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.

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

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