Quick answer
To merge PDFs, pick the files, put them in order, enter page ranges if you like (e.g. 1-3, 5) and click “Merge PDF”. Files are combined in your browser and never uploaded; up to 50 files, 100 MB each, 300 MB in total.
What does merging PDFs do?
Merging PDFs copies pages from several PDF files into a new file in the order you choose. Page content (text, images, size, rotation) is kept as is; things tied to the original document, such as bookmarks and fillable forms, are not carried over.
How to merge PDF files
- 1
Click “Choose files” or drag PDF files into the box. You can add more files at any time.
- 2
Set the order: drag the handle on the left of each file, or use the up / down arrow buttons (handy on phones).
- 3
To take only some pages, type into that file's page box, for example “1-3, 5, 8-”. Leave it empty for all pages.
- 4
Name the result if you like, click “Merge PDF”, then “Download merged PDF”.
Page selection syntax
Examples for a 10-page file:
| You type | Pages taken | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| (empty) | 1 → 10 | All pages |
| 1-3, 5 | 1, 2, 3, 5 | Commas, semicolons or spaces all work as separators |
| 8- | 8, 9, 10 | From page 8 to the end |
| -3 | 1, 2, 3 | From the start to page 3 |
| 5 1 2 | 5, 1, 2 | Kept in the order you type, useful for reordering |
| 3-1 or 12 | Error | Reversed range or a page that does not exist |
| 1, 1 | Error | Each page can be taken once |
What is kept after merging
| Element | After merging |
|---|---|
| Text, images, fonts, page size | Kept |
| Landscape / rotated pages | Orientation kept |
| Links inside pages | Usually kept, depends on the source |
| Bookmarks, navigation outline | Not kept |
| Fillable forms, digital signatures | Only the visible appearance; no longer fillable / verifiable |
| Password-protected or permission-locked PDFs | Cannot be merged until unlocked |
Real-world examples
Submitting an application as one file
Letter, ID scan and certificates are three separate PDFs? Drop all three, order them as the portal asks, and merge into one “application-jane-doe.pdf”.
Only the signature page of a contract
A 12-page contract, but your partner only needs page 1 and the signature page 12: type “1, 12” in the page box and merge.
A report from several sources
Parts exported from Word, Excel and a scanner end up as separate PDFs: merge them in chapter order; landscape Excel pages stay landscape.
Reversing a scan
The scanner fed the pages backwards? Add that file and type “10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1” (a reversed range like “10-1” is not accepted).
Common problems and fixes
- A file is reported as “encrypted (password or permission lock)”.
- Open it in a PDF viewer (enter the password if any), choose Print › Save as PDF to create an unlocked copy, then add that copy.
- A file is “damaged or unreadable”.
- The download was incomplete or it is not a real PDF (only renamed). Get the original again. Failed files are marked red; “Remove … failed files” lets you merge the rest.
- The page box shows an error.
- Check the page count shown next to the file name, avoid reversed ranges like “5-2” and do not repeat a page.
- Some files were skipped when adding.
- Each run takes up to 50 files, 100 MB each, 300 MB in total. Merge in several runs, then merge the results together.
- The browser runs out of memory.
- Mostly on phones with very large files. Merge fewer files per run or use a computer.
Glossary
- A document format that keeps its layout everywhere; each page has its own size and orientation.
- Bookmark
- The navigation outline in a PDF viewer's sidebar; not kept when merging.
- Encrypted PDF
- A file with an open password or locked print / edit permissions; its content cannot be read until unlocked.
- Page range
- A shorthand for consecutive pages, e.g. “3-7” means pages 3 to 7.
Frequently asked questions
Are my documents uploaded?
No. Files are read and combined in your own browser, so it is safe for contracts and personal documents.
Does merging reduce quality?
No. Pages are copied as they are, not turned into images or recompressed, so text stays selectable and images keep their sharpness.
Is the merged file bigger than the originals combined?
It is usually close to the total size of the pages you keep. Taking only some pages often gives a smaller file.
Can I merge PDFs with JPG images?
This tool accepts PDFs only. Turn the images into a PDF with “Image to PDF” first, then use “Continue with › Merge PDF”.
Does it work on a phone?
Yes. Use the up / down buttons to reorder; very large files may need a computer because phone memory is limited.
Can I split a PDF?
Yes. The Split PDF tool splits by page ranges, one file per page or every N pages. Here you can also use the page box to take some pages of one file and save them as a new file.
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