How to Create and Run a Batch Sequence in Adobe Acrobat DC
Question details
Users need to know how to perform automated batch processing tasks in Adobe Acrobat DC, which was previously known as batch sequences in older versions.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat DC Pro
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Automating repetitive PDF document workflows, such as applying formatting, transferring bookmarks, or standardizing security settings across multiple files at once.
- Observed behavior
- Users who are familiar with older Acrobat versions cannot find the 'Batch Sequences' feature and need to locate and configure its modern equivalent.
Verify that you have Adobe Acrobat Pro DC installed on your computer, as the advanced batch automation features are not included in the standard or free Acrobat Reader versions.
Use Action Wizard to Create Custom Batch Actions
In Adobe Acrobat DC, the legacy 'Batch Sequences' feature has been upgraded and renamed to 'Action Wizard'. You can use it to build robust, automated sequences of PDF commands.
The Action Wizard allows you to define a specific set of tools and commands that run sequentially on one or multiple PDF files. This is highly effective for preparing final documents, stripping sensitive information, or compressing batches of files before distribution.
Launch Adobe Acrobat Pro DC. Navigate to the 'Tools' tab at the top left of the interface, scroll down to the 'Customize' section, and click on 'Action Wizard'.
In the Action Wizard toolbar that appears at the top, click on 'New Action'. This will open the 'Create New Action' dialog box.
From the 'Choose tools to add' panel on the left, expand the categories to find the actions you need (e.g., Save & Export, Document Processing). Select a command and click the '+' icon in the middle to add it to your action sequence on the right.
For each command added to the sequence, click the gear icon (Specify Settings) to define parameters, such as destination folder, optimization settings, or whether to prompt the user during execution. Uncheck 'Prompt User' for fully automated tasks.
Click 'Save', give your custom action a descriptive name and description, and click 'Save' again. To run it, select the newly created action from the Action List on the right panel, add the files or folders you want to process, and click 'Start'.
Perform Batch PDF Tasks Effortlessly with WPS Office
If you need an easier way to process multiple PDFs without setting up complex action macros, WPS Office provides built-in, dedicated batch processing tools. You can quickly merge, split, compress, and convert documents in just a few clicks.
- 1. Launch WPS PDF Tools: Open WPS Office and navigate to the 'PDF' tab or open the dedicated WPS PDF application.
- 2. Select a Batch Operation: On the top ribbon or the homepage dashboard, click on 'Batch Process'. Choose your required operation such as 'Batch Convert', 'Batch Merge', or 'Batch Compress'.
- 3. Add Your PDF Files: In the pop-up batch tool window, drag and drop all the PDF documents you want to process, or click 'Add Files' to select a folder.
- 4. Execute the Batch Process: Specify your output folder at the bottom of the window and click 'Start'. WPS PDF will process all documents simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Batch Sequence option missing in Acrobat DC?
Adobe overhauled its user interface in Acrobat DC and replaced the old 'Batch Sequences' tool with the 'Action Wizard'. It provides the same functionality but with a modernized, more robust interface located under the Tools tab.
Can I use Action Wizard in Adobe Acrobat Reader?
No, the Action Wizard and custom batch processing tools are exclusive features of the paid Adobe Acrobat Pro DC version. The free Acrobat Reader only permits basic viewing, commenting, and printing.
How do I edit an existing batch action in Acrobat DC?
To modify an action, open the Action Wizard tool, click on 'Manage Actions' in the toolbar, select the action you wish to change, and click 'Edit'. You can then add, remove, or adjust the parameters of any step in the sequence.
How do I automate adding a watermark to multiple PDFs?
In the Action Wizard, create a 'New Action', navigate to the 'Pages' toolset on the left, add the 'Add Watermark' command to your sequence, click the gear icon to customize the watermark text and placement, and save the action. Run it on your selected folder of PDFs.
