How to use Compare PDF
Choose two PDFs. The tool extracts text and downloads a list of sentences or lines present in one version but not the other.
What the result contains
It does not compare page layout, scanned images or visual formatting.
Practical tip
Use OCR first for image-only scans and review the changes in context.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an account?
No account is needed to run this tool.
Are my files uploaded?
No. Compare PDF Files runs in your browser, so your file is processed on your own device and is not uploaded to our server. The page only downloads the free code libraries it needs.
Should I check the downloaded file?
Yes. Open the result and confirm its pages and content before sharing or deleting your original.
When to compare two PDFs
- Contract revisions: see what wording changed between the draft and the version sent back to you.
- Policies and terms: spot what was added or removed in an updated document.
- Proofreading: check that requested corrections actually made it into the final file.
- Assignments and reports: find the differences between two versions of the same work.
How to read the result
You get a list of sentences or lines that appear in one file but not the other. A changed sentence shows up twice: the old wording from the first file and the new wording from the second. Search for those lines in each PDF to see them in context.
Good to know before you compare
- Compare PDF looks at the text only. Layout, fonts, colors and images are not checked.
- Both files need selectable text. For scanned files, run OCR PDF first.
- Small changes such as line breaks or spacing can make a line appear as different even when the words are the same.
Why compare with PDFCloudy
Contracts and drafts are exactly the kind of files you shouldn't upload to unknown servers. Here both PDFs are compared on your own device, with no account.
More questions about comparing PDFs
Can I compare more than two files?
Compare two at a time. Compare the newest version with each older one if you need to.
Does it show changes in images or formatting?
No. It only compares the words.
How do I compare a Word document with a PDF?
Convert the Word file first with Word to PDF, then compare the two PDFs.
Can I edit the text after finding changes?
Get the text into an editable file with PDF to Word.