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

Open Acrobat and go to 'All tools'. Select 'Compare files'. Choose your two PDF files (old and new). Pick a comparison mode, like 'Autodetect'. Click 'Compare' to see the differences highlighted.

What are the different comparison modes available in Adobe Acrobat's Compare Files tool?

Autodetect: Acrobat tries to figure out the best way to compare. Reports/Spreadsheets: Best for documents with tables and numbers. Presentation Decks: Good for slides and presentations. Compare text only: Ignores images and only looks at text changes.

Compare SOP Versions in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

2 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Compare last quarter's [document=last quarter's SOP PDF] with the revised [document=revised…+

Compare last quarter's [document=last quarter's SOP PDF] with the revised [document=revised SOP] and produce a marked-up comparison file highlighting additions, deletions, and moved sections for the review meeting.

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 present the comparison to the operations review panel, generate a side-by-side marked…+

Before I present the comparison to the operations review panel, generate a side-by-side marked [document=comparison PDF] showing exact changes, add a one-page executive summary of operational impacts, and flag any changes that require training or budget.

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

PDFA common file type used to share documents that look the same everywhere.ExampleShe saved the brochure as a PDF so everyone would see the exact same layout and fonts.

SOPAn SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) is a set of step-by-step instructions to help workers carry out routine operations.ExampleThe new employee followed the SOP for opening the store, ensuring all steps were completed correctly.

VersionA version is a specific copy of a file at a certain time, like 'version 1' or 'version 2'.ExampleYou save your report as 'report_v1' and then 'report_v2' after making major edits.

Who does this

3 roles

EditorLegal AssistantProject Manager

FAQ

about this task

Open Acrobat and go to 'All tools'.
Select 'Compare files'.
Choose your two PDF files (old and new).
Pick a comparison mode, like 'Autodetect'.
Click 'Compare' to see the differences highlighted.

This message means one or both of your PDF files are protected with security settings. Adobe Acrobat cannot compare files that are secured. To fix this, you need to remove the security protection from both PDF documents before you try to compare them.

Autodetect: Acrobat tries to figure out the best way to compare.
Reports/Spreadsheets: Best for documents with tables and numbers.
Presentation Decks: Good for slides and presentations.
Compare text only: Ignores images and only looks at text changes.

Comparing signed document versions in Acrobat is similar to comparing regular PDFs, but it specifically highlights changes that might affect the validity of a signature. Acrobat has a dedicated feature for this to help you manage digital signatures. It ensures you can track changes made after a document was signed, which is crucial for legal and official documents.

After comparing files, Adobe Acrobat opens a summary page. This page gives you an overview of all the changes found between the two documents. You will also see 'Previous Change' and 'Next Change' buttons. These let you easily navigate through each specific difference in the documents, highlighting where text or graphics have been added, deleted, or changed.

Compare SOP Versions

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help

When it fails