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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 December 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 any you don’t want, 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 search for because it makes sharing, organising, and archiving information much simpler across different devices and workflows.

Merging PDFs is useful whether you’re working with Word, Excel, PowerPoint or image-based files, as 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, giving 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 be done 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’s a fast, reliable way to combine PDFs with drag-and-drop simplicity:

  1. Download MobiPDF.

  2. Install and run the programme.

  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, or add them 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 will automatically sync to MobiDrive for easy access across your devices.

So, for example, if you’re preparing paperwork for a job application – a CV, 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. When you open the app, you’ll see 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 just as you want them (or simply click Add File to add files manually from your device).

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

  6. The resulting file will immediately open in MobiPDF and you’ll be able to sign, share, or save it (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 full Windows experience (but virtualised) and still enjoy MobiPDF’s combiner.

If you’re in a pinch and need minimal functionality, newer versions of macOS (starting in 2019 with Catalina) offer some built-in features for combining in both the Finder and Preview macOS applications which you might find useful.

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

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

  2. Open the duplicate in Preview.

  3. Drag all additional PDF files you want into the Preview sidebar. Optionally, you should be able to rearrange the files or delete 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 useful?

Combining PDF files is useful because it allows you to organise multiple documents into one clean, easy-to-share PDF. This reduces clutter, streamlines collaboration, and ensures your files open smoothly across devices and apps – just one reason why searches for how to combine PDF files and combine PDF files free continue to rise.

Merging PDFs is especially valuable when you are 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 professional or personal situations.

Key reasons people combine PDF files:

  • Simpler sharing: Send one PDF instead of multiple attachments.

  • Cleaner organisation: Keep related documents together for easy access.

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

  • Cost savings: Digital-signing tools often charge per uploaded document.

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

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

What tips should I know before combining PDF files?

Before you combine PDF files, it is important to understand how different tools handle merging, page order, and document integrity. High-quality PDF combiners like MobiPDF give you full control over pages, previews, and formatting so your final merged file looks exactly the way you expect.

Combine vs. merge: What is the difference?

While many people use “combine” and “merge” interchangeably, not all software treats them the same.

  • Merge often means simply attaching one PDF to the end of another.

  • Combine should allow you to rearrange, remove, or add pages before creating the final file.

Combine

Feature

Merge

Combine multiple files with control over page order, removal, or inclusion.

Definition

Simply attaching one PDF after another with minimal control

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, custom final PDF

Best Use Case

Quickly attach documents in order

Complete preservation of formatting, metadata, and structure

Output Quality

Depends on the tool; may be limited

MobiPDF acts as a complete PDF combiner, allowing you to fine-tune page order and choose which content to include or exclude.

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

With MobiPDF, you can combine PDFs as well as JPG/PNG images and scanned pages. The app converts 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, school assignments, or business documentation.

Can I preview files before combining them?

Previewing is essential when you need to check the page order or see what’s inside each PDF. Surprisingly, many free tools don’t have this feature. MobiPDF allows you to:

  • View page thumbnails

  • Open a full-screen preview

  • Rearrange, rotate, add, or delete pages instantly

This means you’ll always know exactly how the final combined PDF will look.

Best practices for safe PDF merging

To avoid losing data or damaging important documents, remember these tips:

  • Back up your original files before combining.

  • Use a tool that never overwrites input documents.

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

We handle multiple files, page editing, and formatting protection to make sure you get a reliable and accurate merge every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I combine multiple PDF files into one document?

Open a PDF combiner like MobiPDF, upload your files, set the page order, and export a single merged PDF.

Does merging PDFs affect file quality?

No, high-quality tools such as MobiPDF keep fonts, images, and formatting unchanged when merging.

How do I reorder pages when merging PDFs?

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

Can I split merged PDFs later?

Yes, MobiPDF comes with a Split PDF tool that enables you to separate pages or ranges from a merged document.

Conclusion

Combining PDF files is one of the easiest ways to organise documents, share information efficiently, and simplify your digital workflow. With the updated 2026 version of MobiPDF, you can merge PDFs quickly with complete control over page order, quality, and formats, across desktop, mobile, and the cloud. Whether you're preparing professional paperwork or everyday documents, MobiPDF provides a fast, secure, and reliable PDF combiner for every need.

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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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