How do I create a new Action Wizard to prepare my packets?

Go to 'All tools' in Acrobat Pro. Select 'Use Action Wizard' and then 'New Action'. Add the tasks you want to include, like adding a watermark or securing the file. Choose how the action will apply to files, such as a specific folder. Save your new action with a clear name.

What is the difference between running Action Wizard on a single file versus a folder?

Feature Single File Folder. Purpose Apply steps to one specific document. Apply steps to many documents at once. Efficiency Good for unique, one-off tasks. Saves time for repeated tasks on multiple files. Setup User picks the file each time. Action runs on all files in a chosen folder automatically.

Repeatable Packet Preparation in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

1 way to ask · copy any one

DBecome — “help me grow”Merging spreadsheets and diagrams is a recurring chore that often leaves tables disconnected…+

Merging spreadsheets and diagrams is a recurring chore that often leaves tables disconnected from maps. Propose a standard workflow for combining survey tables and planning diagrams into a single deliverable while keeping source data queryable (file formats, naming, and where to place export tables), one habit to train staff on, and a success metric over the next three feasibility reviews.

when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Open Adobe Acrobat.
2
Select Tools in the main toolbar.
3
Scroll to or search for Action Wizard and select it.
4
Click Create New Action to start creating a new automated workflow.
5
From the list of available actions, select a basic operation such as Save, Print, or Remove Hidden Information and add it to your action by clicking the plus sign or dragging it to the right pane.
6
Optionally, adjust the settings for the selected action in the right pane as needed.
7
Click Save and enter a name for your new action.
8
To run the action, select it from the Action Wizard list and follow the on-screen prompts to select files and execute the workflow.
Best practiceYou can batch process multiple PDFs with a single action to save time, as recommended by experienced users in productivity blogs.

In the appWith the API

You can reuse your saved action any time from the Action Wizard panel to quickly repeat the same steps on new documents.

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

Glossary

words on this page

Action WizardA tool in Adobe Acrobat that lets you set up steps for Acrobat to do automatically.ExampleYou use the Action Wizard to automatically add watermarks and security to all your outgoing PDFs.

Batch processDoing the same task on many files at the same time, instead of one by one.ExampleBatch process lets you watermark 20 photos with your company logo simultaneously.

Digital IDA secure electronic identity used to sign documents or unlock protected files.ExampleYou use your digital ID to securely sign into the company's online portal.

Who does this

3 roles

Document SpecialistRecords ManagerLegal Assistant

FAQ

about this task

Action Wizard is a tool in Acrobat Pro that lets you create a series of steps to apply to one or many PDF files. It is useful because it saves time by automating tasks you do often, making sure all your documents are processed in the same way every time. This helps keep your work consistent and efficient.

Go to 'All tools' in Acrobat Pro.
Select 'Use Action Wizard' and then 'New Action'.
Add the tasks you want to include, like adding a watermark or securing the file.
Choose how the action will apply to files, such as a specific folder.
Save your new action with a clear name.

Yes, Action Wizard is designed to run in batch mode, meaning it can process many PDFs at once. You can set it to apply your custom action to an entire folder of documents. However, be aware that processing very large numbers of files (thousands) can cause Acrobat to slow down significantly. For best performance, it's recommended to keep batch sizes to around 100-200 files per run.

Action Wizard can sometimes fail when converting many PDFs to formats like DOCX due to resource limitations or issues with specific PDF content. Complex PDFs or a very large number of files can put a strain on the software, leading to errors. Also, JavaScript steps within an action can sometimes fail silently without giving an error message. It's best to try converting smaller batches or check for any problematic files.

Feature	Single File	Folder
Purpose	Apply steps to one specific document.	Apply steps to many documents at once.
Efficiency	Good for unique, one-off tasks.	Saves time for repeated tasks on multiple files.
Setup	User picks the file each time.	Action runs on all files in a chosen folder automatically.

Repeatable Packet Preparation

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help

When it fails