Practical guides · Windows 10 & 11

Read two PDFs side by side in split view

Keep a reference document visible while reading another PDF. 3PDF’s split view displays two documents side by side, with an independent zoom for each one.

Steps in 3PDF

  1. Open the documents

    Open the two PDFs in 3PDF. Identify your main document and its reference, such as a plan and accompanying notes, or a contract and an appendix.

  2. Enable split view

    Use the split view control to display the documents side by side. The screenshot below shows this arrangement in the application. Navigate each document to the page you need.

  3. Adjust each zoom

    Set the zoom separately for each document. Keep an overview of a plan while enlarging a paragraph of notes. Check page numbers and reference marks when inspecting different versions.

Actual 3PDF interface — Read two PDFs side by side in split view
Screenshot of the 3PDF application. Click to view the full-size interface.

The result and what to check

Split view is part of free reading. It helps with visual comparison but does not automatically compute differences between versions or guarantee that every change is identified.

Does split view merge the files?

No. It arranges the display. To combine pages into a single PDF, use Pro’s page organization and merging tools.

Start with the free reader

The reader is free, with no account. Pro tools cost €3.99 / month, for two computers per account. PDF processing stays local; your account, payment and access renewal use the Internet.

You can subscribe during your trial. The paid monthly period starts at payment. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the period already paid for.