How to View and Scroll Two PDF Files Side by Side
Question details
The user wants to display two PDF documents side by side in a single window with synchronized scrolling and zooming, without using the standard Compare feature.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Comparing or cross-referencing two separate PDF documents manually.
- Observed behavior
- Native Adobe Acrobat allows side-by-side viewing but lacks built-in synchronized scrolling unless the document-altering Compare tool is used.
Ensure you have both PDF files downloaded and saved on your local drive before setting up your side-by-side workspace.
Use a Custom Acrobat Script for Synchronized Scrolling
While Acrobat allows you to tile windows natively, achieving synchronized scrolling without the Compare tool requires a specialized third-party script.
Adobe Acrobat does not natively support synchronized scrolling for two independent files unless you are generating a 'Compare Files' report. To scroll two original documents at the same time, you must install a custom-made JavaScript add-on.
Launch Adobe Acrobat and open the two PDF documents you wish to view.
Navigate to the 'Window' menu at the top, select 'Tile', and click 'Vertically' to place both documents side by side on your screen.
Download and install a reputable third-party script, such as 'Synchronized Scrolling for Two or More PDF Documents' from custom-made Adobe Scripts providers.
Click the newly added custom buttons provided by the script on your Acrobat toolbar to scroll through both files simultaneously.
View and Manage Multiple PDFs Side by Side with WPS Office
Skip the complicated third-party scripts. WPS PDF provides an intuitive, tabbed interface where you can easily view, organize, and manage multiple PDF documents side by side.
- 1. Open WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open your first PDF document.
- 2. Open the second PDF: Open the second PDF document, which will automatically appear in a new tab next to the first one at the top of the interface.
- 3. Split the screen: Click and hold the tab of your second PDF, then drag it downwards or to the side of the screen until a split-window preview appears, then release the mouse.
- 4. Adjust the view: Resize the divider between the two documents to perfectly fit your side-by-side reading or comparison needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I synchronize zoom levels across two PDFs natively in Acrobat?
No, standard Adobe Acrobat does not synchronize zoom levels or scrolling natively when just viewing two separate files side by side.
Does the native 'Compare Files' feature sync scrolling?
Yes, Adobe's native 'Compare Files' tool offers synchronized scrolling, but it is specifically designed to highlight textual and visual differences between versions, which adds markup and alters the standard viewing experience.
Are there free scripts for synchronized scrolling in Acrobat?
While there are many free scripts for basic tasks in Acrobat, reliable scripts that offer smooth synchronized scrolling across multiple PDF tabs or windows are typically paid custom-made tools.
How do I easily switch back to a single view from tiled windows?
To revert from a tiled vertical view back to standard tabs in Acrobat, you can drag the separated document window back into the main tab bar, or simply maximize one of the document windows.
