Combining PDF Documents

FluentCase allows you to combine multiple PDF documents into a single PDF file, perfect for creating document packages, exhibits, or consolidated filings. Where supported, image files can also be prepared for combined document packets.

When to Combine PDFs

Common use cases for combining PDFs:

  • Court Filings - Combine pleading with exhibits
  • Discovery Responses - Package multiple documents together
  • Client Packages - Create comprehensive document sets
  • Medical Records - Consolidate multiple medical reports
  • Settlement Packages - Combine all settlement documents
  • Exhibit Preparation - Create numbered exhibits

How to Combine PDFs

  1. Navigate to Activity section
  2. Select the Document tag
  3. Select the checkboxes to the left of the files listed
  4. Click on the Combine icon
  5. Provide a name for the new file
  6. Update the document order
  7. Click Combine

Combine Options

Depending on the documents selected, you may be able to configure:

  • Document order - Arrange documents before creating the final PDF.
  • Document date sorting - Sort by document date when chronology matters.
  • Bookmarks - Add PDF bookmarks so reviewers can jump between source documents.
  • Page numbering - Add page numbers for exhibit packets and review copies.
  • Cover page - Add a descriptive first page for the packet.

For large matter file lists, see Document File Management before selecting documents.

Use Cases and Examples

Court Filing with Exhibits

Scenario: Filing a motion with 3 exhibits

  1. Select documents:
    • Motion to Compel (main pleading)
    • Exhibit A - Email correspondence
    • Exhibit B - Medical records
    • Exhibit C - Expert report
  2. Arrange in order
  3. Enable bookmarks
  4. Add page numbers (bottom center)
  5. Name: Motion to Compel with Exhibits - Smith v. ABC
  6. Combine

Result: Single PDF with bookmarks and page numbers, ready to file.

Medical Records Package

Scenario: Sending all medical records to opposing counsel

  1. Select all medical record documents
  2. Sort by date (oldest to newest)
  3. Enable cover page: “Medical Records - John Smith”
  4. Add page numbers
  5. Name: Medical Records Complete - Smith - 2024-01-15
  6. Combine

Result: Professional medical records package with cover page.

Settlement Package

Scenario: Creating a complete settlement package

  1. Select documents:
    • Settlement agreement
    • Release of all claims
    • W-9 form
    • Payment instructions
  2. Add cover page: “Settlement Package - Smith v. ABC Corp”
  3. Add bookmarks for each document
  4. Name: Settlement Package Complete - 2024-01-15
  5. Combine

Result: Complete settlement package ready for client review.

Best Practices

Before Combining

  1. Review Documents - Ensure all documents are correct
  2. Allow OCR Processing Time - Wait for OCR to finish on all documents before combining
  3. Verify Order - Double-check document order
  4. Remove Duplicates - Don’t include the same document twice

Naming Conventions

  • Use descriptive names
  • Include matter name or case number
  • Add date if relevant
  • Follow firm standards
  • Avoid special characters

Organization

  • Tag combined documents appropriately
  • Add description explaining what’s included
  • Link to related activities
  • Note in matter timeline

Quality Control

  • Preview - Review the combined PDF before finalizing
  • Page Count - Verify total page count is correct
  • Bookmarks - Check that bookmarks work correctly
  • OCR - Ensure combined PDF is searchable

Related Articles

Uploading Documents Documents Document File Management Documents OCR Processing Documents