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.

Programmatically generate or manipulate PDF Portfolios in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

3 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Show me code to make a PDF Portfolio from [files]…+

Show me code to create a PDF Portfolio from these files: [list of file names/URLs] using the Adobe PDF Services API.

when the reply comes backWant to add password protection to your Portfolio?

BImprove — “do it better”How can I organize files inside my PDF Portfolio for [purpose]…+

How can I organize or label files inside my PDF Portfolio for [purpose] using the API?

when the reply comes backNeed to include images or spreadsheets too?

CDecide — “help me choose”Should I use a PDF Portfolio or merge files for [scenario]…+

Should I use a PDF Portfolio or just merge files into one PDF for [scenario]? Explain the difference.

when the reply comes backAsk how to send the Portfolio by email automatically.

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Install Adobe Acrobat Pro and ensure JavaScript for Acrobat is enabled in Preferences.
CautionPDF Portfolio creation and manipulation via scripting is only supported in Acrobat Pro, not in Reader.
2
Open Acrobat and create a new blank PDF Portfolio manually to serve as a template.
3
Open the JavaScript console in Acrobat by pressing Ctrl+J (Windows) or Cmd+J (Mac).
4
Use the app.openDoc() and doc.importDataObject() JavaScript methods to programmatically add files to the Portfolio.
NoteAcrobat JavaScript can add attachments, which are the underlying structure of Portfolio files.
5
To extract files from a Portfolio, use the doc.dataObjects property and exportDataObject() method in JavaScript.
6
Save the manipulated Portfolio using the doc.saveAs() method.
7
Test the Portfolio in Acrobat to ensure all files are correctly embedded and accessible.
Best practiceSome blog sources recommend scripting the attachment process in small batches to avoid memory issues with large Portfolios.

In the appWith the API

You can use Acrobat's JavaScript console to automate adding or extracting files in a PDF Portfolio.

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.

API EndpointA web address where your code sends requests to use a service.ExampleYour program sends a request to the API endpoint to retrieve customer information.

AuthenticationHow you prove who you are when using an online service.ExampleEntering your password and a code from your phone provides authentication to access your bank account.

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 create a PDF Portfolio with the Adobe PDF Services API, you send a request to the correct API endpoint with your files and authentication details. The API will return a new PDF Portfolio containing all your files. You can write this in languages like JavaScript, Python, or Java.

Merging PDFs combines all pages into one long document, while a PDF Portfolio keeps each file separate inside a single PDF container. Use a Portfolio when you want to keep original files and types, like PDFs, images, and spreadsheets, together but not mixed.

Yes, you can add many file types, such as Word documents, Excel sheets, images, and more, to a PDF Portfolio using the API. Each file stays in its original format inside the Portfolio.

You need to get API credentials from Adobe, like a client ID and secret. Your code uses these to prove your app is allowed to use the API, usually by sending them in the request headers.

A PDF Portfolio lets you send many files together while keeping their original formats and names. This is helpful if you want to include different file types or keep files separate for easy access.

Programmatically generate or manipulate PDF Portfolios

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help