Embed Video Into a PDF

48 replies
Hello Everyone:

I am wondering if anyone knows of any special tricks that they have learned with respect to embedding video that other can watch when you send them a PDF. Like do THEY have to have a certain kind of software to view or is there a way to put video and audio into the pdf so that a maximum number of people will be able to watch it easily. I am guessing that you can either embed the video or the link.

Charles
#embed #pdf #video
  • Profile picture of the author Josh Anderson
    Hi Charles,

    If the content embedded in the pdf is flash .flv or .swf format then flashplayer will be needed to view it. Nearly 99% of the world's internet users have flashplayer installed.

    Here is a tutorial video showing how its done:

    How to Add Video and Audio to a PDF document
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[260250].message }}
  • {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[260491].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author limoge
      If you use Adobe Acrobat 9 (I think it's the professional and the professional extended versions) you can embed video directly into the PDFs you create. The viewer only needs Acrobat 9 reader to view.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[260590].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author TheToolWiz
        Banned
        [DELETED]
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[261083].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author davemiz
          id listen to josh... hes a whiz with the whole video in the pdf thing....
          Signature

          “Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.”
          ― Dalai Lama XIV

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[261414].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author innocent07
            Banned
            does anybody have any examples of PDF books with videos embedded in them ?
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[261428].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Huy Phan
        Limoge is right. I, myself, have used AdobePro 9... It's really simple to place the multimedia videos on any page within the pdf you wish...and the only downside is that reader would also need Acrobe9 reader. What I did was place a download link of the Adobe9 reader within the pdf itself.

        Originally Posted by limoge View Post

        If you use Adobe Acrobat 9 (I think it's the professional and the professional extended versions) you can embed video directly into the PDFs you create. The viewer only needs Acrobat 9 reader to view.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6809985].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Kunle Olomofe
    Josh thanks for the tips and the video... I'm on your site and trying to soak in some info... looking great and bringing up all sorts of cool ideas...
    Signature
    Celebrity Marketing Formula - How To Quickly Become A Celebrated Authority In ANY Industry/Niche... Coming Soon.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[261716].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Nick Doyle
    Wow, that is awesome stuff. I always used to put my videos on a website and link it directly within my PDF, but actually EMBEDDING the video in the PDF itself ... would have never thought of that.

    That wouldnt even increase the filesize either due to the <embed> code.

    Will deifnitely try that for the future, thanks!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[262179].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Josh Anderson
    What about formating a full one-page HTML sales letter (with video, graphics, text, etc) into a PDF document. Is that possible?
    As David mentioned it is not possible... at least not with the video in it. However you can format the html page with everything in it except the video and then embed the video but linking to a remote file (you have two options with pdf compile the video in it or embed a remotely hosted video).

    Though attachments are not the smartest way to communicate via email because of the filtering issues you could attach a pdf with a remotely hosted video embedded in it and you would not have to worry about the video adding anything to its file size because the video is only loaded when it is viewed in the pdf and the pdf is only viewed once it is downloaded and opened from the email.

    In fact I would recommend embedding remote video files if you can as it will make the initial download of your pdf faster whether you are linking to it as a download online or attaching it to an email.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[269843].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author lethiaowens
      Hi Josh,

      I found out about you here on Warrior Forum and I followed several pages to your tutorial videos which eventually led me to your Total Web Videos program which I just purchased. Thanks for the program.

      I have an issue that I am still not able to solve. I am trying to embed a remote video file using Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro. I can get the video embedded properly and playing properly except I keep getting a security warning whether I trust the video file Adobe is trying to link to.

      Is there any way to get rid of the security warning when the video is remotely hosted? Please help.

      -Lethia Owens
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2677321].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author spudzz
    I used to do pdfs with embedded videos years ago but it really wasn't worth it in the end because:-

    1) Acrobat is really funky about embedding any flv/swf 'actual' size so it never looks really crisp

    2) The file size increase is a real no-no unless you're only embedding one or two vids.

