This article gives you a detailed guide on how to compare two PDF files using the right tool.
People compare PDF files to pinpoint the differences between two files or identify errors in the new file. Comparing files without a proper tool consumes more time and energy, and therefore, you cannot bet on this method. This explains why finding the right platform to compare PDF files is the game-changer. While there are several tools out there that help users compare PDF files, only a handful live to the tag. Fortunately, this article takes you through a crystal clear guide on how to compare two PDF files with ease.
How to Easily Compare PDF Documents
PDFelement Pro is the best all-in-one PDF software used by millions of users worldwide. This amazing platform is easy to use, has an elegant interface, is fast, affordable, compatible with various devices, and supports batch conversion. PDFelement lets you print, convert, create, organize, edit, annotate, protect, sign, compress, compare, share, and perform OCR on your PDF file. The list of incredible features makes it a must-have PDF tool for all types and the nature of PDF works.
For Win 7 or later (64-bit, 32-bit)
For macOS 10.14 or later
Step 1Launch PDFelement
If you have downloaded and installed PDFelement on your computer, proceed to launch it. Locate and click the “Compare PDF” tab on the main interface.
Step 2Open PDF to Compare
Upon clicking the “Compare PDF” tab, the program will automatically display the “File Comparison” window. This window prompts you to select the old and new files to compare. Click the “Select File” button on the left and upload the base (original) file. Do the same o the right side and upload the file you want to compare with the base file. When you have uploaded the two files, hit the “Compare” button at the bottom of this window to trigger the comparison process.
Step 3Compare two PDF Files
The program will display the two files side-by-side in the next window with the differences highlighted in different colors. You can check from the left window pane to ascertain the differences represented by each color. The blue color often indicates new inserted texts, while the red indicates deleted text from the original/base files. The green color represents modification, as shown on the top of the left window pane.
For Win 7 or later (64-bit, 32-bit)
For macOS 10.14 or later
Step 3Three Ways to Compare PDF Edited Elements One by One
There are three ways to compare these files side by side, as explained below.
Way 1. Navigate the Pages when Comparing PDFs
By default, the first modification is chosen. However, you can navigate to the next or previous differences using the “Next Change” or “Previous Change” arrows, respectively. With these buttons, you can move from one difference to another one at a time.
Way 2. Narrow down to Specific type of Content
If you want to see a specific type of content, click the “Filter” drop-down arrow at the top of the page. Here, you can choose between texts and images by checking the respective button.
Way 3. Show what you need and hide what you don’t need
With PDFelement, you can display the differences you want to see and hide those you don’t want to see. To do this, click the “Show” drop-down arrow at the far-right, then choose the desired option.
