Key takeaways
- Compare PDF shows text that was added, removed or changed between two versions.
- It's ideal for contracts, policies and terms that come back "with small edits".
- Scanned PDFs should be made searchable with OCR first.
- Always read the highlighted changes in context before signing.
"We've made a few small changes to the contract." Reading 20 pages again to find them is slow and risky. A comparison tool shows exactly what changed.
How to compare two PDFs
- Open Compare PDF.
- Add the original version and the new version.
- Run the comparison.
- Review the text marked as Added and Removed.
What to compare
- Contracts and leases — before signing a revised version
- Terms and policies — to see what a provider changed
- Reports and proposals — between drafts
- Price lists — to spot changed amounts
Scanned versions
If one or both versions are scans, make them searchable first with OCR PDF. See make a scanned PDF searchable. OCR errors can appear as small differences, so check flagged words against the page.
After comparing
- Ask for clarification about unexpected changes.
- Keep both versions with dated file names.
- Sign the final version with Sign PDF.
Private comparison
Contracts and policies stay on your device — the comparison runs entirely in your browser.
Frequently asked questions
Does comparison work on scanned PDFs?
It compares text. Run OCR on scanned versions first so their text can be compared.
Does it compare images and layout?
The comparison focuses on text. Visual changes like a new logo aren't highlighted.
Can I compare documents in Hebrew or Arabic?
Yes. Text in any language can be compared.
Is my contract uploaded?
No. The comparison runs in your browser.