Combining multiple PDFS into one PDF keeping document date

[AngieB_88]

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]

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.