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How to combine PDF files – quick & high-quality merging

19 Dec 2022

Merging several PDF files is a useful skill that not many know. Here are our pro tips and tricks.

This article was updated on 16 Dec 2025

To combine multiple PDF files into one, open a PDF tool like MobiPDF, upload your documents, arrange the page order, and export a single merged file. This way you can reorder pages, remove unwanted ones, and keep full quality across all pages.

Combining PDF files is one of the easiest ways to organise documents, prepare paperwork, or share information in a single file. This guide will show you exactly how to combine PDF files quickly, securely, and at high quality with MobiPDF.

What does it mean to combine PDF files?

Combining PDF files is the process of bringing multiple PDFs into a single document. This is one of the most common tasks users look for because it simplifies sharing, organising, and archiving information across different devices and workflows.

Merging PDFs is useful whether you’re working with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or image-based files, since PDFs often come from mixed formats. A good PDF combiner should let you merge several files at once, rearrange pages, and handle both standard and scanned PDFs.

It’s also important to understand the technical differences between tools. Some apps limit how many files you can merge, struggle with password-protected or digitally signed PDFs, or fail to preserve orientation, metadata, and formatting. These details matter – and not all PDF mergers handle them well.

For this, you’ll need a tool supporting multi-file input, page reordering, protected document handling, and high-quality output, to give you a polished, reliable way to combine PDFs for any use case.

How do I combine multiple PDF files into one?

To combine multiple PDF files into one, open a PDF combiner tool, upload or drag in your files, arrange the page order, and export a single merged PDF. That way, you can combine unlimited files, adjust pages, and sync your merged document instantly. If you’re using MobiPDF, that can happen through the MobiDrive cloud storage.

Let’s now look at the process step-by-step.

How to combine PDF files on Windows: step-by-step guide

Here is a fast, reliable way to combine PDFs with drag-and-drop simplicity:

  1. Download MobiPDF.

  2. Install and run the program.

  3. Choose Convert and click on Create PDF.

    Going to Convert and clicking Create PDF in MobiPDF.

  4. From the drop-down menu choose Combine.

    Choosing Combine from the drop-down menu in MobiPDF

  5. Drag and drop your PDFs, add manually with the Add File button, or choose from previously uploaded files.

    Drag and drop your file or add manually with the Add File button

  6. Click Combine to generate one high-quality PDF.

  7. Your merged file automatically syncs to MobiDrive for easy access across devices.

So, for example, if you’re preparing paperwork for a job application – a resume, cover letter, certificates – you can merge everything into one professional-looking PDF for online submission.

An alternative way to combine files on Windows is:

  1. Visit our website and install the app.

  2. Upon opening the app, you’ll be presented with the Home Screen. Once there, click Create.

    Click Create to start making your PDF collage

  3. Click Combine Files.

    Choose Combine Files to create your combination

  4. Use our Drag & Drop UI to rearrange the pages the way you want them to (or simply click Add File to add files manually from your device).

  5. Once you’re done and you’ve arranged your perfect PDF file, just click Combine.

  6. The resulting file will immediately be opened in MobiPDF and will be ready to be signed, shared, or saved (registered users get 5GB of free cloud storage in MobiDrive).

MERGE PDF FILES INSTANTLY

How to Combine PDFs on a Mac?

If you’re a Mac user, you can still use MobiPDF by downloading Wine which is a free tool that lets apps designed for Windows work on your Mac or MacBook! Alternatively, you can get VirtualBox to access the entire Windows experience (though virtualised) and still enjoy MobiPDF’s combiner.

If you’re in a bind and need basic functionality, newer versions of macOS (starting from Catalina in 2019) offer some built-in options for combining in both the Finder and Preview macOS applications, which you might find handy.

How to combine a PDF file with the Preview app on macOS

  1. Duplicate a single file you plan to use as input – this is essential because Preview saves files as you go and could overwrite your input files without you noticing!

  2. Open the duplicate in Preview.

  3. Drag any extra PDF files you want into the Preview sidebar. If you like, you can rearrange the files or remove some of them from the sidebar.

  4. Once you’re happy with the results, click File → Export to PDF.

COMBINE MULTIPLE PDFS INTO ONE

Why is combining PDF files handy?