    Got so put off that I haven't tried it in Acrobat 9 yet, but that's probably because after Acrobat 5, 6, 7, 8... my wallet's starting to get the shakes every time it sees the words 'Adobe' and 'upgrade'.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[270025].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author winnerone
    Hi Josh,
    Your sage advice are awesome.

    I just found this old thread, and as you can see it's now 2011.
    Adobe now has the new Acrobat X Pro product. Can I still use
    their new product to embed video? Or has that now been eliminated?

    Thanks.

    Brent.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3579904].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author John Henderson
      Brent,

      You might be interested to know that "PDF Printer Pro" allows you to embed videos into PDF files, but there's no Mac or Linux version -- it's only available as a Windows application. I think it costs $20.
      » PDF Printer - Multimedia PDF Converter creates Audio and Video PDFs » PdfPrinterPro.com

      The site contains a video that shows the embedding process.

      Best wishes,
      John.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3580660].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author SamirSM
        I always wonder why people need to be taught things when they could just go through the documentation!

        Seems like I totally missed out on this embedding thing.

        Thanks a lot!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3580682].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Pubster
        Originally Posted by John Henderson View Post

        Brent,

        You might be interested to know that "PDF Printer Pro" allows you to embed videos into PDF files, but there's no Mac or Linux version -- it's only available as a Windows application. I think it costs $20.
        » PDF Printer - Multimedia PDF Converter creates Audio and Video PDFs » PdfPrinterPro.com

        The site contains a video that shows the embedding process.

        Best wishes,
        John.
        Hey John I was checking out this software you suggested....is it up to date? I mean are the owners still updating it...also appears that maybe part of the software titles from him were sold maybe??....it does not matter to me if the software is kept up to date...just wondering if you had any knowledge on this??? Thanks
        Signature

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3600135].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Sean Kelly
          Originally Posted by Pubster View Post

          Hey John I was checking out this software you suggested....is it up to date? I mean are the owners still updating it...also appears that maybe part of the software titles from him were sold maybe??....it does not matter to me if the software is kept up to date...just wondering if you had any knowledge on this??? Thanks
          Hi Alan (Pubster),

          Yes we still own PDF Printer Pro, it's current and supported.. none of that has changed

          We haven't sold off any of our titles so I'm not sure where that information came from.

          Thanks,
          Sean
          Signature
          http://javadocs.com - Javadocs
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3602372].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Pubster
            Originally Posted by Sean Kelly View Post

            Hi Alan (Pubster),

            Yes we still own PDF Printer Pro, it's current and supported.. none of that has changed

            We haven't sold off any of our titles so I'm not sure where that information came from.

            Thanks,
            Sean
            Hey thanks Sean....you also have some kind of PDF protection software don't you? How good is that as copy protection? Is it solid or merely an inconvenience for someone to copy? I know it is virtually impossible to protect if someone really wants it that knows what they are doing..but if it makes it harder for the less knowledgeable it may be worth it....
            Signature

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3602426].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author GlenH
            Originally Posted by Sean Kelly View Post

            Hi Alan (Pubster),

            Yes we still own PDF Printer Pro, it's current and supported.. none of that has changed

            We haven't sold off any of our titles so I'm not sure where that information came from.

            Thanks,
            Sean
            Hi ,

            With your software, do you think it will ever be possible to embed a video directly into a PDF, rather than have to first embed into the 'Word' doc.?

            I know looking at Josh's example here:

            How to Add Video and Audio to a PDF document that with Adobe Acrobat you can embed a video directly into an already generated PDF.

            Is that ability to add video directly into a PDF something that will always be exclusive to Adobe Acrobat?
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3604232].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author blackbeltbob
              You guys shared alot of great info on adding videos to PDFs, good job
              Signature
              Robert Reuter "Black Belt Bob" http://www.BookCoverOmatic.com
              http://www.ResellRightsCoaching.com - Video Tutorials Turn PLR into MRR
              http://www.PLRBizKit.com - 177 Resell Rights
              http://minisitewebsitetemplates.com/ -Biggest Graphics Set You Have Ever Seen 48 PLR, MRR, Resell Rights
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3607774].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author skyla
                Thanks for this information, am just watching the video now. I was concerned about doing this due to increasing the file size and didn't want to have clients dealing with download issues.

