Ever been stuck with multiple PDFs and desperately needed them in one file? Be it for professional documentation, compiling a DIY e-book, or just organizing personal documents, merging PDFs is a common task. We’ve dug deep, and here’s a detailed guide to help you stitch those PDFs together, regardless of your device.
We’ve categorized the methods into online and offline approaches. So, let’s dive into the various ways you can piece together those PDFs!
Offline Methods to Merge PDFs
Before diving in, ensure you’ve downloaded and installed the required applications. This ensures you’re ready to merge PDFs even in internet-free zones.
Merging PDFs on Mac
Mac users are in luck. macOS comes with built-in tools that make the merging process a breeze. Two primary ways to do this are using the macOS Finder and the Preview app. Let’s tackle the Finder method first.
Merging PDFs using macOS Finder
For a smooth process, make sure all your target files are in one folder. With that set:
1. Launch the Finder from the dock, launchpad, or Spotlight Search.
2. Head to the folder containing the files you wish to merge. Toggle to Gallery view in Finder. This can be done by clicking on the rectangle icon with five dots below or selecting “Gallery View” from the View menu.
3. In Gallery view, you’ll see your files as icons. Skim through to ensure you’ve got the right ones.
4. Select the files you want in the combined PDF. Press the command key to select several at once, and pick them in the order you want them in the final document.
5. As you choose the second file, a “Create PDF” option pops up in the inspector panel. Clicking it will produce a new PDF in the desired location, merging all your selected files.
You can tweak the order of the pages using the Preview tool. Here’s how:
1. Double-click the merged PDF to open it in Preview.
2. If you can’t see the thumbnails, head to the View menu and activate the “Thumbnails” option.
3. Simply drag and reposition the thumbnails in the sidebar to rearrange pages.
Editing Your Merged PDF
Need to remove a page? Select the thumbnail and hit “Delete”. Made an error? Navigate to the Preview menu, select “Edit”, and use “Undo” to reverse your mistake.
Using Preview App to Combine PDFs
Preview is another ace up the macOS sleeve:
1. Start by opening your primary PDF in Preview.
2. To add files, go to “Edit” > “Insert” > “Page From File…”.
3. Repeat for any additional files.
4. Once satisfied, save your collective PDF via “File” > “Export as PDF”.
Alternative Apps for Mac
If the Finder or Preview doesn’t resonate with you or you need more advanced features, there are third-party apps like PDFsam and paid ones like Adobe Acrobat.
Piecing Together PDFs on Windows
Windows users might envy Mac’s in-built features for this task. While Windows 10 lets you view PDFs in the Edge browser, merging capabilities are absent.
For offline merging on Windows, third-party apps come to the rescue, albeit usually at a cost.
PDFsam
A cross-platform tool, PDFsam is free and open-source. It offers a basic version and an advanced one, with the latter being paid. For simple merging, the basic version suffices.
Despite a less appealing user interface, it’s effective. To merge:
1. Download and run PDFsam Basic.
2. Click on Merge and introduce your files.
3. Set a file name, choose the save location, and execute the merge.
BONUS: PDF Merger & Splitter
Available on the Microsoft Store, this freeware app, created by AnywaySoft, Inc., is basic but gets the job done. It also provides a uniform page size for the merged document.
To use:
1. Download and run the app.
2. Select “Merge PDF”, then add your files.
3. Finalize the merge with a name and location for the output.
Merging PDFs on Mobile Devices
For on-the-go merges, here’s how you do it for different platforms:
On Android
Among numerous available tools, one stands out:
PDF Utils: A free tool with a commendable rating on the Google Play Store. To merge using PDF Utils:
1. Open the app and choose “Merge PDF/Images”.
2. Pick the desired files.
3. Adjust the order if needed and confirm the merge.
On iOS
iOS mirrors the simplicity of macOS for this task:
1. Open the Files app and choose the PDFs you want to merge.
2. Mark the selected files and tap the three-dots menu.
3. Choose “Create PDF”.
Voila! Your PDFs are now one.
