How do I compare two versions of a PDF in Adobe Acrobat?

First, open Acrobat and go to 'All tools'. Then, click 'Compare files'. Next, select your older PDF and your newer PDF. Choose your comparison options, like 'Compare text only' if you only care about words. Finally, click 'Compare' and Acrobat will show you the differences.

What are the different comparison modes available when using 'Compare Files'?

Autodetect: Acrobat tries to figure out the best way to compare your files. Reports/Spreadsheets: Best for documents with tables and data. Presentation Decks: Good for slides and visual content. Compare text only: Ignores all images and graphics, focusing only on words.

Document Exact Changes in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

2 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Compare the signed purchase agreement to the last unsigned draft, generate a PDF that…+

Compare the signed purchase agreement to the last unsigned draft, generate a PDF that highlights all textual changes, and save the comparison to the broker's file as evidence in the version dispute.

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

BImprove — “do it better”Run a document comparison between the signed agreement and the final draft, produce a…+

Run a document comparison between the signed agreement and the final draft, produce a side-by-side report showing exact insertions/deletions with page references, certify the comparison for the broker's file, and provide a one-paragraph summary of material changes for the broker's review.

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 Pro on your computer.
2
Go to the Tools pane and select Compare Files.
3
In the Compare Files dialog, click the file picker button under 'Old File' and choose the earlier version of your PDF.
4
Click the file picker button under 'New File' and choose the revised or updated PDF.
5
If needed, click on the settings or options icon to adjust comparison settings such as comparing text only or including images and annotations.
Best practiceFor best results, set your comparison focus (text or graphics) based on your document type.
6
Click the Compare button to start the comparison.
7
Review the summary report that appears, which highlights all insertions, deletions, and modifications between the two PDFs.
8
To view changes side by side, use the side-by-side view option in the comparison results window.
9
To save the summary report, click File > Save or use the export option available in the comparison results.
NoteThe summary report can be saved as a PDF for record-keeping or sharing.

In the appWith the API

You can quickly switch between summary and side-by-side views to better understand all changes between your PDF versions.

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

Glossary

words on this page

Compare FilesThis tool helps you find differences between two similar PDF documents.ExampleYou use this tool to quickly spot the differences between an original and a revised PDF document.

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.

The real tasks

the one, listed here

Resolve a disputed contract version by comparing the signed copy to the last draft and documenting the exact changes for the broker's file.

FAQ

about this task

First, open Acrobat and go to 'All tools'.
Then, click 'Compare files'.
Next, select your older PDF and your newer PDF.
Choose your comparison options, like 'Compare text only' if you only care about words.
Finally, click 'Compare' and Acrobat will show you the differences.

The 'Compare Files' tool can fail if either of your PDF documents has security settings that prevent comparison. This is a common issue. To fix it, you need to remove the security protection from both the older and newer PDF files before you try to compare them. Look for options to 'Remove Protection' or 'Unsecure Document' in Acrobat.

Autodetect: Acrobat tries to figure out the best way to compare your files.
Reports/Spreadsheets: Best for documents with tables and data.
Presentation Decks: Good for slides and visual content.
Compare text only: Ignores all images and graphics, focusing only on words.

For a contract revision, you should use 'Compare Files' and make sure to select the 'Compare text only' option. Contracts are mostly text, and this setting will help you focus on changes to words and sentences without being distracted by minor graphic shifts or layout adjustments. After comparing, Acrobat will show you a summary and let you navigate through each text change, which is perfect for legal documents.

The 'Compare Files' tool can also help you manage digital signatures. You can use it to compare different versions of a document that has been signed. This allows you to see if any changes were made to the document after it was signed, or how the document evolved through different signing stages. It helps ensure the integrity of signed agreements.

Document Exact Changes

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help

When it fails