Password encrypt a group of files

[nbirkett51]

I am trying to password encrypt a group of files using Acrobat Pro DC.  This used to be fairly easy in Acrobat 9 (using the Batch option).  I understand that I need to use 'actions' on Pro DC.  I have written a simple action but am having two issues, one an annoyance and one a bigger problem.

The annoyance is that I can not find a way to run the action without having a file open in Pro DC.  Even then, the 'actions list' doesn't show up on the list of tools in the right menu listing.

The problem is: when I run the action on a group of files, I have to click 'save' for every file that I want to encrypt.  If you have a long list, this is a pain, and slows down the operation.  In Acrobat 9, the batch process encryption would close each file automatically.  I can see no option to set this up in Pro DC.  Am I missing something?

[try67 · Accepted solution]

Are you on a Mac?

Regarding saving the files: You now need to add an explicit Save command to the Action for the files to be saved after being processed.

You'll find it under the Save & Export section on the left of the Edit Action dialog:

[nbirkett51]

Yes, sorry - I am using an iMac running El Capitan.  I get Acrobat through the CC programme.

Adding the 'save' option works.  Thank you.

[try67]

I believe that on Macs you indeed have to open a document to gain access to the Action Wizard. It's a stupid bug that doesn't exist in the Windows version.

[Karl Heinz Kremer]

Actually, with Acrobat DC Pro it's no longer necessary to have a document open. This was the case with Acrobat XI and earlier, but with DC that changed. When you start Acrobat, you will get a dialog that lists all your previously open documents, but also gives you access to the "Tools" area:

Once you select "Tools", you can then search for the "Action Wizard", and once found, just start it from there:

If you don't see this dialog, you can select Edit>Manage Tools to display it.