media files separately.

Securing embedded media is more specific than just adding a password. While passwords control who can open the file, media security settings control what people can do with the media inside, like stopping copying or extraction.

Protecting embedded media keeps sensitive or valuable content safe from being shared without permission, which helps prevent leaks, copyright issues, and loss of business secrets.

Secure embedded media against extraction or misuse

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help