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Did something change between two versions of a contract or report? Upload both, and get a report listing each line that differs, with its page number.
How to use the Compare PDF
- Upload the two PDFs.
- Put the older one first with the arrows.
- Download your comparison report.
What to expect
Clear report
Removed lines appear in red, and added lines in green, each with its page number.
Compares words
It reads the text in each file. Changes to pictures and layout aren't detected.
Scans need OCR
A scanned PDF has no text to compare, so run it through OCR PDF first.
Good uses for a comparison
- Checking a contract returned by the other side.
- Finding what changed in a new version of a policy.
- Confirming that an export matches its source.
How to read your report
| In the report | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A red line starting with - | This line is in the first PDF, but not in the second |
| A green line starting with + | This line is in the second PDF, but not in the first |
| A pair of red and green lines | Usually one line that was changed |
| A note saying the text is the same | No text differences were found |
Getting a useful comparison
Put the older version first, so that new wording shows in green. The report lists up to 2,000 differences. If you see a very long report for a small edit, the text probably moved between lines. Scans must go through OCR PDF first, and even then OCR errors can look like changes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare two PDFs?
Upload both files and press the button. A PDF report lists the lines that differ.
Does it spot changes in images?
No. It only compares text.
Can it miss anything?
It's a helpful check, but for legal or financial documents, have a person read the final version too.
Are my files kept?
Your files are only used for this job and are deleted from the server afterwards.
Why are many lines shown when little changed?
If text moved to a new line or page, it can appear as removed and added, even when the words are the same.
Helpful guides
- How to Make a Scanned PDF SearchableUse OCR to search and copy text from a scan, and get cleaner results.
- Scanned PDF vs Digital PDF: How to Tell the DifferenceA 10-second test to tell them apart, and why it decides what you can convert.
