If you still have to type file names and page counts into Excel after the count, the job is not finished. Bulk PDF counts almost always feed something else: a vendor quote, a production log, a billing worksheet. That means structure. File name, path, page count, and a note when something failed.

The Acrobat method, honestly

Acrobat Pro's Action Wizard can run a step across many files (Adobe Help). The method shared in Adobe's community forum adds a JavaScript step that writes each file name and page count to the JavaScript Console; you then copy the text out and paste it into a spreadsheet (Adobe Community). It works if you already pay for Pro and are comfortable with a script. It is not a report anyone else can repeat. More in FileTally vs Adobe Acrobat.

The direct path with FileTally

  1. Choose the folder that holds the PDFs. Subfolders are included.
  2. Scan locally. The files never leave your PC.
  3. Review statuses. Password-protected or damaged PDFs are listed as Action needed, not counted as zero.
  4. Export to XLSX or CSV. One row per PDF with path, file type, page count and status.
Exported CSV open in a spreadsheet with page count, file type and path for each file
The export. One row per file, ready to sum, filter or attach. Demo data.

Three things to do in Excel next

  • Sum the page column for the total, then compare it with the total in FileTally's summary.
  • Filter by status so only verified counts go on an invoice or production log.
  • Pivot by folder using the path column to get subtotals by custodian, box or batch.

Need something to attach for a client or vendor instead of a spreadsheet? FileTally also saves a printable PDF summary.

If the folder holds Word, Excel or TIFF files too, the complete folder guide is the better start. FileTally includes a 7-day trial that starts on your first scan, so you can export a real spreadsheet before you buy.

Questions people ask

Can Adobe Acrobat export page counts for multiple PDFs to Excel?

Not directly. The common method is an Acrobat Pro Action with JavaScript that writes each file's page count to the JavaScript Console. You copy that text into a spreadsheet yourself.

What columns are in FileTally's export?

Each file is one row with its path, file type, page count and review status. The XLSX opens straight in Excel, and the CSV works in any spreadsheet tool.

Can I get a total page count for many PDFs at once?

Yes. FileTally shows the total for the whole folder tree and the count for every PDF in it. Files that couldn't be counted are listed separately as Action needed.

Does exporting require an internet connection?

No. Scanning and exporting both happen on your Windows PC. The documents are never uploaded.