How to Compare Two PDF Files and Track Every Change

Comparing PDFs might not seem like the most exciting task, but trust us, it’s crucial. The problem is that PDFs aren’t like Word docs. You can’t track and have changes highlighted automatically. So, visually, they can look identical even when small tweaks have been made. That’s why knowing the right comparison methods can save you a ton of time.

If you’re working with lengthy documents, you might also find it useful to generate an AI-powered summary before comparing versions. Smallpdf’s AI tools can summarize the key points of a PDF, making it easier to focus on what’s changed.

The Best Way to Compare Two PDF Files for Differences

Automated comparison is the way to go if you want accuracy and speed. The right tool can highlight changes for you, so you’re not left playing a guessing game. But most PDF comparison tools want you to register first and pay a subscription fee. With Smallpdf and Microsoft Word—or Pages, Google Docs, or LibreOffice—you can get it done quickly, and for free!

Using Smallpdf to Compare PDFs Efficiently

Sure, you can try to compare two PDFs manually by opening them both side by side using your favorite PDF reader. But this can be slow, and mistakes are possible.

For a faster, more accurate comparison, start with PDF Converter:

1. Upload your PDFs to our PDF Converter.
2. Choose Word as the “Convert to” format.
3. Wait for Smallpdf to finish.
4. Download your fresh Word documents—easy!

Pro tip: If you’re working with scanned documents, run them through PDF OCR first, then choose “Word (.docx)” under the “Export As” options.

5. Open one of the documents in Word.
6. Go to “Tools” and under “Track Changes,” choose “Compare Documents…”
7. Find and select both the original and the revised document.
8. Enter a name or phrase you want to use to highlight the differences.
9. Click “OK.”

A new document will open, highlighting all the differences between the two. Once you’re happy with the changes, you can save the original and the revised documents as PDFs again.

PDF Comparison Tracking Questions and Answers

Can Microsoft Word compare PDFs?

Yes, but you’ll need to convert the PDFs to Word format first. Once converted, use the “Compare Documents…” feature in Word to highlight differences. It’s a handy trick, especially if you’re used to tracking changes in Word already. The method is also great for showing changes to the formatting.

Can you view two PDF files side by side?

Absolutely. If you’re on a Mac, Preview lets you open two PDFs at once in separate windows. You can also do a side-by-side comparison if you normally open PDFs in your browser. Open both documents in your browser, then right-click on one of the tabs. Select “Move Tab to New Window.” Arrange the windows so you can view both at the same time. Most browsers include annotation tools, so you can manually highlight changes, and add notes about what has changed.

What is an efficient way to compare multiple PDFs?

The automated comparison feature in Word, Google Docs, Pages, and LibreOffice offer the most efficient—and affordable—way to compare multiple PDFs. Convert the PDFs to Word format first, then use the “Compare Documents…” feature to automatically highlight the differences. This method will give you faster—and more accurate—results, saving you from the headache of flipping between documents and wondering if you missed something.

Now you know how to compare two PDF files without losing your sanity. Go ahead and try it out!

And if you need to do more than just compare, Smallpdf’s AI tools can help you interact with PDFs in other ways—like creating multiple-choice or open-ended questions for tests, translating documents, or even chatting with a PDF to clarify key details.