                Extremely helpful!
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3618964].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author Kevin AKA Hubcap
                  Originally Posted by skyla View Post

                  Thanks for this information, am just watching the video now. I was concerned about doing this due to increasing the file size and didn't want to have clients dealing with download issues.

                  Extremely helpful!
                  Yeah, it all depends on how many and how long the videos are. It's best to use them to reinforce/reemphasize points being made in your text. That being said it's a powerful method that's easily accomplished.

                  It separates you from your competitors and allows you to charge a higher price.

                  And don't forget you can also add flash.

                  Kevin

                  P.S.--This is just the beginning. With tablets becoming so popular you'll start seeing more multi-media elements added to "e-books" (I don't like that term), especially how to and reference type material.
                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3622475].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author fgrimes
    Do you happen to know the best software to embed video that is similar to Iworks - Pages for PC?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3581315].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author GlenH
      Just to clarify something...

      .... say I had a PDF ( that I did NOT own) and I wanted to embed a video into that PDF.

      It's obvious that I can't do that unless there is also a blank space within that PDF to add a video in because text can't be moved or or pages added to allow for a video
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3583278].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author txconx
        Originally Posted by GlenH View Post

        Just to clarify something...

        .... say I had a PDF ( that I did NOT own) and I wanted to embed a video into that PDF.

        It's obvious that I can't do that unless there is also a blank space within that PDF to add a video in because text can't be moved or or pages added to allow for a video
        You could if you have the aforementioned Adobe software because you can make it a pop up.

        (Yes, I have Acrobat 9 Pro - this is something I do all the time).
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3583338].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author txconx
    As noted, if you have Acrobat 9 Pro or AcrobatX, you can embed the video directly into the PDF file and nothing else is required.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3583334].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Henry White
    Originally Posted by Charles Harper View Post

    Hello Everyone:

    I am wondering if anyone knows of any special tricks that they have learned with respect to embedding video that other can watch when you send them a PDF. Like do THEY have to have a certain kind of software to view or is there a way to put video and audio into the pdf so that a maximum number of people will be able to watch it easily. I am guessing that you can either embed the video or the link.

    Charles
    I use OpenOffice. It's available for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Solaris, in many languages, entirely free, with great support from the community forums. You can embed audio and movies in slide presentations as well as the more familiar document files, and save them as PDF files.

    OpenOffice.org - The Free and Open Productivity Suite
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3600862].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Glad Warrior
    Josh, you are a Guru man
    Signature
    Money is a symbol of confidence in ourselves!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3602395].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Nickolie0990
    It is a lot cooler and easier then creating an standard ebook. No more typing out tons of words to explain what a 2 min video can do.

    I've been embedding videos in my pdfs for years now, I it has saved me TONS of time. I can now create an entire course within a couple of days, instead of spending hours collecting images and typing out the instructions.

    Mark
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3622508].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author GlenH
      HI

      Does anyone have any definitive numbers on how much the PDF file size will increase by embedding videos compared to the usual 'text and images ' only PDF

      I realize it depends on the length of the video, and also how many videos are embedded into the PDF in the first place.

      Mark, you indicated you were embedding videos into PDF's almost exclusively, so can I ask you this....

      ....I know it will vary, but can you say typically how many videos you might embed into one of your PDF's and what the files size ends up being.

      Thanks

      Glen
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3622563].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author thehermitvi
        Originally Posted by GlenH View Post

        HI

        Does anyone have any definitive numbers on how much the PDF file size will increase by embedding videos compared to the usual 'text and images ' only PDF

        I realize it depends on the length of the video, and also how many videos are embedded into the PDF in the first place.

        Mark, you indicated you were embedding videos into PDF's almost exclusively, so can I ask you this....

