Comparing PDF Documents
Opening the Documents to Be Compared
Local PDF programs allow you to compare two PDF documents or two versions of the same document. Depending on the program, all changes—or only specific ones—are detected and displayed, such as changes to text, images, or annotations. To perform the comparison, first open both documents in the PDF program. The first document is opened in the linked PDF app via “Edit in PDF app.”
You can then open a second document in the same way. To compare it with an older version of the same document, click "version history" to view previous versions.
Select the desired version using "Open Version."
Selecting "Open in PDF app" opens the file in the PDF program.
For more information on editing in individual PDF programs, see the following article: Editing PDF Documents with Local Programs.
Compare PDFs, Compare Documents, Compare Versions, Open Older Version, version history, details & version history, Open Version, Compare Plans, Detect Changes, Differences Between Versions, Compare Plan Statuses, Open in PDF app
Comparing in PDF Programs
The actual comparison takes place in the respective PDF program. The range of features and how differences are displayed vary depending on the program and are described in the help section provided by the respective manufacturer:
- PDF-XChange: Help from PDF-XChange
- Adobe Acrobat: Help from Adobe Acrobat
- Bluebeam: Help from Bluebeam
- Foxit: Help from Foxit
- Power PDF: Help from Power PDF
Compare Documents: PDF-XChange, Compare Adobe Acrobat Files, Bluebeam Compare Documents, Bluebeam Overlay Pages, Foxit Compare, Compare Power PDF Documents, PDF-XChange Editor Plus, Compare Feature, Highlight Differences, Plan Overlay, Manufacturer Help
Updated on: 23/10/2026