How to Merge PDF Files into One

Knowing how to merge PDF files into one is an essential skill in today's digital world. Whether you're a college student, a CEO of a company, or a department manager, chances are you'll need to assemble multiple PDFs into one file. 

Merging PDF files is an easy way to simplify your workflow, save storage space, and guarantee that all the pertinent information is in one place. In this article, we will discuss 7 ways to combine a single PDF out of several documents.

How we picked the PDF mergers

To test the process of combining PDF files into one, we gathered a diverse set of documents of varying sizes. 

We then followed the step-by-step instructions provided in this tutorial, using both online and offline PDF mergers. Throughout the process, we paid close attention to:

• The user interface;
• The speed of the merge; 
• The ease of use of the tools. 

We checked the merged PDF file for any errors or inconsistencies, including issues with formatting, font, and images.

We found that the PDF combiners we used were efficient and effective in completing the merge, and we would recommend them to anyone looking to combine multiple PDF files. 

Ways to merge PDFs: summary table

Method 1. Icecream PDF Split & Merge

It’s not a secret that combining PDFs is impossible without having a special program preinstalled. Icecream PDF Split&Merge is an ultimate tool to merge PDF and split PDF that can do this job for you in a couple of mouse clicks.

Check this guide to get an idea of how to use it to merge PDF files.

1. Download free PDF merger for Windows and install it on your computer. Follow the wizard step by step and once it’s done, go ahead and launch the PDF combiner.
2. Press the "Merge" icon in the main window.
3. Click the "Add file" button to open your PC's Explorer and import the files from your hard drive. Alternatively, drag and drop the files into the working area.
4. Arrange PDF files. 
   • If you want to change the sequence of the files, select one that you need to move and use the direction buttons on the right side. 
   • Press "Preview" to make sure the files are queued correctly or click on the recycle bin icon that is on the right to the file's name to delete some items from the queue if you want. 
   • You can see the number of pages in each document in the chart and the total page count that your merged file will have.
5. Configure the settings.
   • Select the specific pages or range of pages you want to merge.
   • Specify the output folder for your file. 
   • Type in the title or leave the default one (which includes the word "merged" and the date).
   • Set PDF password and permissions.
6. Click the "Merge" button to start merging PDF files. When the process is complete, you'll see the notification.

PDF Split & Merge

Split and merge PDF documents with a single software. Works with password-protected files, 4 PDF splitting modes and other handy features.

Free Download

Method 2. Adobe Acrobat

Adobe is the industry standard for managing PDF documents and offers a wide range of features to help you edit such files. Employing it provides users with an excellent tool for combining several PDF files together. Here's how:

1. Open the program and select the "Tools" tab.
2. Select "Combine PDF Files" from the menu.
3. Click "Add Files" and choose the PDFs you want to unite.
4. Drag and drop the files to re-order them as needed.
5. Tap "Combine Files".
6. A new window will open with the merged PDF file.
7. Name your file then click "Save".

Combining PDFs with Acrobat is an efficient method of preserving time and energy. It offers advanced features that may not be available with other Adobe alternatives but come with a price tag and complex interface.

Method 3. ABBYY FineReader

ABBYY FineReader is a powerful optical character recognition (OCR) solution that lets you scan and convert paper documents into editable digital formats like Microsoft Word, Excel, and others. It is also possible to combine PDF files with this tool. Look at the steps to get it done:

1. Download and install the PDF merger.
2. Create a folder containing the files you want to merge together.
3. Right-click on them and choose "Combine into one PDF".
4. In the new window set the settings and click "Convert to PDF".
5. Choose the directory and press the "Save" button.

Overall, using this utility to merge two PDF files has its pros and cons. Nevertheless, if you require an OCR-featured option for combining various PDFs into one document, then it is certainly worth trying out.

Method 4. PDF-XChange Editor

PDF-XChange is a robust software that helps users to edit, view and merge PDF documents. It offers a variety of features, making it straightforward to merge different documents into a single one. The task can be done in just a few simple steps.

1. Download and install the program.
2. Open it and click on the "File" tab. Hit "New Document".
3. Select "Combine Files into a Single Document".
4. Click on the "Add Files" button and pick the two PDF documents.
5. Choose the order for the files, if desired. Press "OK".

