> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.acelabusa.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Custom Binders

> Group related pages together in a Custom Binder for a section of your Smart Doc that you fully control.

A **Custom Binder** is a group of pages inside a Smart Doc that you build and organize yourself. Unlike a [Reference Binder](/help-center/working-on-projects/smart-docs-reference-binders), a Custom Binder isn't tied to a schedule, so you decide how many pages it contains and what goes on each page.

## When To Use A Custom Binder

Custom Binders are best for sections that need multiple pages but aren't a 1:1 match with a schedule. Common uses:

* **Section chapters** in a submittal package (for example, a "Finishes" section with an intro, notes, and appendix pages).
* **Standards or guideline packages** where you want related pages grouped and labeled.
* **Manually assembled product cutsheets** where you want to control the layout of each page.

## Adding a Custom Binder

1. Open a Smart Doc.
2. In the left rail, open the **Pages** drawer.
3. Click the **+** next to **Binder**.
4. Choose **Add Custom Binder**.
5. Name the binder in the Binder Inspector on the right.

The new binder appears in the Pages drawer and is empty by default.

## Adding Pages to a Custom Binder

* Click the **+** on the binder's header in the Pages drawer to add a blank page inside it.
* Drag existing loose pages into the binder to move them in.
* Reorder pages within the binder by dragging.

Each page in a Custom Binder is fully editable. Use **Smart Doc Elements**, **Smart Fields**, and **Smart Schedules** the same way you would on a Loose Page.

## Managing a Custom Binder

Select the binder in the Pages drawer to open the **Binder Inspector** on the right, where you can:

* Rename the binder.
* Set default page size, orientation, or background for pages inside the binder.
* Reorder pages within the binder.
* Duplicate or delete the binder from the action menu.

Deleting a Custom Binder deletes all pages inside it.

## Custom Binder vs. Reference Binder

|          | Custom Binder                      | Reference Binder                               |
| -------- | ---------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| Pages    | You add pages manually             | Auto-generated, one per product in a schedule  |
| Content  | Fully manual per page              | Uses the same layout across every product page |
| Best for | Section chapters, custom groupings | Product cutsheets, submittals, spec sheets     |

See [Reference Binders](/help-center/working-on-projects/smart-docs-reference-binders) for the schedule-linked alternative.