Adobe Acrobat 9 introduced the concept of a PDF Portfolio. This provides the ability to use PDF as a container for any type of content (other PDF documents, Word, PowerPoint, Video etc) and access this information through a styled user interface that can be customised within Acrobat or externally.
This 2 part tutorial explains how to create a PDF Portfolio, add content and set properties for distribution to users with Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader 9 or higher.
See final note in this tutorial for users with Acrobat/Reader versions earlier than 9
PDF Portfolio Example
This screen shot shows a PDF portfolio using the Revolve layout. Clicking on any of the visible items or the arrows on the left or right side will bring the items to the front.
Double clicking on an item will open it in either Adobe Acrobat/Reader or will bring up a dialog asking if the file can be opened in an external viewer e.g. if a Word document was to be part of a Portfolio a message would appear that would allow the document to be opened in Word (if that application was installed).
Creating a PDF Portfolio
From Acrobat Pro select Create PDF Portfolio from the File menu
Portfolio Layouts
An Edit PDF Portfolio panel will appear on the right hand side of the application. This allows options such as the layout for the Portfolio to be selected.
Adding Content
A Portfolio can store any type of document type within it.
1. To add files and folders of data, simply drag and drop files into the left hand panel indicated by the instructions on the screen.
2. A set of controls at the bottom of the screen allow files and folders to be added. An option also exists to create a new folder and then add files.
Content View in a Portfolio
Set the Portfolio type from the Choose a Layout – right hand panel.
Each selection will alter the physical appearance of the file/folder content of the Portfolio.
Setting the Revolve Layout
This screen shot shows the Revolve layout view.
Setting Basic View Properties
The style of the Portfolio elements can be set to display different sizes and various sized areas for description text.
Setting Colour information
A preset colour scheme or custom colour scheme can be applied to the Portfolio.
Previewing the PDF
The Portfolio view:
1. Navigation arrows
2. Navigation icons
3. Navigation breadcrumbs
4. Navigation Home icon
5. Search
Portfolios for Acrobat versions < 9
If a Portfolio is opened in a version of Acrobat/Reader prior to version 9 – all of the files will still be available from the Attachments panel in Acrobat but will NOT display using the interactive Portfolio view.
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