How to combine multiple forms into one PDF?

Forum|Forum|7 years ago
November 15, 2018
3 replies
6618 views

I have created a form and sent it out to many users. They submit the form back to me and I need to combine many into one PDF. Since they share the same field name, it wants to merge the information. In order to prevent that, it suggest creating a PDF Portfolio. If I do that after combining the files it launches the Portfolio but I see nothing other than an Adobe Logo suggesting the best way to view Portfolio is with Reader (which I have) and an action tab to get Adobe Reader.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Cody

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Correct answer try67

Yes, it's called flattening. Once you flatten the form the fields turn into static contents and you could merge multiple files without losing data.

codye41784913Author

Known Participant

So as I work through this I am able to combine forms and save as a portfolio. Unfortunately, portfolio limits my functionality. I am unable to view the entire contents as one document, and limits my printing options. Furthermore, if I try to delete unwanted pages before combining into the portfolio that's when I get the Adobe screen with the "Get Reader" action button. For whatever reason if I do not delete any pages then it will combine into a portfolio.

So in essentially, back to square one, sorta. Once I get the forms submitted to me, is there any way to make it so that that pdf is no longer recognized as a form. That way I can combine them into a pdf without merging the fields?

try67Correct answer

Braniac

Yes, it's called flattening. Once you flatten the form the fields turn into static contents and you could merge multiple files without losing data.

try67

Braniac

A bit of a task when dealing with large quantities of files, but does the trick. Would be nice to have the ability to multi select many files and flatten at once.

You can easily do it with an Action, if you have Acrobat Pro.

Simply have it execute the following JavaScript command on your files:

this.flattenPages();

And then save them. Just remember this process is not reversible, so it might be a good idea to keep a backup copy of the originals.

codye41784913Author

Known Participant

Sorry.... appears to be a simple fix. I am currently downloading Acrobat XI with my archaic internet so in 20 min or so I should have this problem solved.