How do I add a comment to a specific part of a PDF using Comments & Annotations?

Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat. Click the comment tools to see the options. Choose the sticky note or text box tool. Click on the part of the PDF where you want to add your comment. Type your message and save the file.

What is the difference between comments and markup in a PDF?

Feature Comments Markup. What it is Text notes or messages Highlights, underlines, or drawings Use Explain or give feedback Show changes or mark important text How it looks Shows as a note or box Shows as colored lines or shapes

Why should I use the Comments & Annotations feature instead of writing notes by hand on printed PDFs?

Comments & Annotations are easy to edit or delete if you change your mind. Digital comments can be searched, shared, or reviewed by others quickly. Your notes will always be clear and readable, unlike handwriting. You can use tools like highlight, underline, and emojis for better feedback. Digital comments can be removed or hidden for privacy before sharing.

Add PDF Comments in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

3 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”I need comments added to the draft policy PDF for the project team by [deadline=Tuesday].…+

I need comments added to the draft policy PDF for the project team by [deadline=Tuesday]. Highlight unclear clauses, tag them with reviewer initials, and create a summary page listing all unresolved comments and suggested owners.

when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

BImprove — “do it better”The operations manager, [manager=Tom], ignores long comment threads. Add targeted comments that…+

The operations manager, [manager=Tom], ignores long comment threads. Add targeted comments that call out specific risks, keep each comment to one actionable sentence, assign an owner and a proposed deadline, and produce a two-line summary [reader=Tom] can read at a glance.

when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

CDecide — “help me choose”I don't know which comments to act on. Review the comment threads, identify where comments…+

I don't know which comments to act on. Review the comment threads, identify where comments conflict versus where they complement each other, recommend which three comments to prioritize resolving first to keep the rollout on schedule, and draft the short mediation note I should send to the group to get decisions.

when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Open your PDF file in Adobe Acrobat.
2
Click the Comment button in the toolbar to display the commenting tools.
3
Select the annotation tool you want to use, such as Note, Highlight, Text Box, or Draw.
4
Click on the PDF page where you want to add your comment or annotation.
5
Type your comment or draw your annotation as needed.
6
Click away from the annotation or press Escape to save your comment or annotation.

In the appWith the API

You can use multiple annotation types in one session, such as highlighting text and adding sticky notes for detailed feedback.

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

Glossary

words on this page

CommentA note or message added to a file to give feedback or ask questions.ExampleYou add a note to a report asking the author to clarify a specific paragraph.

MarkupHighlighting, underlining, or drawing on a PDF to show what is important.ExampleYou use the markup tool to highlight key sentences in the report.

SanitizeTo remove sensitive or private information from a document before sharing it.ExampleRemember to sanitize the document by redacting personal details before sharing it publicly.

FAQ

about this task

Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat.
Click the comment tools to see the options.
Choose the sticky note or text box tool.
Click on the part of the PDF where you want to add your comment.
Type your message and save the file.

Feature	Comments	Markup
What it is	Text notes or messages	Highlights, underlines, or drawings
Use	Explain or give feedback	Show changes or mark important text
How it looks	Shows as a note or box	Shows as colored lines or shapes

Sanitizing a PDF before sharing it is important because comments and markups are saved as a separate layer in the file. If you do not remove them, anyone who opens the PDF can see your private notes, feedback, or review marks. This could lead to sharing information you did not mean to share, especially in business or school work. Sanitizing helps protect your privacy and makes sure only the finished content is visible.

Yes, you can still add comments to a blurry scanned PDF, and others will see your comments clearly. The comments and markup are added as a separate digital layer, so they will be easy to read even if the background image is not clear.

Comments & Annotations are easy to edit or delete if you change your mind.
Digital comments can be searched, shared, or reviewed by others quickly.
Your notes will always be clear and readable, unlike handwriting.
You can use tools like highlight, underline, and emojis for better feedback.
Digital comments can be removed or hidden for privacy before sharing.

Add PDF Comments

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help