When working with contracts, reports, or proposals, small changes can make a big difference. Manually comparing two versions of a PDF can be time-consuming and error-prone. That’s why Adobe Acrobat Studio includes a powerful Compare Documents feature—helping you identify differences quickly, with AI support to highlight what matters most.
In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through how to use the Compare tool in Acrobat Studio and show you how it can streamline your workflow.
Why Compare Documents?
Comparing PDFs is essential for:
- Contracts – Spot last-minute edits before signing.
- Policies – Track compliance updates over time.
- Reports – Ensure no key data was altered.
- Collaborative projects – Check revisions between team drafts.
Step-by-Step: Comparing Documents in Acrobat Studio
1. Open Acrobat Studio
Launch Adobe Acrobat Studio and sign in with your Adobe ID.
2. Select the Compare Tool
- Go to Tools > Compare Files.
- The Compare Documents panel will open.
3. Upload the Two Versions
- In the left panel, upload the original document.
- In the right panel, upload the revised document.
- Click Compare.
4. Review the Results
Acrobat Studio generates a side-by-side comparison with clear highlights:
- Text changes are underlined or struck through.
- Formatting differences (like font changes) are flagged.
- Moved sections are tracked for easier navigation.
5. Use AI to Summarize Differences
One of Acrobat Studio’s advantages is its AI support:
- Ask the assistant to “Summarize major differences between the two drafts.”
- Highlight only specific sections (e.g., financial figures or deadlines).
- Simplify technical language so non-experts understand the changes.
6. Export a Comparison Report
- Save a PDF summary of the differences.
- Share it in PDF Spaces for collaborators to review.
Pro Tips for Document Comparison
- Be Specific: Use AI prompts like “Highlight only contract terms that changed.”
- Collaborate in PDF Spaces: Let your team comment on the differences in real time.
- Track Revisions: Keep comparison reports in your project archive for accountability.
Key Takeaway
The Compare Documents feature in Acrobat Studio takes the guesswork out of version control. With side-by-side highlights and AI-powered summaries, you can quickly identify what’s changed and act with confidence.
Try Acrobat Studio Free
See how easy it is to compare PDFs with AI assistance. Start your free trial of Adobe Acrobat Studio today and take the stress out of version control.
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