How do I use Compare files to see the changes between two PDF documents?

Open Acrobat and go to All tools. Select Compare files. Pick your two PDF files. Choose the right mode. Click to compare and check the summary page.

If my PDF is protected, why does Compare files not work and what should I do?

Compare files cannot check protected or locked PDFs. You will see an error about security settings. Remove protection from the PDF before trying again.

How does Compare files handle text and graphic differences in PDFs?

Type What Compare files does. Text Shows all changes in words, sentences, or layout; you can choose to compare text only. Graphics Shows differences in images or graphics unless you use 'Compare text only' to ignore them.

Compare Two Documents in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

3 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”I have two Word documents: [doc=ProjectScope_v1.docx] and [doc=ProjectScope_v2.docx]. Show the…+

I have two Word documents: [doc=ProjectScope_v1.docx] and [doc=ProjectScope_v2.docx]. Show the editorial differences and produce a one-paragraph summary of scope changes so I can brief the client in this afternoon’s call.

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

BImprove — “do it better”The client, Sarah, will skim and worry about schedule slippage. Compare…+

The client, Sarah, will skim and worry about schedule slippage. Compare [doc=ProjectScope_v1.docx] and [doc=ProjectScope_v2.docx], highlight added or removed deliverables, changed deadlines, and any new client responsibilities. Produce a short talking script that reassures Sarah and explains the net impact on timeline and cost.

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

CDecide — “help me choose”The client emailed a revised [doc] that appears different from our signed scope; I must not…+

The client emailed a revised [doc] that appears different from our signed scope; I must not agree to scope creep but also don’t want to stall the kickoff. Compare the two documents, identify additions that materially change deliverables, estimate whether those changes affect timeline or budget, recommend one of three next moves (accept as clarification, negotiate a change order, or refuse), and provide the exact language for the response I should send to the client.

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 Adobe Acrobat on your computer.
2
Go to Tools and select Compare Files.
3
Click Select File under 'Compare' and choose your first PDF (the older or original version).
4
Click Select File under 'With' and choose your second PDF (the newer or revised version).
5
Click Compare to start the comparison.
6
Review the results in the comparison summary and use the side-by-side view to examine highlighted differences.
Best practiceFor best results, avoid using scanned PDFs as input files, as text recognition may be inconsistent.

In the appWith the API

You can filter the comparison results to focus on text, images, or formatting changes for a clearer review.

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

Glossary

words on this page

CompareTo look at two things and find the differences between them.ExampleYou look at two versions of a contract to identify any changes made between them.

Protected fileA PDF that is locked or has security settings, so some tools will not work.

Summary pageA page that shows all the changes found between the two compared files.

FAQ

about this task

Open Acrobat and go to All tools.
Select Compare files.
Pick your two PDF files.
Choose the right mode.
Click to compare and check the summary page.

The Compare files feature helps you see all the changes between two versions of a PDF. It highlights differences in text, images, or layout, so you do not miss any update. This is useful when you want to check edits or make sure nothing important was changed by mistake.

Compare files cannot check protected or locked PDFs.
You will see an error about security settings.
Remove protection from the PDF before trying again.

Type	What Compare files does
Text	Shows all changes in words, sentences, or layout; you can choose to compare text only.
Graphics	Shows differences in images or graphics unless you use 'Compare text only' to ignore them.

Using Compare files is much faster and more accurate than looking at two PDFs yourself. The feature finds every small change, even things you might miss, and gives you a clear summary. This saves time and helps you avoid mistakes, especially with long or complex documents.

Compare Two Documents

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help

When it fails