Merging PDFs Online Without Downloads
Occasionally, you might be in a pinch where merging multiple PDFs becomes essential, even if your regular devices aren’t within reach. During such times, turning to online utilities that can seamlessly fuse PDFs without any downloads is your best bet.
The following digital tools are not only user-friendly but also versatile. They work efficiently across devices, given you’re connected to the web with a functional browser. While these tools might come with slightly varying features, their core functionalities are usually alike. Simply upload your documents, and hit ‘Combine’. Some might offer extra functionalities like reordering or renaming the new file, but the essence remains consistent. Hence, an exhaustive guide isn’t needed here.
SmallPDF is a robust online platform offering a multitude of PDF-related tools, including merging, editing, signing, and more. Their forever-free plan provides access to a generous 21 tools, either via their website or mobile app. However, the catch is a daily limit of two document processes. If your PDF interactions are infrequent, this plan suffices. But for more frequent usage, consider their Pro plan, available at a yearly rate of $9/month or a monthly rate of $12.
CombinePDF stands out for being completely free, allowing users to amalgamate up to 20 PDFs and images from their device. To customize the sequence of your files, simply drag and rearrange them. Additionally, they offer tools for rotating, compressing, unlocking, and cropping PDFs.
SodaPDF bears similarities to SmallPDF in its offerings. It provides a free version with certain daily limits. However, a distinguishing feature is its week-long unlimited access purchase option. Their Unlimited Access also boasts a desktop variant and a risk-free 30-day refund policy. Plus, reordering files before merging is feasible here.
I Love PDF is a straightforward platform facilitating the merging, conversion, splitting, and compression of PDFs. They boast a comprehensive range of tools available for free, though some restrictions might apply. Going premium unlocks limitless access, ad-free experience, and compatibility with both mobile and desktop apps.
FAQs
1. How can I merge PDFs without cost?
Numerous platforms, like CombinePDF, SodaPDF, I Love PDF, and SmallPDF, offer free online merging services. Adobe’s online tool is another option, but requires sign-in and occasionally runs into hitches. It’s worth noting online utilities can be used on any device or platform. For macOS users, merging is possible through Finder and Preview. Applications like PDFsam are also available for both macOS and Windows.
2. Can I fuse multiple PDFs into a single document?
Absolutely! The detailed guide provided above gives a comprehensive walkthrough to assist you.
3. How do I merge PDFs on a Windows system?
Regrettably, Windows lacks inherent features for PDF merging. You’d need online tools like those highlighted above or software like PDFsam or PDF Merger & Splitter. If those don’t suffice, Adobe Acrobat’s paid version might be your solution.
4. How can I consolidate several documents into a single file?
Assembling multiple documents into one isn’t daunting, especially with an Apple device. Other platforms also provide myriad methods. The guide above provides a step-by-step approach to help you through.
5. What could prevent Adobe from merging my files?
Several reasons might impede Adobe’s merging capability:
– Adobe Acrobat can’t handle PDFs larger than 2 GB in total size.
– Ensure your Adobe Acrobat is updated.
– A valid subscription to Adobe’s PDF Pack might be mandatory.
– You could be logged out of Adobe Creative Cloud.
– The new, merged PDF might need a designated file name.
At times, certain PDFs, like those password-protected or digitally signed, might be non-mergeable. In such scenarios, crafting a PDF Portfolio could be the alternative.
In Conclusion
The skill of merging PDFs proves beneficial, especially for those dealing with numerous digital or scanned documents. Whether it’s crafting an e-book, manual, portfolio, or more, the utility of PDFs is undeniable. Various methods exist to blend PDFs, both online and offline, across diverse devices. The Apple realm undoubtedly excels, as both macOS and iOS offer innate features for file merging.
We trust this information serves you well. Should you have feedback or queries, kindly drop them in the comment section!