Build a clear, navigable exhibit binder
Combine your exhibits, add page labels and a table of contents, then review the finished PDF. Keep the editing copy for the changes that come later.
Prepare an exhibit binderOpen a prepared binder before adding your documents
The fictional Harbor Supply matter includes a linked contents page, stamped documents and a rendered text-message transcript. This sample uses PDF page positions in its contents and continuous Bates numbers; the A1-style Trial Binder option is illustrated below.
Choose the numbering you want to print
An exhibit identifier, a page label inside its stamp, and a Bates number do different jobs. These examples use a two-page Exhibit A followed by a one-page Exhibit B.
Exhibit identifiers
Exhibit A · Exhibit B
Identify each document in the set. Choose numbered or lettered labels in stamp setup.
Preview exhibit labelsPage numbers inside the exhibit stamp
Exhibit A · Exhibit A-2 · Exhibit B
Identify each page within its exhibit. Enable Number every page of each exhibit; choose a hyphen or period and whether the first page has a suffix.
See per-exhibit page numberingTrial Binder page labels
A1 · A2 · B1
Print a separate label at the bottom center. Enable page labels and ranges in Trial Binder formatting to use these ranges in the contents.
Build a binder with page rangesContinuous Bates numbers
HSC-0001 · HSC-0002 · HSC-0003
Run a separate sequence across document pages. Set the prefix, starting number and padding, and keep continuity across documents enabled.
Compare Bates numbers and exhibit labelsPage numbering inside the exhibit stamp replaces the separate Trial Binder page label while it is enabled. Bates numbers can be used alongside it. The PDF viewer’s page position also counts contents and divider pages; it can differ from the label printed on an exhibit.
What a trial binder table of contents looks like
This example uses lettered exhibits with page labels and ranges enabled. Your titles, labels, and document lengths determine the finished contents.
| Exhibit | Description | Page labels |
|---|---|---|
| A | Signed agreement | A1–A4 |
| B | Correspondence | B1–B3 |
| C | Site photograph | C1 |
A contents page and category dividers occupy PDF pages too. A1 means the first page of Exhibit A, which may be several pages into the combined file.
Prepare, review, and save
Arrange and label your exhibits
Add your documents, choose the exhibit labels required for your matter, and put the files in order. Add a short title to each exhibit so readers can recognize it in the contents.
Choose Trial Binder formatting
In Settings → Export Options, enable Combine all exhibits into single PDF and Include table of contents with bookmarks. Open Formatting options and choose Trial Binder.
Choose page labels and ranges
Enable Stamp page labels on each page to print labels such as A1 and A2 at the bottom center of exhibit pages. Enable Show page ranges as well to include those ranges in the contents.
Check the prepared PDF
Prepare the set and open the finished combined PDF. Check the first and last page of each exhibit, follow the contents links, and make sure labels do not cover source text.
Save your files and editing copy
Download and open the finished PDF. When Save project is available, keep the project file too so you can reopen the source documents and settings for later changes.
Choose the format your matter requires
Use the exhibit labels required by your court’s local rules and case order. Some courts use letters for one party and numbers for another; others use numbers or assigned ranges for every party. Confirm the scheme before labeling the set.
California Rule of Court 3.1110(c) addresses consecutive Arabic page numbering for papers within its scope. It does not prescribe a plaintiff-number/defendant-letter exhibit scheme or require A1/B1 binder labels.
Read California Rule 3.1110See the binder workflow
Follow the controls and review the generated document.
Loading transcript…
Questions and common fixes
What is Trial Binder mode?
Trial Binder mode adds page labels within each exhibit, such as A1, A2, and B1, using the exhibit labels you choose. It can include a contents page and bookmarks. This is distinct from consecutive numbering through the entire combined PDF; use the format required for your matter.
How is a binder page label different from a PDF page number?
A binder label identifies a page within an exhibit, such as A1. PDF page position counts every page in the combined file, including contents and dividers. The same page could be PDF page 3 and carry binder label A1. Bates numbering is a separate sequence across source-document pages.
Does Standard mode print consecutive page numbers?
Standard contents entries refer to positions in the combined PDF. Choosing Standard does not by itself print a consecutive page number on every page. Check the finished PDF against any pagination requirement for your filing.
Does this format satisfy California court rules?
California Rule of Court 3.1110(c) addresses consecutive Arabic page numbering for papers within its scope. It does not prescribe a plaintiff-number/defendant-letter exhibit scheme or require A1/B1 binder labels. For California motion papers, Rule 3.1110(f) addresses exhibit indexes, separation, and electronic bookmarks, with an exception for self-represented parties in its electronic-bookmark provision. Check the current rule and local instructions for the filing.
Why are A1-style ranges missing from my contents?
Before stamping, enable both Show page ranges and Stamp page labels on each page in Trial Binder formatting. With page labels off, the contents use PDF page positions. Return to setup and prepare the PDF again after changing these options.
Can I reorder exhibits after adding titles?
Yes. Move documents with the reorder controls or drag them into position. Titles remain with their documents. Review the resulting exhibit labels, then prepare the set again to update the finished PDF and its contents.
Can I add dividers?
You can group exhibits into categories and add category divider pages. Check the combined preview to confirm where those pages appear and that contents links still lead to the intended exhibits. See the categories and dividers help article for setup instructions.
How do I revise a binder after downloading?
Choose Make a change to return to setup. Adjust the documents, order, labels, or formatting, then prepare and review the new copy. Saved copies lets you revisit an earlier finished version. Use Save project when available for a file you can reopen later; saving only the finished PDF does not retain all editing details. The tool shows any applicable revision or purchase requirements.
How should I handle confidential exhibits?
Follow the protective order and filing instructions for your matter. A confidentiality stamp does not redact text or seal a filing. Prepare public and restricted sets as required, inspect each finished file, and store it according to your organization’s policy.
How long will preparation take?
Time depends on the number and size of documents, your device, and the review needed. Automatic labels and contents reduce manual formatting, but leave time to check the actual output and correct it before your deadline.