PDF Compare on Mac

Report · Jan 08, 2024

Is it possible to use the PDF Compare function on the latest version of Acrobat (2023.006.20320) on Mac? I've had troubles comparing files on Mac before, but now I keep getting the error "Acrobat could not create the report document!" and I can't figure out a workaround. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

Report · Jan 08, 2024

Hi @Kendall25203671tryp

Hope you are doing well and sorry to hear that

Is this an issue with a particular PDF file or with all the PDFs? Please try with a different PDF file and check. If the file is stored on a shared network/drive please download it to your computer locally and then try again.

What is the version of the Acrobat DC you are using? To check the version go to Help > About Acrobat and make sure you have the recent version 23.08.20458 installed. Go to Help > Check for updates and reboot the computer once.

Please try to reset the Acrobat preferences as described here https://adobe.ly/3TOuZBB and see if that works.

~Amal

Report · Jan 08, 2024

Hi Amal,

I do have the most recent version that you posted. This seems to be an issue with all PDFs, not just the specific two I've been trying. I also tried accessing them locally and I still got the same error.

Report · Jan 08, 2024

Hi there

Have you tried to reset the Acrobat preferences as suggested?

Also try to create a new test user profile with full admin rights or enable the root account in MAC and try using the application there and check.

If it still doesn't work, would you mind collecting the Adobe CC logs https://adobe.ly/48JRFr8 and share them via any cloud storage for further investigation.

~Amal

Report · Jan 23, 2025

We have the same problem on several computers in our school. None of the below attempts have resolved the issue (using local files).

Rebooting the computer
Uninstalling Acrobat Pro and erasing preferences
Allowing Complete Disk Access in System Settings
Allowing Control of the Computer in System Settings (Accessibility)
Running a complete maintenance and cleanup with Titanium Onyx

The files compared are single pages without graphics and we get the same result wether we compare whole files or text only.

Without this function, our students have to fall back on comparing printouts on a light table.

A solution would be very appreciated!

Report · May 16, 2025

Same problem here!

I can't compare PDF with Acrobat Pro version 2025.001.20476, on Mac OS Sequoia 15.5 (MacBook Pro, Apple M4 Pro).

Please find a solution quickly, we pay a fairly high license fee, so the software should work fine!

Report · Jun 04, 2025

Same problem as well for at least the past 2 weeks. "Acrobat could not create the report document".

-MacOS version 15.5 (24F74)
-Apple M2

I have tried all the suggested fixes, and none work. @Amal. we need this fixed please.

Report · Jun 04, 2025

Note to anyone else having this problem: Google Gemini can compare PDFs and show the changes. This makes me question my Acrobat Pro subscription. GenAI may make Acrobat Pro irrelevant.

Report · Jul 11, 2025

Hi @Marvelous_focus7619,

Sorry for the delayed response.
It would be very helpful if you could share a video of the workflow and the problem. This will help us reproduce the issue with exact steps and get details about the issue.

To help us investigate the issue further, could you please share the diagnostic logs?

To collect the logs:

Download and run the Diagnostics Utility from: https://adobe.ly/4lHwRqs
Click on Start Diagnostics. Ensure advanced logging is checked.
Launch Acrobat, and reproduce the issue with your file.
Once done, click Stop Monitoring.
Copy the Log ID and share it with us.

Last but not least, if possible, please share a pair of sample files that show a reproducible case.

Best regards,
Tariq | Adobe Community Team

Report · Jul 26, 2025

Hi Tariq Ahmad Dar,

This problem has already been sent to Adobe.

Here is a link to a post with the same problem:

Re: Acrobat ne peut pas créer le rapport du document de comparaison entre deux PDF

Can you help?

Thank you!

Report · Jul 26, 2025

@Lizaaa this may be a work-around, you can open two PDFs. Pull one of the PDFs from the Application Frame

And then re-arrange it to be side-by-side

It's not ideal but, it's a slight work-around. You can be on page 12 on one PDF, and page 200 on another one?

Just a thought if it helps.