How to Save and Reopen Multiple PDF Files as a Group in Adobe Acrobat
Question details
The user wants to save a group of currently open PDF files so they can all be reopened together in a future session.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Managing multiple related PDF documents for a specific project or workflow.
- Observed behavior
- Adobe Acrobat lacks a native built-in feature to save and restore a session of grouped PDFs together.
Before installing third-party JavaScript tools, ensure your Adobe Acrobat software is updated and that you have administrative permissions to run custom scripts on your computer.
Use an Acrobat JavaScript Session Tool
Since Acrobat does not have a native save session feature, installing a custom JavaScript tool is the most effective way to save and reopen groups of PDFs.
Third-party developers have created custom JavaScript (.js) files that introduce session management to Adobe Acrobat. Once installed, these scripts allow you to save your currently open files as a named session and reload them instantly from the menu bar.
Locate and download a reliable JavaScript-based session manager for Adobe Acrobat, such as those available on Acrobat scripting forums or developer blogs.
Place the downloaded .js file into your system's Acrobat JavaScripts folder (usually found under the Acrobat installation directory or AppData).
Close and reopen Adobe Acrobat to allow the software to load the newly added custom script into the user interface.
Open the PDFs you want to group. Navigate to the newly created menu option (often located under File or Edit) and select the option to save your current open PDFs as a group session.
When returning to your work, open Acrobat and use the load session button from the menu to instantly reopen your saved group of PDFs.
Easily Manage Multiple PDFs with WPS Office
WPS Office opens all your PDF files in a convenient, browser-like tabbed interface. This built-in tab system makes it incredibly easy to switch between documents and manage groups of PDFs without needing any third-party scripts.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office, which natively supports a modern tabbed interface for all your document types.
- 2. Open multiple PDFs: Select and open the group of PDF files you want to work on. They will automatically organize neatly into tabs within a single window.
- 3. Enable session restoration: Go to the Settings menu and configure WPS Office to remember your last opened tabs upon reopening.
- 4. Resume your work: Close the application securely. The next time you open WPS Office, your previous group of PDFs will load exactly as you left them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Adobe Acrobat Reader support third-party JavaScript tools?
While Acrobat Reader can run basic JavaScript, many advanced session management scripts require Adobe Acrobat Pro to function fully due to security and API restrictions in the free Reader version.
Can I use PDF Portfolios to group files instead?
Yes, creating a PDF Portfolio natively in Acrobat allows you to combine multiple PDFs into a single file container. This is a great alternative for opening and viewing related documents together without needing extra scripts.
How do I find the Acrobat JavaScripts folder on Windows?
The folder location varies by OS and Acrobat version, but it is typically found within the Acrobat installation directory under 'Program Files > Adobe > Acrobat > plug_ins > UserScripts' or within your user AppData directory.
