How to Preserve Bookmarks, Links, and Language When Combining PDFs
Question details
The user needs to maintain document language, bookmarks, and internal links when combining accessibility-tagged PDF chapters.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat XI
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Merging multiple PDF chapters that contain specific accessibility tags and navigation features into a single, comprehensive file.
- Observed behavior
- The merging process alters the document structure, stripping away the document language, breaking internal links, and removing bookmark destinations from the final PDF.
Create copies of your original, fully-tagged PDF chapters so that you can reference the original accessibility structure and bookmarks if they fail to merge properly.
Combine PDFs and Repair Metadata Manually
Merge the PDF files using a supported, updated version of your PDF editor, then manually reapply document properties and repair broken navigation elements.
Combining PDFs inherently restructures the internal document tags, which often causes older PDF software like Acrobat XI to drop complex metadata. Upgrading to the latest software version can minimize this loss, but some manual corrections are usually required.
Open your PDF editor and use the Combine Files tool to merge your chapters into a single document.
Go to the Document Properties menu (usually File > Properties), select the Advanced tab, and set the Reading Options Language back to your required language.
Open the Bookmarks panel to inspect for broken destinations. Right-click any broken bookmark, select Properties, and assign the correct target page. Repeat this process for broken internal hyperlinks using the Edit Link tool.
Use the built-in Accessibility Checker to ensure the final document maintains a logical reading order and proper structural tags.
Generate the PDF from the Original Source Files
Bypass the PDF merging process entirely by combining the chapters within the original authoring software before exporting the final PDF.
Merge PDFs Seamlessly with WPS Office
WPS Office offers a robust PDF toolkit that simplifies the process of merging documents. With its intuitive interface, you can easily combine multiple PDFs while utilizing built-in tools to manage bookmarks, edit links, and configure document properties.
- 1. Open WPS Office: Launch WPS Office on your computer and click on the 'PDF' tab from the home screen.
- 2. Select the Merge PDF tool: Click on 'Merge PDF' from the available tool list to open the merging utility.
- 3. Add your files: Click 'Add Files' and select the PDF chapters you wish to combine. Arrange them in the correct sequential order.
- 4. Merge the documents: Click the 'Merge' button to generate your combined PDF, then use the left-hand navigation panel to review and organize your bookmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do bookmarks disappear when I merge PDF files?
When PDFs are combined, the internal page numbering and destination targets change. If the software cannot automatically recalculate these new target locations, it may drop the bookmarks to prevent broken navigation.
Can I combine PDFs without losing structural accessibility tags?
Yes, but it depends on the software version you are using. Modern PDF editors are much better at preserving structural tags during a merge compared to outdated versions like Acrobat XI. Alternatively, merging the original source files (like Word documents) and exporting a fresh PDF guarantees the tags remain intact.
How do I fix internal links that broke after combining PDFs?
You can fix broken internal links using the 'Edit Link' or 'Edit PDF' tools in your software. Select the broken link, open its properties or actions menu, and manually point it to the correct target page within the new, combined document.
Does WPS Office support merging PDF files?
Yes, WPS Office includes a dedicated 'Merge PDF' feature in its premium toolset, allowing you to combine multiple PDF documents into one cohesive file easily.
