How to Merge PDF Files into One (Windows, Mac, Phone)
Open Merge PDFFree · works in your browser · no upload→Applications often ask for "one PDF" containing your CV, cover letter and certificates. Here's how to combine PDF files on any device, and how to get the page order right.
On a Mac with Preview (built in)
- Open the first PDF in Preview.
- Choose View → Thumbnails to show the sidebar.
- Drag the other PDF files from Finder into the sidebar, at the position you want.
- Choose File → Export as PDF to save the combined file.
On Windows
Windows can't merge PDFs on its own: Microsoft Print to PDF only creates new PDFs, it doesn't combine existing ones. You can use a free online tool or install a PDF editor. If you don't want to install anything, use the method below.
On any device: Merge PDF in your browser
- Open Merge PDF.
- Add all the files at once, or one at a time.
- Drag them into the order you want. The first file in the list becomes the first pages of the result.
- Press Merge PDFs and download the result. You can also protect it with a password before saving.
The files are joined on your device, so confidential documents aren't uploaded anywhere.
Getting the order and content right
- Name files with numbers (01-cv.pdf, 02-letter.pdf) so they sort correctly when you add them.
- Remove pages you don't need first with Split PDF, for example blank backs of scanned pages.
- Pages sideways? Fix them with Rotate PDF before or after merging.
- Need page numbers across the combined document? Add them at the end with Add page numbers.
- Images too? Convert photos to PDF with JPG to PDF first, then merge.
Can I merge password-protected PDFs?
Only if you know the password. Open the file with Unlock PDF first, then merge it, and add a new password to the combined file if needed.
Try Merge PDF nowMany PDFs → one, free and private→