Desksera
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Compare PDF Files

See exactly what changed between two versions of a PDF: removed words marked red on the original, added words green on the new version, page by page. Both files stay on your device.

Updated by Khokhar Sab

How do I compare two PDF files?

Press Choose two PDFs and pick the original and the changed version, or pick one and then the second. The tool lists how many words were removed and added and on which pages. Press Next to step through each change on the pages, then press Download report for a PDF of all changes.

  1. Press Choose two PDFs: the original first, then the changed version.
  2. Read the summary, then scroll, or press Next to go to each change in turn (N on a keyboard). Changes lists them all.
  3. Pick a view: Both side by side, Original or Changed alone, or Slider to drag a line across the page and wipe between the two versions.
  4. Press Pictures to check images and layout as well.
  5. Press Download report for a PDF listing every change.

What changes does it find?

Every word that was removed, added or replaced, in reading order, including numbers, dates and punctuation attached to words. This example was compared with the tool's own code: a contract clause before and after a revision, and the changes it reports.

Before: Payment is due within 30 days of the invoice date. The buyer will pay $12,000 for the goods.
After: Payment is due within 14 days of the invoice date. Late payments carry a fee of 2 percent per month. The buyer will pay $12,500 for the goods.

ChangeWords
Changed30 → 14
AddedLate payments carry a fee of 2 percent per month.
Changed$12,000 → $12,500

16 words were unchanged.

Does it compare scanned PDFs?

Scanned PDFs have no text to compare, so run OCR PDF on both first, then compare the searchable versions. The picture comparison works on scans without OCR: it marks every area where the two pages look different, which helps spot an added stamp or a changed figure.

Limits and fixes

  • Moved paragraphs show as removed in one place and added in another.
  • Reflowed text is compared word by word, so a change in line breaks alone is not a change.
  • Pictures are compared page by page at the same size; if a page was inserted, later pages shift and show as changed.
  • Locked PDFs need their password removed first with Unlock PDF.

Frequently asked questions

Is it free?

Yes, with no sign-up and no page limit.

Are my files uploaded?

No. Both PDFs are read and compared in your browser.

Which file is the original?

The first one you choose. Press Swap to change which is which.

Does it work on a phone?

Yes. Phones show one version at a time at full width: switch between Original and Changed, or use Slider and drag its round handle across the page.

Can I compare a Word file with a PDF?

Convert the Word file with Word to PDF first, then compare the two PDFs.

How this tool was built and tested