Combine Multiple Exhibits into One PDF
Merge your stamped exhibits into a single court-ready document with automatic table of contents and clickable bookmarks. Perfect for trial binders, motion filings, and e-filing submissions.
Create Your Exhibit Binder NowThe Multi-File Submission Problem
Courts often require single-file submissions, but you have 50+ stamped exhibits as separate PDFs:
- ×E-filing systems limit you to 20 attachments—you have 75 exhibits to submit
- ×Judge requests "combined exhibit binder with index" but you don't have time to manually merge in Acrobat
- ×Opposing counsel can't navigate 100 separate files—they demand organized submission
- ×You need a table of contents showing "Exhibit A - Page 2, Exhibit B - Page 5" but creating one manually takes hours
Manually merging PDFs and creating indices takes 2+ hours. Courts need submissions today.
ExhibitPrep's Auto-Combine Solution
After stamping your exhibits, enable "Combine into Single PDF" and ExhibitPrep automatically merges all documents, generates a table of contents with page numbers, and adds clickable bookmarks—all in 30-60 seconds.
Automatic Merging
All stamped exhibits combine into a single PDF in sequential order. No manual drag-and-drop into Acrobat. Preserves original page sizes and orientations.
Table of Contents Generation
Auto-generated index page listing each exhibit label with corresponding page number. Inserted at the front of the combined PDF for easy reference.
PDF Bookmarks
Clickable sidebar navigation in any PDF reader. Click "Exhibit C" to jump directly to that document. Essential for 50+ page exhibit binders.
How to Combine Exhibits with Table of Contents
Follow these steps to create a professional exhibit binder with navigational aids:
Stamp All Individual Exhibits
Upload all your PDF documents and stamp them with proper exhibit labels. Use auto-labeling (A-Z or 1-100) for sequential numbering or customize labels individually.
Enable "Combine into Single PDF"
In the output settings panel (located below the preview), toggle the "Combine into Single PDF" option. This tells ExhibitPrep to merge all stamped exhibits instead of downloading them separately.
Add Table of Contents
Select "Add Table of Contents" checkbox. ExhibitPrep will generate an index page listing all exhibits with their labels and page numbers. This page is inserted at the front of the combined PDF.
Add PDF Bookmarks
Enable "Add Bookmarks" to create clickable navigation in the PDF sidebar. Each exhibit becomes a bookmark—clicking it jumps directly to that section.
Download Combined Document
Click "Stamp All Exhibits" and ExhibitPrep will merge all documents, generate the table of contents, add bookmarks, and prepare the combined PDF for download. The entire process takes 30-60 seconds for typical exhibit sets.
Combined PDF Features in Detail
Table of Contents Structure
The auto-generated table of contents includes:
- •Exhibit Label: The label you assigned (A, B, C or 1, 2, 3 or custom text)
- •Document Name: Original filename for reference (optional)
- •Page Number: Starting page number in the combined PDF
- •Professional Formatting: Clean table layout with borders and alignment
PDF Bookmark Navigation
Bookmarks provide instant navigation:
- •Sidebar Panel: Bookmarks appear in left sidebar of PDF readers
- •One-Click Navigation: Click any bookmark to jump to that exhibit
- •Hierarchical Structure: Bookmarks organized by exhibit sequence
- •Universal Support: Works in Adobe Acrobat, Preview, Chrome, Edge, Firefox
Preservation of Original Documents
When combining, ExhibitPrep preserves:
- •Page Sizes: Mix letter, legal, tabloid pages in one PDF
- •Orientations: Portrait and landscape pages together
- •Exhibit Stamps: All stamps remain visible and positioned correctly
- •Image Quality: No compression or quality loss during merge
Optional Flattening for Tamper-Proof Submission
Enable "Flatten PDF" before combining to:
- •Prevent Editing: Stamps become permanent, can't be removed
- •Court Compliance: Some jurisdictions require flattened exhibits
- •File Size Reduction: Flattening often reduces PDF size by 20-30%
When to Combine Exhibits
Trial Exhibit Binders (50-200 Exhibits)
Use Case: You're preparing for trial and need to submit a comprehensive exhibit binder with 150 documents ranging from contracts to photos to expert reports.
Solution: Stamp all 150 exhibits individually, then combine into a single PDF with table of contents and bookmarks. Judge and opposing counsel can navigate easily via bookmarks. Print physical copies from the combined PDF for courtroom use.
Summary Judgment Motions (20-50 Exhibits)
Use Case: You're filing a motion for summary judgment with 35 supporting exhibits (declarations, discovery responses, contracts, emails).
