How to Merge Comments from Two PDFs in Adobe Acrobat
Question details
The user needs to combine or merge feedback comments from two separate PDF files into a single document.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Collaborating on a PDF document where multiple reviewers have left comments and markups in different copies of the same file.
- Observed behavior
- Acrobat online services, including Adobe PDF Pack and ExportPDF, do not support merging comments, preventing the user from consolidating document feedback without a premium desktop version.
Ensure you have the paid desktop version of Adobe Acrobat (Standard or Pro) installed, as Acrobat online services and the free Adobe Acrobat Reader cannot import or merge comments. Save all copies of the commented PDFs in the same local folder for easier access.
Import and Merge Comments via Adobe Acrobat Desktop App
Use the paid desktop version of Adobe Acrobat to import comments from other PDF files into your master document.
This method requires Adobe Acrobat Standard or Pro. It extracts the comment data from a secondary PDF and overlays it onto your primary, active PDF document.
Launch Adobe Acrobat on your desktop and open the primary PDF document that you want to serve as the master file.
Navigate to the 'Tools' menu at the top and select 'Comments' to open the Comments pane on the right side of the screen.
Click on the 'Options' menu (represented by three dots) inside the Comments pane and select 'Import Data File' from the drop-down list.
Locate the secondary PDF file containing the comments you want to merge, select it, and click 'Open'. The comments from the second PDF will now appear in your primary document.
Upgrade Your Adobe Plan if Using Online Services
If you are currently using Adobe PDF Pack or ExportPDF online, you must upgrade your subscription to access the comment merging feature.
Combine PDFs and Manage Comments Easily with WPS Office
If you want a cost-effective way to handle PDF documents, WPS Office provides a powerful PDF editor. You can merge multiple PDF files, add annotations, and manage document reviews without needing expensive premium subscriptions.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office on your device, then open your PDF document.
- 2. Merge PDF Documents: Go to the 'PDF' tab and select 'Merge PDF' to seamlessly combine multiple PDF files into one master document.
- 3. Manage Annotations: Use the 'Comment' tab to add, view, and manage highlights, notes, and feedback from multiple collaborators.
- 4. Save and Share: Save the consolidated document directly from the WPS interface and share it with your team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I merge comments using Adobe Acrobat online services?
Adobe restricts advanced features like comment merging and data file importing to its paid desktop applications (Acrobat Standard and Pro). Web services like ExportPDF and Adobe PDF Pack only support basic viewing, sharing, and converting.
Can I export comments from a PDF to a data file?
Yes, in Acrobat Pro, you can export comments as an FDF or XFDF file. Go to the Comments pane, click Options, and choose 'Export All to Data File'. This lightweight file can then be easily shared and imported into another PDF.
Is it possible to merge PDF comments using Adobe Acrobat Reader?
No, the free Adobe Acrobat Reader allows you to view and add comments, but it lacks the 'Import Data File' feature required to merge comments from multiple PDFs. A premium subscription is necessary for this functionality.