        ....I know it will vary, but can you say typically how many videos you might embed into one of your PDF's and what the files size ends up being.

        Thanks

        Glen
        I have embedded videos directly in PDF's with Acrobat 9 Pro Extended and they don't compress much. If I have just a 20mb video in the pdf when the pdf is created it creates a file of 19.3 mb.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4442996].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Web Junkie
    I'm in the process of creating PDF's for some of my offline clients, and need to add some videos. Making a huge file is not an option - So I did a bit of research. Turns out that Adobe released a free widget that allows you to stream youtube vid's from your PDF. I just tried it out & it is working great!

    The YouTube Widget for Acrobat – The PDF Developer Junkie Blog

    For those of you that don't have the full version of Acrobat - Download the 30 day trial..

    I hope that this helps out a few Warriors...
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3820927].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Craw
    Hi Folks,

    I am trying to do this a little differently, and running into a problem.

    I do not want to host the video remotely. I want to embed it.
    However, I want the video to be an optional part of viewing this PDF, and not display a large video window in the PDF.

    I want the reader to click a video icon, and that launches the embedded video.

    So, You can do this with the Button Tool. You draw the button, specify the icon image to use, and in the Action tab, you tell it that on MouseUp, Play Media (Acrobat 6 and later Compatible).

    Two days ago, I did this with a test .mov file and it worked great!!!

    I thought I would try it with an MP4 file instead, since it's 1/3 the file size.

    However, today, when I try to do this with either an MP4 or MOV file, I get the message:

    "There is no Acrobat 6 and later compatible media in this document, therefore an action cannot be created."

    Thing is....I have both an MP4 and a MOV file attached and saved with the PDF.

    I can find no list of what makes a file "Acrobat 6 Compatible" nor any list of supported file types for this Media option.

    Any help?

    I swear, this worked 2 days ago with an MOV. :-)
    I also tried a .WMV and I got the same message.

    This is using Acrobat 7, but I just tested in Acrobat 8 and got the same results (tho they moved the Button tool under Advanced > Forms now.)

    Any thoughts appreciated!

    -The Craw
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3868249].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author thehermitvi
    A quick question on this subject. If you are using an FLV video in the PDF will they play on the iBooks?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4443006].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author baokhau
    Originally Posted by Charles Harper View Post

    Hello Everyone:

    I am wondering if anyone knows of any special tricks that they have learned with respect to embedding video that other can watch when you send them a PDF. Like do THEY have to have a certain kind of software to view or is there a way to put video and audio into the pdf so that a maximum number of people will be able to watch it easily. I am guessing that you can either embed the video or the link.

    Charles
    PDF Printer can do this. You can check it out.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4478238].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author saqib447
    Banned
    [DELETED]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4814046].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Daniel Evans
      I wasn't even aware that this was possible!

      I might have to review a few reports of mine...
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4814324].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ryanhan
    Thanks Charles for asking the question, Never thought of embedding a video in PDF before!

    and Thanks Josh, For Tutorial of embedding a video in PDF! really helpful.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6756403].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Nicole K
    Talk of Law of Attraction!

    I was mulling over how to make my pdf content even better for some of my clients and here is a complete thread about how you can insert a video. Really!

    This is the best thread by far for me on the Warrior Forum!
    Signature


    .
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6809030].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Paulz
    Thanks for the info on the video embedding
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6809094].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author rabbroon
    What you can do if you promote this way is offer a url to the most recent flash install / available encase some non techi people get a little confused.

    Something like: Dont have Flash Player? Download the latest version here!
    Hope this helps.
    Signature

    Robert Brown
    Skype: rbinternetmarketing

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6809888].message }}
  • {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6809953].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author LifeIsGood
    Hey, thanks, Josh.

    I've known for some time now that you are the 'go to' guy for video (and audio) and have meant to reconnect. Great running in to you again. You are awesome!

    LifeIsGood ~ It's About To Get Even Better!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8185764].message }}

Trending Topics