PDF Merge
What PDF merging is, when to combine multiple PDFs, and mistakes to avoid.
PDF merging combines two or more PDF files into a single PDF, with the pages in a chosen order. The result can be read, printed and shared as one document.
A merge copies each page and the resources it uses, such as fonts and images, into a new file. Document-level features are harder to combine. Bookmarks, form fields, internal links, tags for accessibility and metadata may be kept, renamed or dropped depending on the tool. Files protected with an open password must be unlocked before they can be merged.
On a Mac, Preview can merge PDFs by dragging one file's pages into another file's thumbnail sidebar.
Why merge PDFs
One file is easier to send, store and print than several. A single PDF keeps pages in a fixed order and can be searched in one pass. Upload forms often accept only one file.
Where PDF merging is used
- Combining a cover letter, CV and certificates for an application.
- Joining monthly reports or invoices into one archive.
- Adding a title page or appendix to a guide exported from another app.
- Collecting chapter PDFs into one study file.
How merging works
- Choose the files and set their order.
- Optionally select page ranges from each file.
- The tool copies the pages and their resources into a new PDF.
- Shared resources, such as the same font, may be stored once to save space.
- Save the new file and check the page order.
In Temposhot Documents, you can combine sources before export instead. New Document has a menu with Images…, Capture History… and New capture… to add pages from several places.
Common mistakes
- Merging searchable and image-only PDFs and assuming the result is fully searchable.
- Forgetting that page sizes differ, which makes the merged file uneven.
- Losing bookmarks and links without noticing.
- Merging password-protected files with a tool that silently skips them.
Turning pages into a PDF?
Merge files in the browser with Merge PDF, then reorder pages with PDF Page Organizer.
Common questions
Does merging reduce quality?
Usually not. Pages are copied as they are. Some tools recompress images, so check the settings.
Can I merge images and PDFs together?
Convert the images first with Image to PDF, then merge.
Sources
Related resources
- Pages and imports: add pages to a Document.
- PDF export: creating the PDFs to merge.
Taking the same screenshots again and again?
Temposhot captures a screen, window or area on a timer and exports the set as a PDF, images, ZIP or MP4. The free browser tools fix single images.
Related resources
Related terms
- PDF ExportWhat PDF export is, when to use it over image formats, and common mistakes when exporting to PDF.
- Screenshot to PDFHow to convert screenshots to PDF, when to use single vs multi-page exports, and mistakes to avoid.
- Searchable PDFWhat makes a PDF searchable, how to tell if yours is, and common mistakes when working with image-only PDFs.
- PDF Password ProtectionHow PDF password protection works, the difference between open and permissions passwords, and common encryption mistakes to avoid.