Adobe Acrobat Pro DC - How can I use the Action Wizard to combine files from one folder?

[catlady01]

I just started using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, because I can no longer use Acrobat X (long story).  I was using the Job Definitions feature in Acrobat X to create and save a list of files in a specific order that I would update and run weekly.  The file names never changed.  All I would have to do is open the Job Definitions and select/run the job.  It would create a beautiful single PDF document from about 90 different PDF files in a very short period of time.  I'm trying to duplicate this effort in Pro DC using the Action Wizard. 

I have done some research, but I can't come up with the answer on my own.  Can someone help me, please?  I can remember years ago calling Adobe and asking why they had removed Job Definitions from subsequent versions, and I was told that they didn't know that what I was doing could be done.  Apparently, I had discovered a use for JDs that no one had thought of.  Amazing.  I'm hoping that the Action Wizard will help me get back to that ease of creating this massive document in a much more timely fashion.  What use to take a few minutes is now taking me an hour or more.

Thanks in advance for your help!!

[try67]

If the exact paths of the files are known there's no need to use an Action. It can be done with a script.

For example, I've developed this (paid-for) tool that allows you to select a text file with file-paths and then it merges them to a single PDF, in the specified order: Custom-made Adobe Scripts: Acrobat -- Combine files to PDF from a list

[catlady01]

So are you saying I need to spend $60 to buy another tool, because this can't be done with the Action Wizard?  I just want to be clear here.  I'm not looking to spend more money.  I'm trying to utilize what I'm already paying for.  Did I just trigger some kind of sales thing with my question??  That is NOT what I was hoping for at all.

Can someone else please help?

[try67]

You can't do it with just an Action. You would need to combine an Action with a script. My method is easier, though, as it allows you to specify the file-order much better than in an Action. Either way you will need to learn how to write the code to do it.

You can start doing so here: Adobe - Acrobat Developer Center | Adobe Developer Connection

[gary_sc]

HI Catlady,

Please, I'm an innocent bystander here. But what you want to do right now cannot be done solely by Acrobat. In addition, you are not first person to be affected by changes in applications caused by every application in recorded time. Things evolve and change, some for the better and some, well, less so.

Try67 is an excellent programmer. He spends an inordinate amount of time on these forums (like I do) to help people where possible. If he knows a way to do something by programming, I can tell you (1) that's how it needs to be done now and (2) he's capable of doing it.

I can't (nor would I) tell you what to do but no one here is trying to get you to part with money for things you need. I do wish you the best of luck to get another mechanism to work this problem out for your needs.

[catlady01]

Thank you for chiming in, Gary.  I appreciate your encouragement regarding Try67.  I haven't used this forum before, so I was a bit wary.  I will purchase his script.  Hopefully, it will help me do what I need to do.

Thanks again, and sorry if I seem aggravated.  This whole situation is quite aggravating to me, but it's not you or Try67.  It's Adobe.  Ugh!

Have a good day! 

[catlady01]

Thank you, try67!  Your script is absolute awesome and works like a charm.  It's completely worth the fee!  I do apologize for my reaction to your kind assistance, but I'm wary of responses that ask for money.  Fortunately, Gary_sc chimed in and put me straight.  I purchased the script and have created several .txt files to use with the tool. 

Thank you so much for your help, and I sincerely apologize for my reaction and for any harsh sounding emails.  It was a frustrating time for me.  Thanks to you, that's over!! 

You are appreciated!!!

[try67]

Thank you, and glad to hear it!

[Bernd Alheit]

With Acrobat Javascript you can combine the files.

[catlady01]

Thanks, Try67...I purchased the script.  I will let you know if it doesn't do what I need.

[try67]

Thanks! Please let me know (via email) if there are any issues with it.

And thank you, gary_sc , for the kind words and for clearing up the air!