How do I compare two versions of a PDF document?

Go to 'All tools' in Acrobat. Select 'Compare files'. Choose your original PDF and the changed PDF. Click 'Compare' to see the differences highlighted.

What are the different comparison modes in Compare Files?

Autodetect: Acrobat automatically picks the best comparison method. Reports/Spreadsheets: Best for documents with tables and numbers. Presentation Decks: Good for slides or documents with many graphics. Compare text only: Ignores all pictures and only checks for text changes.

How is 'Compare text only' different from other comparison modes in Compare Files?

Mode What it compares. Compare text only Only looks for changes in words and letters. Ignores all images and graphics. Other modes (Autodetect, etc.) Looks for changes in text, images, formatting, and layout. Gives a full picture of all differences.

◆ Acrobat · edit

Consistent Change Comparisons

We get into argument over whether a developer complied because redlines are inconsistent. Recommend a durable process …

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DBecome — “help me grow”We get into argument over whether a developer complied because redlines are inconsistent.…+

We get into argument over whether a developer complied because redlines are inconsistent. Recommend a durable process or tool choice for producing authoritative redlined comparisons between submissions and requirements, the simple rule to require from applicants to make redlines effective, and the governance step to adopt this across our review teams.

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

AutodetectA setting that lets Acrobat choose the best way to compare your files.ExampleWith autodetect enabled, the software automatically chose the best settings for comparing the two document versions.

Security SettingsRules that protect a PDF file, like preventing changes or copying.ExampleThe security settings on the PDF prevented anyone from printing or copying its contents.

Summary PageA page that shows you the main differences between two files.ExampleThe summary page highlighted that one document had an extra paragraph compared to the other.

The real tasks

the one, listed here

I want to reduce disputes by making plan changes and commission requirements compare cleanly every time.

FAQ

about this task

Go to 'All tools' in Acrobat.
Select 'Compare files'.
Choose your original PDF and the changed PDF.
Click 'Compare' to see the differences highlighted.

Compare Files fails if either PDF has security settings. These settings stop Acrobat from reading or changing the file. To fix this, you must remove the protection from both PDF documents before you try to compare them. This allows Acrobat to access the content.

Autodetect: Acrobat automatically picks the best comparison method.
Reports/Spreadsheets: Best for documents with tables and numbers.
Presentation Decks: Good for slides or documents with many graphics.
Compare text only: Ignores all pictures and only checks for text changes.

When comparing signed documents, Acrobat can show you differences between versions even after they've been signed. The process is similar to comparing regular PDFs. However, be aware that changes after a signature might invalidate it. Always check the signature panel to understand the status of any digital signatures after comparison.

Mode	What it compares
Compare text only	Only looks for changes in words and letters. Ignores all images and graphics.
Other modes (Autodetect, etc.)	Looks for changes in text, images, formatting, and layout. Gives a full picture of all differences.

Consistent Change Comparisons

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help

When it fails