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.

Integrate PDF Portfolio creation into automated workflows in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

3 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Set up an automated workflow to collect files from [system]…+

Set up an automated workflow to collect files from [system] and create a PDF portfolio using Adobe Acrobat.

when the reply comes backWant to add password protection to your PDF portfolio?

BImprove — “do it better”Suggest ways to make my PDF portfolio integration with [platform]…+

Suggest ways to make my PDF portfolio integration with [platform] faster or more reliable.

when the reply comes backNeed to share the portfolio link with your team automatically?

CDecide — “help me choose”Help me choose between [Power Automate], [Salesforce], or [Teams]…+

Help me choose between [Power Automate], [Salesforce], or [Teams] for creating automated PDF portfolios.

when the reply comes backCurious how to add more file types to your portfolio?

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

The tool

Adobe Acrobat

Acrobat Pro (Desktop, with integration via Power Automate or Zapier)

1
Install Adobe Acrobat Pro on a Windows machine that will act as your automation host.
CautionAdobe Acrobat Pro must be installed locally; cloud-only versions do not support automated PDF Portfolio creation.
2
Prepare a folder on the host machine where source PDF files for each portfolio will be placed by your workflow.
3
Create a custom script (e.g., using JavaScript for Acrobat or a Windows batch file) that opens Acrobat, creates a new PDF Portfolio, and adds all files from the source folder.
Best practiceCommunity scripts are available online to automate portfolio creation via Acrobat's JavaScript API; adapt them for your workflow.
4
Test the script manually to ensure it creates a PDF Portfolio as expected, with all files included.
5
Set up a Power Automate or Zapier workflow that triggers when new files are added to the source folder or when a specific event occurs (e.g., file upload, form submission).
6
Configure the workflow to run the custom script on the host machine using a connector or agent (e.g., Power Automate Desktop's 'Run a program' action or Zapier's 'Code by Zapier' with a webhook to a local automation tool).
NoteThe automation host must be online and able to run desktop scripts for this integration to work.
7
Set the script to save the resulting PDF Portfolio to a designated output folder.
8
Add a step in your workflow to move, email, or upload the generated PDF Portfolio to its final destination (e.g., SharePoint, email, cloud storage).

In the appWith the API

You can use Acrobat's Action Wizard to semi-automate portfolio creation, but full automation requires scripting and external workflow tools.

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.

IntegrationConnecting two different apps so they work together automatically.ExampleThe integration between the calendar and email apps sends meeting invites automatically.

WorkflowA series of steps followed to complete a task, often using different apps.ExampleThe workflow for approving an expense report involves submitting it, then manager review, then finance processing.

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

You can use Power Automate to set up a flow that collects files from different sources and sends them to Adobe Acrobat, which then creates a PDF portfolio automatically. This means you don’t have to do it by hand each time.

By connecting Acrobat and Salesforce, you can automatically gather documents from your sales records and turn them into a single PDF portfolio, saving time and making it easier to share information with your team or clients.

Yes, you can set up a workflow that picks up files from Teams folders and sends them to Acrobat to create a PDF portfolio, so you don’t need to download and combine them yourself.

A PDF portfolio keeps each file separate inside one PDF, so you can include different types of documents and keep them organized, while merging just combines them into one long document.

Automation saves you time and reduces mistakes, especially when you need to collect files from different places often. It makes the process quick and consistent.

Integrate PDF Portfolio creation into automated workflows

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help