Compare documents in PDF files

In the digital age, checking documents is a fundamental skill. Especially with revised contracts and documents, it is essential to track all changes. Adobe Acrobat DC offers a remarkable feature in its latest version that helps you effectively compare documents. In this guide, I'll show you how to make the most of this feature.

Key Insights

• Documents can be easily compared in Adobe Acrobat DC.
• You can choose whether to compare only text or other changes in the document as well.
• This feature is particularly useful for identifying changes in contracts.
• There are both menu guidance and shortcut options for comparison.

Step-by-Step Guide

To compare documents in Adobe Acrobat DC, follow these steps:

First, open Adobe Acrobat DC. This feature is only available in the DC version. Then go to the top menu area and click on "View".

In the dropdown menu, you will see the option "Tools". Click on it to see the available tool functions.

Scroll down to "Compare Files". This is the area where you can access the comparison function.

A new window will open here. You can now select the files that you want to compare. Click "Open" to start the comparison process.

In the next step, first select a file that you want to compare with another. This could be an original version or a revised file.

After selecting the first file, you must choose the second file to compare. This could be a file that you have modified in the past.

Now you have the option to set specific settings for the comparison. For example, you can choose whether only the text should be compared or whether you also want to include changes in the form of annotations and layout.

Furthermore, you can limit the pages that will be considered in the comparison. Here you have the choice between comparing all pages or only specific pages.

Once you have made all the necessary settings, click on "Compare". This will initiate the comparison process and show you the changes.

In the next window, you will see the results. Acrobat will show you which texts and changes have been identified. Typically, you will get an overview of all replacements and even minor layout changes.

By scrolling through the changes, you can precisely track what has been modified. This is particularly important if you have received a contract or important documentation.

This feature is very useful, for instance, when you send out contracts and receive the signed version back. You can easily check for any unexpected changes that may have been made.

In addition, Acrobat allows you to access the feature via shortcut options. This way, you can start the comparison directly without having to navigate through the menu structure.

A look at the user interface shows that you have all the important changes summarized. This allows you to quickly see whether, for example, only textual changes or also formatting are affected.

To navigate through the individual changes, practical options are available to you, with which you can quickly jump to relevant points in the document.

Finally, if you want to exit the comparison mode, you can simply click on "Close". This will return you to the normal document view of Acrobat.

Summary

Comparing documents in Adobe Acrobat DC is a valuable feature that streamlines processes. With just a few clicks, you can identify and manage significant changes and annotations in your documents.