Combine Multiple PDFs Into A Portfolio
A PDF portfolio is one file containing multiple individual PDF files.
Think of a PDF portfolio as a container for other files. It’s kind of like a .zip file that allows storage and portability of multiple files in one file. Unlike a zip file, the PDF portfolio has a handy user interface (UI) that makes navigation easy. In the panel on the left of the screen are file names with icons.
To navigate between files, simply click one of the files in the panel. Alternatively, you can click the left or right arrows pictured in the image above to advance through the files one-at-a-time. The files will display in the main window. There’s also an Open Document button on the right. Using that button will open the document separate from the portfolio.
How To Create A Portfolio
From the Adobe Acrobat menu select File > Create Portfolio.
Add files or entire folders of files using the dropdown, OR
Drag and drop files into the window.
Click Create.
Save the file (File > Save As).
Other Options
Once the portfolio is created you can add more files by using the Add Files dropdown at the top of the files panel.
The portfolio files can be arranged into separate folders by clicking the folder icon in the files panel, naming the folder, then dragging the file icons into the folder.
Double-click the folder to see the contents in the panel. A back arrow will appear to exit the folder and go back to the main contents.
Non-PDF Files
Other file types like text files (.txt) and Excel files (.xlsx) can be added to the portfolio. However, they are "read-only" and you are not able to interactive with them. When they are selected and the Open Document is clicked, it causes a freeze up requiring a hard restart. I believe the button only opens PDF files.
Other Considerations
Changes to PDFs within the portfolio will be saved when the portfolio is saved.
Individual PDF files in the portfolio maintain their encryption (if any). In other words, if a PDF requires a password to open it, it won't open in portfolio without entering the correct password.
A portfolio can be added to another portfolio. If you do this, the portfolio inside will open as a separate document when it is opened.
Files can be extracted from the portfolio by right-clicking them in the panel and selecting Extract from portfolio.
Coming Soon
Next week I will describe how to create custom PDF file that acts like a portfolio, but is not. Stay tuned…