How to Extract Comments from Multiple PDF Files into a Summary
Question details
The user wants to extract comments from multiple PDF files simultaneously and export them into a single summary document.
- Product
- PDF Reader
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Reviewing multiple annotated PDF documents and needing to compile all feedback and comments into a consolidated report or summary.
- Observed behavior
- Newer versions of Acrobat only provide a built-in comment summary for individual files, as the older batch Create Comment Summary plug-in is no longer compatible.
Gather all the annotated PDF files into a single folder on your computer. If you are using Adobe Acrobat, verify whether you have the Standard or Pro version, as automated scripting solutions require Acrobat Pro.
Merge the PDF Files Before Summarizing (Native Workaround)
Since standard PDF readers only summarize comments for single files, combining the PDFs first allows you to use the built-in summary tool on the merged document.
This is the most straightforward method that does not require coding knowledge or purchasing custom plugins. By merging the documents, all annotations are brought into one file.
Open Adobe Acrobat, navigate to 'Tools', and select 'Combine Files'. Add all the PDF documents containing the comments you want to extract.
Arrange the files in your preferred order and click the 'Combine' button to merge them into a single PDF file.
In the newly merged PDF, go to the 'Tools' menu and select 'Comments' to open the right-hand comments pane.
Click the Options icon (three dots) in the Comments pane and select 'Create Comment Summary'. Choose your desired layout and click 'Create' to generate a unified summary.
Use a Custom JavaScript Action in Acrobat Pro
For users with Adobe Acrobat Pro, custom JavaScript can be used in conjunction with the Action Wizard to batch-process multiple files and extract comments to a CSV format.
Utilize Third-Party PDF Comment Extractor Plugins
If you cannot write custom scripts and do not want to merge files manually, specialized third-party plugins can automate batch comment extraction.
Merge PDFs and Summarize Comments with WPS Office
WPS Office offers robust and intuitive PDF tools. You can easily merge multiple annotated PDF files into one and instantly export a comprehensive comment summary without dealing with complex scripts or expensive software.
- 1. Open WPS PDF: Launch WPS Office and click on the 'PDF' tab to access the dedicated PDF editor.
- 2. Merge the Files: Click on 'Merge PDF', add all the documents containing your comments, and click 'Merge' to combine them into one file.
- 3. Access the Comment Tool: Open the newly merged PDF document and switch to the 'Comment' tab on the top ribbon.
- 4. Export the Summary: Click on 'Comment Management' or the summary icon to view all annotations in a list, which can then be exported or printed as a unified summary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I export PDF comments directly to an Excel file?
Standard PDF readers typically do not export comments directly to Excel. However, if you extract the data using a custom JavaScript or a specific PDF extraction plugin, the output is usually saved as a CSV file, which opens perfectly in Excel or WPS Spreadsheet.
Why did the older Create Comment Summary plug-in stop working?
Adobe frequently updates Acrobat's architecture, including the transition to 64-bit applications. Older third-party plugins developed for 32-bit versions or older APIs lose compatibility and can no longer execute within the updated software environment.
Does WPS Office support viewing comments made in Adobe Acrobat?
Yes, WPS Office is highly compatible with the standard PDF format. Any comments, highlights, text boxes, or sticky notes created in Adobe Acrobat will be visible and manageable when the file is opened in WPS PDF.