Combining PDF files is handy because it lets you organise multiple documents into one tidy, easy-to-share PDF. This cuts down on clutter, streamlines collaboration, and makes sure your files open smoothly across devices and apps – just one reason why searches for how to combine PDF files and combine PDF files free keep going up.

Merging PDFs is especially valuable when you’re working with mixed formats like Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, images, or scanned pages. A single combined PDF is easier to upload, store, and send in both professional and personal situations.

Top reasons people combine PDF files:

  • Easier sharing: Send one PDF instead of several attachments.

  • Neater organisation: Keep related documents together for quick access.

  • Better compatibility: Older apps and signing platforms work best with a single file.

  • Save money: Digital-signing tools often charge for each document you upload.

  • Quicker workflows: Review, annotate, and store one file instead of many.

Whether you’re preparing contracts, submitting assignments, or packaging reports, combining PDF files into one creates a smoother, more efficient workflow – and helps you avoid errors or extra steps.

What tips should I know before combining PDF files?

Before you combine PDF files, it’s important to know how different tools manage merging, page order, and keeping your documents intact. High-quality PDF combiners like MobiPDF give you full control over pages, previews, and formatting so your finished file looks just how you want.

Combine vs. merge: What’s the difference?

While lots of people use “combine” and “merge” as if they mean the same thing, not every software treats them equally.

  • Merge usually just means adding one PDF on the end of another.

  • Combine should let you rearrange, remove, or add pages before making the final file.

Combine

Feature

Merge

Combine multiple files while managing page order, removing or including pages as you need.

Definition

Just attach one PDF after another, with minimal options.

Yes

Allows Page Reordering

Usually not

Yes

Allows Page Deletion

Usually not

Yes (Word, images, etc.)

Supports Mixed File Types

No – PDF only

Creating a polished, customised final PDF

Best Use Case

Quickly attach documents in order

Complete preservation of formatting, metadata, and structure

Output Quality

Depends on the tool; may have some limitations

MobiPDF works as a complete PDF combiner, allowing you to fine-tune the page order and choose exactly what to include or leave out.

What kinds of files can I combine into a single PDF?

With MobiPDF, you can combine PDFs, JPG/PNG images, and scanned pages. The app turns each file into a single PDF before merging.

Supported formats include:

  • PDF

  • PNG / JPG / TIFF

  • Scanned documents

  • Mixed-format bundles

This makes it perfect for contracts, reports, assignments, or business paperwork.

Can I preview files before I combine them?

Previewing is important when you want to check the page order or see what’s in each PDF. Surprisingly, lots of free tools don’t have this feature. MobiPDF lets you:

  • View page thumbnails

  • Open a full-screen preview

  • Rearrange, rotate, add or delete pages instantly

This means you always know what your final combined PDF will look like.

Best practices for safe PDF merging

To avoid losing data or breaking key documents, keep these habits in mind:

  • Back up your original files before you combine.

  • Use a tool that never overwrites the original files.

  • Carefully preview your pages, especially when combining scans or multi-page documents.

We manage multiple file input, page editing, and formatting protection to deliver a reliable and accurate result every time.

Frequently asked questions

How can I combine several PDF files into one document?

Open a PDF combiner like MobiPDF, upload your files, arrange the pages, and export a single merged PDF.

Does merging PDFs affect file quality?

No, top quality tools like MobiPDF keep fonts, images, and formatting intact when merging.

How do I change the order of pages when merging PDFs?

Use the page thumbnails to drag, rotate or delete pages before exporting your final merged file.

Can I split merged PDFs later?

Yes, MobiPDF has a Split PDF tool so you can separate pages or ranges from a merged document.

Conclusion

Combining PDF files is one of the easiest ways to organise documents, share information quickly, and make your digital work smoother. With the updated 2026 version of MobiPDF, you can merge PDFs fast and have full control over page order, quality and formats, on desktop, mobile, and in the cloud. Whether you’re preparing work documents or everyday paperwork, MobiPDF gives you a quick, safe, and dependable PDF combiner for every situation.

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Alexander Petkov is an experienced content strategist with a BA in English Language and a keen passion for PDF technology and office software. When he's not wrangling words, you can find him exploring the latest AI trends, composing tunes, and spending quality time with his family.

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