Learn two simple methods to compare PDF and Word documents by converting files and using built-in comparison tools to spot every change.
When you’re comparing two versions of a document, the real goal isn’t just checking formatting—it’s identifying what actually changed in the text. Maybe a clause was updated, a paragraph was removed, or a few lines were rewritten. Manually scanning for differences in PDFs or exported files is slow and easy to get wrong.
Smallpdf makes the comparison process faster. By converting your files into the same format, you can run a proper text comparison or use AI to summarize the key changes without reading every line. This guide walks you through both methods: how to prepare PDFs for accurate comparison and how to use AI summaries when you just want the main updates quickly, without reading every line.
Two Ways to Compare a PDF and Word Document
When you need to compare a PDF with a Word document, you’ll need to convert one file to match the other’s format first. Here are your two best options:
Method 1: Convert PDF to Word With Smallpdf, Then Compare in Microsoft Word
- Go to Smallpdf’s PDF to Word converter.
- Upload your PDF file by clicking “Choose files” or dragging it into the tool.
- Wait for the conversion to complete, then download your new Word document.
- Open Microsoft Word and go to the Review tab.
- Click “Compare” and select “Compare Documents.”
- Choose your original Word document as the “Original document” and the converted PDF as the “Revised document.”
- Click OK to generate your comparison report with tracked changes showing all differences.
Method 2: Use Smallpdf’s AI PDF Summarizer to Compare Content Fast
Open the AI PDF Summarizer
- Go to the AI PDF Summarizer. It quickly pulls out the most important information from long documents, making it easier to review and compare content.
Upload Your PDF Document
- Click Upload or drag and drop your PDF into the tool.
- The AI will scan the file and generate a clear, readable summary of the document’s main points.
Use AI PDF Summarizer to Extract Key Information
Process Your Word Document
- If your Word file isn’t already a PDF, the Summarizer handles the conversion automatically.
- Upload your Word document the same way as your PDF to generate a second summary.
Review Both Summaries
- You now have two streamlined summaries—one for each file.
- Read them side by side to understand what each document covers without scrolling through the full text.
Identify Key Similarities and Differences
- Use the summaries to spot:
- Additions or removals in content
- Shifts in meaning, structure, or emphasis
- Updated details, dates, or figures
- Missing or inconsistent information
This method is ideal when you need a quick, content-level comparison for contracts, reports, proposals, or research material without manually reviewing every page.
See Differences Clearly: Side-by-Side Views and Tracked Changes
Once you’ve run your comparison, understanding the results is key. Here’s what to look for:
- Text additions (usually shown in underline or color)
- Deletions (strikethrough or red)
- Moved content (green or blue highlights)
- Formatting changes (bold, italic, font changes)
Tips to Read Microsoft Word’s Compare Report
Word’s comparison view shows changes in the center pane with the original and revised documents on either side. Use the revision pane on the left to navigate between changes quickly.
You can accept or reject individual changes by right-clicking on them or use the “Accept” and “Reject” buttons in the Review tab for faster processing.
Why Comparing PDFs and Word Documents Matters
You might need to compare these documents when:
- Reviewing contract revisions from different parties
- Checking edits made to important proposals
- Verifying changes in legal documents
- Ensuring consistency across document versions
Document comparison helps you catch important changes that might otherwise go unnoticed, especially in lengthy or complex files.
What Makes Smallpdf Unique?
Smallpdf goes beyond your typical tools:
- All-in-One Platform: Compress, merge, split, convert, and edit all your PDF needs in one place.
- No Learning Curve: User-friendly features that anyone can master in minutes.
With our conversion tools, you’ll wonder why you didn’t switch to Smallpdf sooner.
Start Your Free Trial to Access All Smallpdf Tools
Ready to compare your documents? Start your free trial to access all Smallpdf tools—including our PDF to Word converter and comparison features.
FAQs: Compare PDF and Word Documents
Can I compare a PDF and Word document directly without converting?
Not usually. Most comparison tools only work when both files use the same format. That’s why the simplest approach is to convert the PDF to Word, or the Word file to PDF, before running your comparison.
Will the formatting change when I convert a PDF to Word?
It can. Complex layouts, tables, and fonts may shift during conversion, which is why you should review both documents after converting. For basic text documents, the changes are usually small.
Why do some differences not show up in Word’s comparison report?
Word focuses on text edits. If a PDF includes images, signatures, stamps, or elements scanned as part of an image, these won’t appear as tracked changes. In those cases, a side-by-side PDF view or an AI summary of both files may work better.
How can I compare two documents if the PDF is scanned or hard to read?
If the PDF is scanned and the text is faint or distorted, conversion tools may struggle to extract every word accurately. You can still convert the file and compare the results but expect some gaps. For heavily damaged or unclear scans, using an AI summary of both versions can help you pick out the main differences.
