How to Merge Multiple PDFs for Free
Merging multiple PDFs can be very tedious, mainly because the process isn’t clearly described in the programs you’re likely using to view it, and many third-party apps that offer this feature (like Adobe Acrobat) cost money. But if you want to merge PDFs together without paying anything extra, you can—you’ll just have to jump through a few hoops, depending on the type of computer you’re using.
How to Merge PDF Files on Windows
If you want to merge PDF files on Windows, you’ll need a third-party application to do so. Luckily, there are several free options available for download, as well as an online option you can use (although it does have a daily download limit).
One of the best options I’ve found is PDF Merger/Splitter from 3AM Studio. The process is very simple: download the app from the Microsoft Store, open it, and then drag the PDFs you want to merge into the app window. From there, click the Merge button and the app will do the rest. (You can also use it to split PDFs, which is a useful additional feature when you need to optimize a document.)
I like this option because it does everything on your device, so you don’t have to upload your information to a website or external server—a plus for PDFs containing sensitive information. It’s also very simple and doesn’t require a lot of fuss to get the job done.
If you don’t want to download anything, you can try a website like Smallpdf , which allows you to merge, compress, and convert PDF files. The site offers free and paid options , but if you need to merge files frequently, the free version includes a large number of restrictions, including a daily document limit. This is the best solution if you only have an occasional need.
How to Merge PDF Files on Mac
If you’re merging multiple PDFs on a Mac, things will be a little more complicated than on a PC, but at least you won’t have to download any additional software to do it. Apple has actually made it possible to merge two PDFs together simply by using the Preview app.
First, open the PDF in Preview mode. Then choose View > Thumbnails and click where you want to insert another document. From here, choose Edit > Insert > Page From File , and then select the PDF you want to merge with the first one. Click Open and the PDF file you selected will open. Finally, export the file as a PDF to create one combined document.
You can also merge parts of a PDF with others using a similar method: Open the PDFs you want to merge in Preview mode. First, open the PDF file you want to take pages from . Choose View > Thumbnails , then press and hold the Command key and select the thumbnails of the pages you want to add to another PDF. Drag the thumbnails to the sidebar of the PDF you want to merge them with and drop them where you want them to appear. Then save the file and export it as a new, fully merged PDF.