To view PDF comments, open the file in a full PDF reader like Adobe Acrobat Reader and enable the Comments / Markup panel.
If comments are hidden or not visible, use the Print → Show comments / notes option to display them in a side panel or printed layout. Browser viewers often do not fully support annotations.
Why PDF Comments Are Not Visible
PDF comments and highlights may exist in the file but not show because:
- •Comments (markup) are hidden in the viewer
- •Browser PDF viewers don’t fully support annotations
- •The PDF was flattened (comments merged or removed)
- •Preview panes (Explorer / Outlook) don’t render comments
- •Mobile viewers hide annotations by default
Step-by-Step: How to View PDF Comments
1Method: Show Comments in Adobe Acrobat Reader (Recommended)
- •Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader
- •Click Tools → Comment
- •Enable the Comments panel on the right
- •All notes, highlights, and annotations appear in a list
- •Click a comment to jump to its location in the PDF
► This works for all standard PDF annotations
2Method: Use the Print Trick
This is the fastest way to reveal hidden PDF comments, even when they don’t appear in the viewer.
- •Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader (or macOS/Windows Preview)
- •Press Ctrl + P (Windows) or Cmd + P (Mac)
- •In the print settings, enable Document and Markups
(or Show Notes / Show Comments, depending on version) - •Optional: enable Summarize comments if available
- •The preview shows comments listed next to the pages
- •Print or Save as PDF to create a new file
✅ Reveals comments even when markup is hidden
✅ Works even if the comment panel is disabled
✅ Does not modify the original file
3Method: View Comments in Browser (Limited)
Chrome / Edge / Firefox
- •Browser viewers can show basic highlights
- •Sticky notes and comment panels are often hidden
- •No full comment list or reply threads
► If comments don’t show:
- •Download the PDF
- •Open it in Adobe Reader instead
4Method: macOS Preview (Partial Support)
- •Open PDF in Preview
- •Click View → Highlights and Notes
- •Notes appear in the sidebar (if supported)
⚠️ Some advanced annotations may not appear
5Method: iPhone / Android
- •Use Adobe Acrobat Reader app
- •Apple Files / Google Drive viewers may hide comments
- •Enable Annotations / Comments inside the app menu
When Comments Still Don’t Show
The PDF May Be Flattened
If the PDF was exported with “flatten annotations”:
- •Comments are merged into the page
- •They cannot be toggled on/off
- •No comment list exists
You cannot restore removed comments without the original file.
The PDF Has Security Restrictions
- •Open File → Properties → Security
- •Check if annotations are restricted
- •Owner password is required to unlock
FAQs
Why can’t I see comments in my PDF?
Most often, comments are hidden or the PDF is opened in a browser viewer that doesn’t support annotations. Open the file in Adobe Reader and enable the Comments panel.
How do I show PDF comments next to the page?
Use Print → Document and Markups / Show comments. This displays comments in a side column or summary layout.
Can I view PDF comments in Chrome or Edge?
Only partially. Browser viewers do not show full comment lists or replies. Use a full PDF reader.
What does “flattened PDF” mean?
Comments were merged into the page or removed during export. They can’t be toggled or recovered.
Related Solutions
Still Can’t See the Comments?
If comments don’t appear in any viewer, the PDF may be flattened or restricted. Use a diagnostic tool to verify whether annotations still exist or were removed permanently.