How to merge PDF files into one
Updated 3 min readBy Total PDF Tools
Quick answer
To merge PDF files, open the Merge PDF tool, add all the PDFs you want to combine, drag them into the right order and click Merge. The tool copies every page into one new PDF without re-rendering, so text stays selectable and images keep their quality. It runs in your browser, so the files are never uploaded.
Open Merge PDFStep by step
- 1
Open Merge PDF
Go to the Merge PDF tool on totalpdftools.com. No account or installation is needed.
- 2
Add your files
Drop the PDFs onto the page or click to choose them. You can add more files at any time.
- 3
Set the order
Drag the files into the order you want. Use Sort A–Z if your files are numbered like 01, 02, 03.
- 4
Merge and download
Click Merge. The combined PDF is created in your browser and downloaded to your device.
What happens to quality when you merge
Merging copies pages as they are. Nothing is converted to images or re-compressed, so text stays searchable, vector graphics stay sharp and photos keep their original resolution. The merged file is roughly the size of the original files added together.
Bookmarks from the individual files are not carried over. For long results, add page numbers or a header afterwards so readers can find their way around.
Merging only some pages
Merge always includes every page of every file. If you only need part of a document, extract those pages first with Extract Pages, then merge the smaller files. After merging, you can still reorder or remove individual pages with Reorder PDF Pages.
Common reasons to merge PDFs
People most often merge PDFs to:
- Send several invoices or receipts as one attachment.
- Assemble a job application: cover letter, CV and certificates.
- Combine scanned pages that were saved as separate files.
- Put report chapters or signed pages back together.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a limit to how many PDFs I can merge?
There is no fixed limit because nothing is uploaded. The practical limit is your device's memory; dozens of normal documents merge without problems on a computer.
Can I merge password-protected PDFs?
Remove the password first with Unlock PDF (you need to know the password), then merge the unlocked copy.
The merged PDF is too big to email. What can I do?
Run it through Compress PDF. Most of a PDF's size usually comes from images, which compression reduces while keeping text intact.