How to Merge PDF Files on Your Phone or Computer (Free)

Why merge PDF files into one?

Applications, bank requests and school forms often accept only one file. Merging your letter, ID copy and certificates into a single PDF keeps everything together and in the right order.

A single PDF is also easier to send by email or messaging apps, and harder to mix up than several loose files.

How to merge PDF files on your phone or computer

No app is needed, and the work happens on your device, so your documents are not uploaded to a server. See Are online PDF tools safe? to learn how to check this yourself.

• Open the Merge PDF tool in your browser.
• Add your files (up to 20 at a time).
• Drag them into the order you want the pages to appear.
• Start the merge and download the combined PDF.

Check the result before you send it

Open the merged file and scroll through every page. Look for pages that are sideways, upside down or in the wrong place. If something is off, use Organize PDF to move, rotate or delete pages, then save a new copy.

If the merged PDF is too large

Many websites limit file size. If your merged file is over the limit, shrink it with Compress PDF. Scanned documents usually shrink the most. For more ways to reduce size, read how to reduce PDF and photo size for applications.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Adding files in the wrong order and not checking the result.
• Merging low-quality phone photos instead of clean scans. Use flat, well-lit photos.
• Deleting the originals before you confirm the merged file is complete.
• Merging whole files when you only need parts. Use Extract Pages or Split PDF first.