How do I add comments to a PDF document in Adobe Acrobat?

Open your PDF in Acrobat. Go to the 'Comment' tools. Select a tool like 'Sticky Note' or 'Highlight'. Click on the document where you want to add the comment or drag to highlight text. Type your note and save the document.

What is the difference between adding a text box comment and highlighting text in Adobe Acrobat?

Feature Purpose Appearance. Text Box Comment To add detailed notes or questions in a separate box. A box with text that can be moved around the page. Highlighting Text To mark specific words or sentences for emphasis or later review. A transparent colored layer over the selected text.

Create Review Log in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

2 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Publish an auditable trail showing who reviewed and approved each [sheet] for closeout: gather…+

Publish an auditable trail showing who reviewed and approved each [sheet] for closeout: gather signed approvals and compile a stamp-and-signature page for each [sheet], attach the signed PDFs to the project archive, and produce an approval log with reviewer names and timestamps.

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

BImprove — “do it better”Before I close out the project, make the approval trail unquestionable for the [client] and…+

Before I close out the project, make the approval trail unquestionable for the [client] and auditor: compile each [sheet]'s sign-off into a single audit PDF with reviewer name, role, date and time next to the [sheet] number, embed the signed agreement copies, create a CSV audit log for our records, and note any missing or conditional approvals that need follow-up before archiving.

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

CommentsShort notes or feedback added to a document without changing the main text.ExampleYour colleagues added short notes and suggestions to your presentation slides without changing the content.

AnnotationsMarks or drawings added to a document to highlight, explain, or suggest changes.ExampleThe editor's annotations on the manuscript included underlines, highlights, and margin comments.

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.

Who does this

3 roles

EditorTeacherProject Manager

FAQ

about this task

Open your PDF in Acrobat.
Go to the 'Comment' tools.
Select a tool like 'Sticky Note' or 'Highlight'.
Click on the document where you want to add the comment or drag to highlight text.
Type your note and save the document.

Comments and Annotations are tools in Adobe Acrobat that let you add notes, highlights, and drawings to a PDF. They are important because they help you review documents, give feedback, and remember important parts. They are saved as a separate layer, so the original document stays clean while you add your thoughts. This makes collaboration and personal review much easier and more organized.

Yes, if you add comments, they will usually be visible to anyone who opens the PDF. Comments are saved as a separate layer on top of the document. If you want to share a 'final' version without any review notes, you must 'Sanitize' the document first. This process removes all comments and hidden data, ensuring your feedback remains private when needed.

Using Acrobat's comment tools is better because your notes are directly on the document. This makes it easy to see exactly what part of the text or image your comment refers to. It's more efficient for reviews and feedback, as everything is in one place. You don't have to switch between two files, which saves time and avoids confusion.

Feature	Purpose	Appearance
Text Box Comment	To add detailed notes or questions in a separate box.	A box with text that can be moved around the page.
Highlighting Text	To mark specific words or sentences for emphasis or later review.	A transparent colored layer over the selected text.

Create Review Log

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help