How do I add both PDFs and Excel files to a PDF Portfolio in Acrobat?

Open Acrobat and start a new PDF Portfolio. Click Add Files and choose your PDF files. Click Add Files again to pick your Excel files. Repeat for any other files you want. Click Create to finish the Portfolio.

What is a PDF Portfolio and why would I use it instead of combining files?

A PDF Portfolio is a special type of file in Acrobat that holds many different files together, like a folder. Each file inside keeps its original type, so a Word file stays a Word file, and a spreadsheet stays a spreadsheet. You use a Portfolio when you want to send or keep files together but not mix them into one PDF. This is useful if you have files of different types or need to keep the original versions for editing later.

If my scan is blurry, will putting it in a PDF Portfolio fix the quality?

No, adding a blurry scan to a PDF Portfolio will not fix the scan's quality. The Portfolio only keeps your files together; it does not change or improve them.

How is PDF Portfolio different from Combine in Acrobat?

PDF Portfolio Combine. Keeps each file separate Merges everything into one PDF Files keep their original types All files become pages in one PDF Good for mixed types Best for similar files

Why should I keep my PDF Portfolio under 15 files or 50 MB?

Large Portfolios can be slow to open or share. Keeping it small helps Acrobat work better. It is easier for others to download and use.

Access PDF Portfolios in educational settings in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

3 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Show me how to open a PDF portfolio in Adobe Acrobat…+

Show me how to open a PDF portfolio in Adobe Acrobat for [describe your class or project].

when the reply comes backNeed tips for sharing portfolios with classmates?

BImprove — “do it better”Suggest ways to view PDF portfolios more easily in a classroom…+

Suggest ways to view and organize PDF portfolios more easily in a classroom or group setting.

when the reply comes backWant to know how to add files to your portfolio?

CDecide — “help me choose”Help me choose the best device for opening PDF portfolios…+

Help me choose the best device or software for opening PDF portfolios in an educational setting.

when the reply comes backCurious about viewing portfolios on your phone?

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Open Adobe Acrobat on your computer.
2
Go to the location where the PDF Portfolio is saved (such as your desktop, a network drive, or a learning management system download folder).
3
Double-click the PDF Portfolio file or right-click and choose to open it with Adobe Acrobat.
Best practiceIf your PDF Portfolio does not open in Portfolio view, select the file in Acrobat and choose 'Open Portfolio' from the right pane if available.
4
Navigate the Portfolio by clicking on the individual files or folders listed in the left pane or main window.
NotePDF Portfolios can contain multiple types of files, including PDFs, Word documents, images, and multimedia.
5
To view a specific student assignment, digital portfolio, or curriculum material, click its file name within the Portfolio.
6
Use the toolbar options to open, preview, or extract files as needed for review or grading.
Best practiceSome educators recommend extracting files from the Portfolio for easier annotation or offline access.

In the appWith the API

You can quickly preview or extract individual student submissions from a PDF Portfolio without leaving Acrobat.

This runs in the Acrobat app - there is no separate API for this task.

Glossary

words on this page

PDF PortfolioA PDF file that holds several files together, like a folder.ExampleThe client received a PDF Portfolio containing the proposal, budget, and project timeline all in one file.

Adobe AcrobatA program used to view and edit PDF files.ExampleYou use Adobe Acrobat to open and read the instruction manual.

Educational SettingA place where learning happens, like a school or college.ExampleStudents gathered in the university lecture hall for their morning class.

The real tasks

the one, listed here

Combine survey notes and GIS export layers into one reference file that crews can open on-site.

FAQ

about this task

To open a PDF portfolio in Adobe Acrobat, double-click the file or right-click and choose 'Open with' Adobe Acrobat. The portfolio will show a list of the files inside. You can click on any file to view it. This is helpful for reviewing assignments or projects in one place.

A regular PDF is just one document, while a PDF portfolio can hold many files together, like essays, images, and presentations. This makes it easy for teachers or students to keep related work organized in one file.

Teachers use PDF portfolios to collect and review different types of student work all in one file. This helps with organization and makes it easy to give feedback on several assignments at once.

Some mobile apps, like Adobe Acrobat Reader, can open PDF portfolios, but they may not show all features. For the best experience, use a computer with Adobe Acrobat, especially if you need to see or use all the files inside.

Students can share PDF portfolios by sending them through email, uploading to a school platform, or using a USB drive. Make sure everyone has Adobe Acrobat or a compatible program to open and view the portfolio.

Access PDF Portfolios in educational settings

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help