Solution: Combine all exhibits into a single PDF with table of contents. E-filing systems often limit attachments—combined PDF solves this. Table of contents helps judge quickly reference "Exhibit M - Plaintiff's Deposition Transcript - Page 42."
Appellate Record Compilation (100+ Documents)
Use Case: You're assembling the appellate record with trial transcripts, motions, rulings, and evidence exhibits—over 200 documents.
Solution: Stamp and combine all documents into a master PDF with detailed table of contents. Appellate courts require organized records with page references. Bookmarks allow justices to navigate 500+ page records efficiently.
E-Filing with Attachment Limits
Use Case: Your court's e-filing system allows maximum 20 attachments per submission, but you have 45 exhibits to file.
Solution: Combine all 45 exhibits into a single PDF. Upload as one attachment labeled "Exhibits A-AS Combined." Court clerk can navigate via table of contents and bookmarks.
Time Savings: Manual vs. ExhibitPrep
Manual Process (Adobe Acrobat)
- 1. Stamp each exhibit individually (5 min × 30 exhibits = 150 min)
- 2. Open Acrobat "Combine Files" tool (2 min)
- 3. Drag 30 files into combiner (5 min)
- 4. Merge files (3 min)
- 5. Manually create table of contents in Word (20 min)
- 6. Export TOC as PDF and insert at front (5 min)
- 7. Manually add bookmarks one by one (30 min)
Total: ~3.5 hours
ExhibitPrep Automated
- 1. Upload 30 exhibits (1 min)
- 2. Choose auto-labeling A-Z (5 sec)
- 3. Configure stamp style (30 sec)
- 4. Enable "Combine + TOC + Bookmarks" (10 sec)
- 5. Click "Stamp All" (5 sec)
- 6. Wait for processing (60 sec)
- 7. Download combined PDF (10 sec)
Total: ~5 minutes
Save 3+ hours per exhibit set. ExhibitPrep pays for itself in one use.
Create Your Court-Ready Exhibit Binder in Minutes
Upload your documents, stamp them automatically, and download a combined PDF with table of contents and bookmarks—all in one seamless workflow. Preview before paying.
Combine Your Exhibits Now$14.99 Day Pass for unlimited exhibits • Preview before paying • No subscription required
Frequently Asked Questions
Why combine exhibits into a single PDF?
Many courts require single-file submissions for e-filing systems. Combined PDFs with table of contents also make navigation easier for judges, opposing counsel, and jury members. Instead of opening 50 separate files, reviewers can navigate through bookmarks in one organized document. This is especially critical for trial exhibit binders and summary judgment motions with large document sets.
What is a PDF table of contents?
A PDF table of contents is a text page inserted at the beginning of the document listing all exhibits with their corresponding page numbers. For example: "Exhibit A - Contract - Page 2, Exhibit B - Invoice - Page 5, Exhibit C - Email - Page 7". This allows readers to quickly locate specific exhibits without scrolling through the entire document. ExhibitPrep auto-generates this based on your exhibit labels.
What are PDF bookmarks?
PDF bookmarks (also called "outlines") are clickable navigation links in the sidebar of PDF readers like Adobe Acrobat or Preview. When you click a bookmark, the PDF jumps directly to that section. For exhibit binders, bookmarks might be "Exhibit A", "Exhibit B", etc. Clicking "Exhibit C" instantly navigates to that exhibit—much faster than scrolling or searching. ExhibitPrep creates bookmarks automatically based on your exhibit labels.
Do courts accept combined exhibit PDFs?
Yes! Most modern courts prefer combined PDFs, especially for e-filing. Many court e-filing systems have file limits (e.g., max 20 attachments per submission), making combined PDFs essential for large exhibit sets. Some courts explicitly require exhibit binders to be submitted as single PDFs with tables of contents. Always check your local court rules, but combined PDFs are widely accepted and often preferred.
Can I combine exhibits of different sizes (letter, legal, tabloid)?
Yes. ExhibitPrep preserves the original page size of each exhibit when combining. If Exhibit A is letter-size and Exhibit B is legal-size, the combined PDF will contain both sizes. Most PDF readers handle mixed page sizes seamlessly. If your court requires uniform sizing, enable the "Shrink to Letter" option before combining to standardize all pages.
How long does it take to combine 100 exhibits?
Combining happens in your browser and typically takes 30-60 seconds for 100 single-page exhibits. Larger exhibits (multi-page documents) take longer—roughly 1-2 minutes for 100 documents totaling 500 pages. ExhibitPrep shows real-time progress as it merges files, generates the table of contents, and adds bookmarks. Much faster than manual PDF merging in Acrobat.