Overall, the app for merging PDF has plenty of features that make it worth the cost, although there are some limitations when compared to more advanced programs.

Method 5. iLovePDF

iLovePDF is an online PDF merger that facilitates the fusion of two or more files into a distinct one. It's quick and easy to do, and all you need is a computer with an Internet connection. Look at the steps:

1. Go to the website.
2. Submit the documents with the "Select PDF Files" button.
3. Use the drag and drop function to re-arrange the order, if needed.
4. Click "Merge PDF".

Overall, if you're searching for a convenient and effortless method to join two PDF documents together, this web service is a great choice. It's free, easy to use, and offers basic features that are enough for most users' needs.

Method 6. SmallPDF

SmallPDF is an uncomplicated and secure online PDF tool that permits you to combine various PDF documents into a unified file. Here is how you can do it:

1. Open the website and find the merging tool.
2. Click the "Choose Files" button and select the PDF documents.
3. You can also drag and drop the documents into the designated area.
4. Finally, click "Merge PDF".

The PDF combiner allows users to merge two PDFs with just a few clicks. The tool is especially convenient for Chrome users thanks to the extension. However, you should consider other options if you need to merge more than two files or if you want more advanced features.

Method 7. Clever PDF

Clever PDF is a universal tool for processing PDF files. You can install it as an app on your macOS or Windows computer or use all the tools online on any device. See below how to merge PDFs with it:

1. Download the app for your operating system from the website or use the tools online.
2. Select the "Combine PDF" option.
3. Click the "Choose files" button to import PDFs into the program.
4. Specify the "File name" and the "Output Folder".
5. Hit "Convert" and wait for the processing to finish. Access the merged file in the chosen location.

Clever PDF is a convenient approach for various PDF-related tasks, such as conversion, merging PDF, and some other manipulations. If you require a quick and straightforward app or service, it can be a helpful tool to consider.

Reasons to merge files into one PDF

Combining two PDF files together is a great way to save time and keep your documents organized. It also helps avoid having too many files cluttering up your device or cloud storage.

Here are some of the key reasons why merging two PDF files might be beneficial:

• Version control: You can use a single file containing all the pages from multiple sources instead of dealing with separate files. This enables you to be aware of which copy of the document is most up-to-date and make sure everyone has access to the latest version.
• Organization: Consolidating two PDFs helps keep all relevant information in one place. This simplifies the process for users to find the information they need quickly and efficiently without needing to scour through multiple files.

Joining two PDF files can support providing accessibility, compatibility, organization, and consolidation – all of which are vital when it comes to sharing and storing documents.

FAQ

Can I merge encrypted PDF files?

Yes, Icecream Split&Merge software can combine encrypted files. However, you could be asked to enter the password before proceeding with the merging process.

Can I keep track of the changes I make when merging PDFs?

When blending two or more documents using Adobe Acrobat Pro, you can use the "Track Changes" feature to keep a record of all changes made while combining the PDFs into a single file.

Can I rearrange pages when joining PDF files?

Yes, most tools and editors give you the option to realign pages when fusing multiple documents into a single unit.

Can I later split the merged PDF document into multiple files?

Yes, many programs and editors can help you break down a single document into various components so that you can disperse them separately if needed.

PDF Split & Merge

Split and merge PDF documents with a single software. Works with password-protected files, 4 PDF splitting modes and other handy features.

Free Download

Merge PDF: conclusion

In conclusion, combining PDF files into one document is a simple and efficient process that can save time and effort.

By following the steps outlined in the guide, users can easily combine multiple PDF files into a single, organized document. Whether for business or personal use, knowing how to merge PDF files is a valuable skill that can streamline document management.

With the right tools and approach, anyone can join PDF files with ease.

Rean Uehara

Expert Tech Writer

Rean is a tech enthusiast, digital marketer, operations specialist, and eCommerce coach who focuses on distributed teams. He began working remotely on web-related projects in 2010 and has never looked back. His articles published on Hongkiat, so his authoritative opinion on technology can be fully trusted.

Co-authors

Alexandra Meyer

Editor-in-Chief at Icecream Apps