"Combine files" stopped working

[heidi_8131]

I use the "combine files" tool almost daily. About a week ago, it started bringing me to a page in Adobe with a grayed out picture of a cloud and rain and a message that simply said "something went wrong. Try again later." I have tried at least twice a day over the past week or more, doing the same steps I have always used to combine files, but have not had any success. I am still getting the same message. All other tools seem to be working fine. So it seems like just this feature is "broken" in some way. Please help!

[heidi_8131]

I will also mention, I have restarted and also completely shut down the computer multiple times. 

[AnandSri · Accepted solution]

Hello @heidi_8131!

I hope you are doing well. Thanks for reaching out, and we're sorry for the trouble you had.

Are you trying to combine the PDF file using the freeware Acrobat Reader desktop app? Are you on a Windows machine or a Mac, and what is the version? Please try combining the files on Acrobat Online services, and see if you still get the same error message. 

Please ensure you have the latest version of Acrobat installed on the machine: 25.001.20474 (Win) | 25.001.20476 (Mac), Apr 28, 2025. Check for any pending updates from the Menu > help > check for updates, install the updates, restart the app and the machine, and try again.

Let us know how it goes.

Thanks,

Anand Sri.

[heidi_8131]

Thank you for the help. I am using the Acrobat Reader desktop app on a windows machine. I just checked for updates with the instructions you gave, and it is the current version number you listed and offered no updates. Using the online services link you posted seems to work. Is there something else I should try to get the desktop version working or do I need to use the online services now to combine files? 

[julia_0256]

Heidi mine is the same problem as yours, all other tools work except combine files which i need desperatley to invoice customers, have you had any success in a remedy for this problem?

[PravalJain]

Hi @heidi_8131  - 

We are working on this issue - This is only an issue when accessing Combine from Reader desktop and not when directly accessing Acrobat web. While we are working on a fix, please continue to directly access Combine files tools in Acrobat web using the link - https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/acrobat/combine-pdf - as a workaround. 

Thanks,

Praval

[fantastic_elegance0178]

Is there an ETA on the update?  I use Combine daily and Adobe Acrobat still allows this but does not actually combine.  It places "bookmarks" on the left of the document but does not combine as one document.  

[heidi_8131]

I feel your pain! I need that tool daily as well to run my business. Using the online link posted farther up in the conversation by the adobe employee did work for me. Just a pain to have to do that work around. But better than nothing! 

[Jose J_Muniz Padilla0109]

I am also having the same issue. I will use the online service. However this is one of the main reason I use Acrobat Reader PRO. Please provide resolution status!

[julia_0256]

Mine still not working after talking with a tech and he said it would be resolved in 6 to 9 hours and that was last week! It’s still not combining and he marked it as resolved!!!
Sent from my iPhone

[Praval Jain · Accepted solution]

This issue is fixed in the latest release - https://www.adobe.com/devnet-docs/acrobatetk/tools/ReleaseNotesDC/continuous/dccontinuousjune2025qfe.... Please update to the latest version and let us know if you are still facing any issues. 

Thanks,

Praval

[fantastic_elegance0178]

Thank you!

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