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Compare PDF Files

Find every difference between two versions of a PDF, such as a contract, a brochure or a report. See changed words highlighted side by side, check each page for visual changes, and download the result as a PDF report. Your files never leave your browser.

  • Free daily uses
  • Runs in your browser
  • No sign-up needed

Last updated

Plan: FreeView packages →

Compared in your browser. Your PDFs are not uploaded.

20 of 20 operations left today
Original PDF
Changed PDF
Guide

How to compare two PDF files

Three steps to see every difference between two versions of a document.

  1. Add both PDFs

    Drop the Original PDF on the left and the Changed PDF on the right, or click choose a file. You see each file's pages and details, such as its title and the date it was changed.

    The two file areas with an original and a changed contract, each with its size, page count, title, creator and dates.The two file areas with an original and a changed contract, each with its size, page count, title, creator and dates.

  2. Compare the text

    Click Compare PDFs. Added words are green, removed words red and changed words amber; use Previous and Next to go from change to change.

    The text comparison with both documents side by side and the changed words highlighted, above it the number of changes and words added and removed.The text comparison with both documents side by side and the changed words highlighted, above it the number of changes and words added and removed.

  3. Check the pages and save a report

    Open Visual comparison to see each page with the changed areas boxed, jump between changed pages, and adjust the sensitivity. Click Download report (PDF) to keep the result.

    The visual comparison with a changed page of both PDFs side by side and the different areas boxed in red.The visual comparison with a changed page of both PDFs side by side and the different areas boxed in red.

Good to know

  • Nothing is uploadedYour PDFs are compared in your browser and never leave your device.
  • One comparison, one useSwitching views, changing settings and downloading the report are free.
  • Scanned PDF?Use the visual comparison: scanned pages have no text to compare.

Frequently asked questions

How do I see exactly what changed?

Add the original PDF and the changed one, then click Compare PDFs. Text comparison shows both documents side by side with added words in green, removed words in red and changed words in amber; Previous and Next jump from one change to the next. Visual comparison draws each page and boxes the areas that look different.

What is the difference between text and visual comparison?

Text comparison reads the words, so it finds changed sentences, numbers and names even when the text has moved to another page. Visual comparison looks at the pages as pictures, so it also finds changes text can't show: a new logo, a moved image, other colours or a different layout. Use both for a full check.

Can it compare scanned PDFs?

Scanned pages are pictures without text, so their text can only be compared after OCR (reading text from pictures), which this tool doesn't do. It tells you when a PDF looks scanned. Visual comparison still works and shows where the scanned pages differ.

Does it work with password-protected or large PDFs?

Yes. For a protected PDF, type its password when asked; it is only used in your browser to open the file. Large PDFs are read and drawn one page at a time, with progress and a Cancel button, so long documents work too. If a file is damaged or not a PDF, you see a clear message instead.

Can I save the comparison?

Yes. Download report (PDF) saves a report with both files' details, a summary, every text change as before and after, and the pages that look different side by side with the changes marked.

Are my PDFs uploaded?

No. Both PDFs are read, compared and drawn inside your browser, so they never leave your device. Our server only records that one comparison was made, along with your network address, so the daily limit shown above the tool can be applied.

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