How to Combine PDF Files from a Folder in a Fixed Order
Question details
The user needs to automatically combine around 90 PDFs from a specific folder in a predetermined, fixed sequence on a recurring schedule.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Merging a large batch of PDFs recursively while maintaining a strict file sequence that doesn't follow standard alphabetical sorting.
- Observed behavior
- The built-in Acrobat Action Wizard struggles to reproduce the exact ordered file list from an older Acrobat X Job Definition, merging files in system default order instead of the custom sequence.
Gather all your source PDFs into a single dedicated folder and create a plain text (.txt) file listing their exact file paths in the exact sequence you want them merged.
Use Acrobat JavaScript to Merge Files from a Text List
Execute a custom JavaScript in Acrobat to read file paths from a text file and combine them in the specified order.
Because Action Wizard processes files based on standard folder sorting (like alphabetical order), it cannot reliably maintain a custom fixed order for recurring tasks. Utilizing a JavaScript tool that reads from a predetermined text file ensures your 90+ PDFs are merged in the exact sequence you need without manually renaming them.
Open Notepad and type the absolute file path of each PDF on a new line, ordered exactly as you want them to appear in the final merged document. Save this as a .txt file.
Launch Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, navigate to 'Tools', and select 'Action Wizard'.
Click 'New Action'. Instead of selecting a folder, choose to execute a JavaScript. Insert a custom JavaScript code designed to read your text file paths and execute the merge operation.
Save the Action and click on it in the Action Wizard panel to run. The script will automatically locate the files from your text list and compile them into a single PDF in the fixed order.
Use a Third-Party Acrobat Script or Plugin
Install a dedicated Acrobat plugin designed to read file paths and merge PDFs automatically.
Combine PDF Files Easily with WPS Office
While Adobe Acrobat requires complex JavaScripts or paid add-ons to combine files in a specific order, WPS Office provides a highly intuitive, drag-and-drop interface to merge multiple PDFs. It is lightweight, supports rapid batch processing, and keeps your files perfectly organized.
- 1. Launch WPS Office: Open WPS Office on your computer and navigate to the 'PDF' tab on the home screen.
- 2. Access the Merge Tool: Click on 'Merge PDF' from the available PDF toolkit.
- 3. Import Your PDFs: Click 'Add Files' and select the 90+ PDF files you want to combine from your target folder.
- 4. Adjust Order and Merge: Drag and drop the imported file thumbnails to adjust their sequence precisely, then click 'Merge' to generate your final document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Acrobat Action Wizard to merge files without a script?
Yes, Action Wizard can run batch processes on an entire folder, but it processes files in alphabetical or system-default order. It cannot guarantee a strict custom sequence unless you manually rename your files with numbered prefixes.
Why is my PDF merge order scrambling in Action Wizard?
Action Wizard pulls files based on the folder's directory sorting rules rather than an older saved job list. Using a predefined text file with a script bypasses this issue entirely.
Can I fully automate the merging process to run daily?
Yes. If you use a script-based approach combined with system command-line operations or Windows Task Scheduler, you can fully automate recurrent PDF merging tasks without manual intervention.
