Why do You Combine PDF Files?
One PDF is easier to send, store and print than fifty. You attach one file and the reader scrolls in one place.
| Method | Suits | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Online tool | A few public files | Free |
| Adobe Acrobat | Office users with a license | Paid |
| Preview on Mac | A handful of files on a Mac | Free |
| PDF Split | Folders of PDF files | Paid |
Is an Online Tool Safe for PDF Files?
Method #1: Online Merge Tool (Free)
Who it suits. Users with a few public files. Extra application. None.
- Open an online merge tool in your browser.
- Upload the PDF files.
- Drag the files into the order you want.
- Select the merge button and download the new PDF.
An online tool uploads your files to its server. Avoid it for contracts, bills and any private file.
How does Adobe Acrobat Combine PDF Pages?
Method #2: Adobe Acrobat (Paid)
Use it when. You already own Acrobat. Extra application. Acrobat.
- Select Create in the global bar.
- Choose Multiple files, then Combine files, then Next.
- Select Add Files and choose the PDF files.
- Drag the files into the right order.
- Select Combine.
Adobe lists the same steps to combine PDF files on its page for combining files into a single PDF.
How does Preview Combine PDF Pages?
Method #3: Preview on Mac (Free)
Who it suits. Mac users with a few files. Extra application. None.
- Open the PDF files in Preview.
- Select View, then Thumbnails in every file.
- Drag thumbnails from one sidebar to the other. Command click to select pages that do not sit together.
- Drag an entire PDF from Finder into the sidebar to add every page.
Preview saves changes by itself. Select File, then Duplicate before you combine the files so the originals remain safe. Apple explains the steps on its page for combining PDFs in Preview.
How does PDF Split Handle Many Documents?
Method #4: SysTools PDF Split and Merge (Paid)
Use it when. You combine folders of PDF files. Extra application. Windows PC.
- Start SysTools PDF Split and Merge and add the PDF files or a folder.
- Select Merge and select Next.
- Select Skip Attachments when you want to drop the embedded files.
- Select Merge PDF by Page Range.
- Choose Create New PDF or Merge in Existing PDF.
- Set the destination and select Merge.
The vendor says the software saves a report when the merge ends. The software splits a PDF file too, so one download handles both tasks.
The vendor says the PDF Split demo adds a watermark. Test the PDF Split demo on two files before you buy.
What should You Check Before You Combine Files?
- Name the new file with a new name. A repeated name overwrites the old file.
- Remove passwords and restrictions from the source files first.
- Create a copy of every source file before you start.
- Check the page order in the new PDF.
- Read the guide to the software for merging PDF files to compare tools.
Where Else do You Go From Here?
- Open a locked file with the guide to edit a secured PDF.
- Repair a broken file with the guide to recover a corrupt PDF.
- Add page numbers with the guide to insert page numbers in an Adobe PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do You Save Several PDF Files as One?
Use an online tool, Adobe Acrobat, Preview on a Mac or merge software. Add the files, set the order and save the new PDF.
Is It Safe to Combine PDF Files Online?
Online tools upload your files to a server. Avoid them for private files.
Can Acrobat Combine PDF Documents?
Select Create, then Multiple files, then Combine files. Add the files and select Combine.
Can Preview Combine PDF Pages on a Mac?
Open the files in Preview and drag thumbnails between the sidebars.
Does Preview Overwrite the Original PDF?
Yes. Preview saves changes by itself, so duplicate the file first.
Can You Combine PDF Files by Page Range?
Yes. PDF Split has a Merge PDF by Page Range option.
Does the PDF Split Demo Add a Watermark?
Yes. The vendor says the demo adds a watermark.
Author's Verdict
Use Preview or Acrobat for a few files and merge software for folders of files.
Avoid online tools for private documents.
Key Takeaways
- Online tools upload your files.
- Preview and Acrobat combine files with thumbnails or a tool.
- Merge software handles folders and page ranges.
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