Before you start
- The PDF files you want to combine
Method 1 Mac: Preview
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Step 1: Open the first PDF
Open it in Preview and choose View > Thumbnails.
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Step 2: Add the others
Drag other PDF files from Finder into the thumbnail sidebar, where you want them to appear.
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Step 3: Reorder and save
Drag thumbnails to reorder, then choose File > Export as PDF to save the combined file.
Method 2 iPhone and iPad: Files app
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Step 1: Select files
In Files, tap ⋯ > Select and choose the PDFs (in the order you want).
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Step 2: Create PDF
Tap ⋯ at the bottom right and choose Create PDF. A merged PDF appears in the same folder.
Method 3 Windows: PDF24 Creator (free, offline)
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Step 1: Install PDF24
Download PDF24 Creator from tools.pdf24.org. It works offline, so files stay on your PC.
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Step 2: Merge
Open it, choose Merge PDF, drag in your files, reorder them and click Merge. Save the result.
Method 4 Online: Adobe Acrobat (any device)
Avoid online tools for confidential documents like contracts, IDs or medical records.
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Step 1: Open the tool
Go to Adobe’s free Merge PDFs online tool.
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Step 2: Upload and merge
Select files, arrange them and click Merge. Download the result (sign-in may be required).
Troubleshooting
Merged file is huge
Compress it afterwards, especially if it includes scans.
A file won’t merge
It may be password-protected. Open it with the password and save a copy without restrictions first (only for files you’re authorised to edit).
Frequently asked questions
Can I merge PDFs in Microsoft Edge or Word?
Not directly. Word can insert PDF content but changes formatting; use a PDF tool instead.
Can I remove pages while merging?
Yes: in Preview, select a thumbnail and press Delete; PDF24 and Adobe also let you remove pages.
Summary
Use Preview on Mac, Create PDF in the iPhone Files app, or PDF24 Creator offline on Windows. Use online tools like Adobe’s only for non-sensitive files.
