Cannot save combined files in Windows if file size exceeds 2 GB

Last updated on Apr 24, 2025

Issue

If you combine files into a single PDF that exceeds 2 GB, Acrobat displays the file as a binder. An error message appears when saving this binder: "The document could not be saved. This file is too big for the current operation."

Environment

Windows

Cause

Acrobat is designed to have a 2GB limit for saving linearized PDF files.

Workaround

To bypass the error, disable linearization before saving the file.

In Acrobat, Select Menu > Preferences.
From the list of Categories, choose Documents, then deselect the Save As optimizes for Fast Web View option.
Select OK.