Combining multiple PDFS into one PDF keeping document date

Question

I need to combine over 800 individual PDF files (of individual email from a PST file) into one PDF file, but keeping the original document dates of the individual PDF/email files so that in the large PDF, I can sort them chronologically. What happens, however, is that the "date" becomes the date that I combined the multiple PDFs and I cannot access the true document date to sort by.

Is this possible somehow?

Tariq Ahmad · Answer

Hi @AngieB_88,

Thanks for reaching out with your question.

Acrobat doesn’t preserve the original file system metadata (like “created” or “modified” dates) of individual PDFs when you combine them into a single PDF using the traditional “Combine Files” tool. That metadata is replaced with new information based on when the merged file is created or last saved.

PDF Portfolio (Workaround):

Keeps each PDF file intact and separate within one “container” file.
Preserves original metadata (including modified/created dates, size, and file type).
Allows users to view and open individual PDFs from within the portfolio.
Perfect for audit trails or document collection scenarios.

For more information on PDF Portfolio, please read this: https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/using/create-customize-pdf-portfolios.html

Let us know if you have further questions.

PDF Portfolio (Workaround):

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