What does Merge PDF do?
Merge PDF is a free online tool that can combine multiple PDF files into one. The PDF result from Merge PDF is a separate copy to inspect before you use it elsewhere. One possible use is app packs with the cover letter before the evidence.
A merged PDF brings separate files into one reading sequence. This is useful when a cover letter, supporting evidence and an appendix need to travel as one attachment.
The task copies pages with qpdf rather than taking screenshots, so it is different from building a PDF from photos. Plan the file order before uploading: merging keeps whole source files, while rearranging single pages is a separate task.
A cover sheet should explain what follows it. Check whether several sources use the same printed page numbers.
Readers may need new page numbers for the combined pack. A merged file can include both portrait and landscape sheets.
Keep an index of the source files beside your local copy. For project deliverables delivered as one navigable attachment, choose a copy whose source content suits that purpose. Keep a local source for another trial.
Combine PDF files online: steps
Before using Merge PDF, decide what the new copy must contain and where it will be used. Choose the PDFs in the order you want readers to encounter them, and check that each opens without a password prompt. Review the upload area and all values required by the current Merge PDF form.
Choose the source
Check that the cover letter names every attached item. For Merge PDF, add the required sources in the intended input order. Keep a source copy for another attempt.
Review the form values
The Merge PDF form has no extra task settings. Check the source in the file area.
Run the file task
Use Process Merge PDF after checking the source and form values. Wait for the job to finish. An error means this attempt failed.
Save and check the output
Check the joins between files, landscape pages, bookmarks and the total page count in the combined download. Store the output on your device. Name this copy separately from the original.
Join files: uses for Merge PDF
Merge PDF can help with monthly reports grouped in chronological reading order. It can also be used for course handouts assembled with their reference appendices. The PDF result from Merge PDF must suit the intended reading or editing step, so keep the source until that check is complete.
- App packs with the cover letter before the evidence.
- Monthly reports grouped in chronological reading order.
- Course handouts assembled with their reference appendices.
- Project deliverables delivered as one navigable attachment.
Formats and limits for Merge PDF
The Merge PDF form accepts PDF sources. Each Merge PDF upload can be up to 300 MB, which equals 300 MiB. The allowed suffixes on the Merge PDF page do not prove that a source has valid content inside it.
| Accepted formats | Maximum file size | Output |
|---|---|---|
| 300 MB per file (300 MiB upload limit) |
Merging does not compress the sources or resolve duplicate pages. Existing digital signatures may no longer validate after a file is rebuilt.
How this tool works
Merge PDF uses qpdf to handle the source on the server. The Merge PDF request uses your chosen input rather than any local editing project left on your device. Check the PDF contents produced by Merge PDF before treating them as ready for another app or reader.
For Merge PDF, your browser uploads the source to our file-processing server. This is a server task, not local editing.
Files are due for deletion within 1 hour. Cleanup runs during normal service operation. Keep a local download for future use.
Merge PDF questions and answers
If Merge PDF gives an unexpected result, start by checking the source type and the values used in the form. Check the PDF contents from Merge PDF as well as the filename or displayed message. For another result type, compare Merge PDF with the separate tools described in these answers.
What matters when using Merge PDF?
Check dates at each join between monthly reports. View that area at its intended display size. Note any differences that affect your purpose.
Why try Organize PDF?
Organize PDF offers another task beside Merge PDF: reorder pages in a custom sequence. Organize PDF returns PDF. The stated PDF output from Merge PDF matches a listed input type for Organize PDF.
Why try Compress PDF?
Compress PDF offers another task beside Merge PDF: reduce PDF file size using Ghostscript. Compress PDF returns PDF. The stated PDF output from Merge PDF matches a listed input type for Compress PDF.
Why try Split PDF?
Split PDF offers another task beside Merge PDF: split PDF pages into individual files (zipped). Split PDF returns ZIP. The stated PDF output from Merge PDF matches a listed input type for Split PDF.
What if my PDF result does not open?
For a failed Merge PDF result, first confirm that the download completed and that the viewer supports PDF. Try another local viewer for that format.
Record any error message for support. Keep private source material out of the report.
How do I report a problem with Merge PDF?
Contact support with the Merge PDF page name, source format and the error you saw. Mention any relevant form settings you chose. Do not send passwords or private attachments.