PDF Portfolio into single pdf (Error)

[lisae64282064]

I am trying to combine files into a single pdf but it only saves as a portfolio. When I uncheck that box in options, there's an error that reads "warning: merged document will no longer comply with ISO 15930 (pdf/x)

[Test Screen Name]

You say it's an error but the message says it's a warning. Are you sure it's an error? If it's a warning please see the discussion in Warning: Merged document will no longer comply with ISO 15930 (PDF/X)

[lisae64282064]

Yes, its a warning and I don't know what it means. I read the thread you linked and I have no idea what that stuff means either. I don't know what ISO 15930 is or how the files are or are not compliant with it.

[Test Screen Name]

PDF/X is a special kind of PDF made for professional printing. If you are in the professional printing world (that is, files are taken away and printed like a magazine etc.) this might be interesting to you. Otherwise PDF/X is not really anything to worry about.

The point is that you can't just dump several PDF/X files together and make a new PDF/X; it needs special work. But if you aren't in professional printing ignore the warning; the result will be fine for all other purposes.

[lisae64282064]

I ignore the warning, combine the files anyway and the first file recurs as all the other files when the binder is created. How do I get it not to do that?

[Test Screen Name]

Ah, that sounds a separate problem not related to the warning. I assume your PDF files are each copies of the same form, filled in differently? If you combine them you make one big form. It's a rule of forms that, if two fields have the same name, then they will have the same stuff in them.

So this is normal and by design; and a key reason why portfolios were invented.

[lisae64282064]

Yes, its a fillable form. I have 15 forms filled out by different people and the idea was to combine them into one long file. I spent a very long time on the phone with adobe support, who talked me through a workaround. The problem was that when they were combined, the fields that were filled more than the original space allowed and you had to scroll to view the rest, was cut off, no scrolling available. If you're telling me there's no way its possible to combine into a binder and retain all features, I'll have to go back to the person who requested this and hope that a portfolio is ok.

[Test Screen Name · Accepted solution]

What you're combining into isn't a binder: in fact the portfolio is a binder. What you're combining into is a single normal file. Flattening the fields will stop scrolling though. The only way you could do this would be to rename ALL the fields in ALL the forms after the first, so all are unique. If you have all day to spend it might be possible.

[lisae64282064]

They don't pay me enough to do that, I've already spent a lot more time on this than I should've to make it work. I was just trying to do my due diligence. Thanks for your guidance though, it was very helpful.