How do I compare two PDF files in Adobe Acrobat?

Go to 'All tools' in Acrobat. Select 'Compare files'. Choose your old and new PDF files. Click 'Compare'. Acrobat will show you the differences.

If I compare a contract revision, what modes should I use?

For most contracts, use 'Autodetect' mode. This lets Acrobat choose the best comparison method. If your contract has tables or numbers, 'Reports/Spreadsheets' mode might be better. Always use 'Compare text only' if you only want to see changes in the words of the contract.

Routine Document Comparison in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

1 way to ask · copy any one

DBecome — “help me grow”Across dozens of redlines I prepare, we miss patterns that would strengthen cross-motions —…+

Across dozens of redlines I prepare, we miss patterns that would strengthen cross-motions — repeated disclaimer insertions, shifting indemnity language, and fee-schedule edits. Identify the recurring categories worth tracking, and propose one sustainable template for how to deliver comparisons that spot strategy rather than formatting noise so attorneys start asking for these proactively.

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

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.

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.

Who does this

3 roles

EditorLegal AssistantProject Manager

FAQ

about this task

Go to 'All tools' in Acrobat.
Select 'Compare files'.
Choose your old and new PDF files.
Click 'Compare'. Acrobat will show you the differences.

This message means one or both of your PDF files have security settings that stop Acrobat from comparing them. These settings protect the document from changes. To compare them, you must first remove the security from both files. Look for a 'Protect' tool or option to do this.

The 'Compare text only' option tells Acrobat to ignore any pictures or graphics in your PDF files. It will only look for differences in the words and sentences. This is useful if you only care about text changes and not visual changes.

For most contracts, use 'Autodetect' mode. This lets Acrobat choose the best comparison method.
If your contract has tables or numbers, 'Reports/Spreadsheets' mode might be better.
Always use 'Compare text only' if you only want to see changes in the words of the contract.

Comparing signed document versions is a specific use of the 'Compare Files' tool. It focuses on changes made to a document after it has been digitally signed. This helps verify if a document was altered after signing. For unsigned PDFs, the comparison just shows any differences between two drafts. The process is similar, but the context of 'signed' means you are checking for integrity after a formal step.

Routine Document Comparison

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help

When it fails