Introduction
PDF files have become the standard for sharing important documents because they preserve the formatting and layout. However, merging multiple PDF files into one can be a challenge, especially for those who are not tech-savvy. In this article, we will explore the tips and tools to combine PDF files for free, making it easier to manage your documents.
Top 5 Free Tools for Merging PDF Files
There are plenty of free tools online to merge PDF files, but we have compiled a list of the top five with pros and cons as well as step-by-step instructions for using each one.
1. PDFsam Basic – This tool is perfect for those who need advanced features like splitting and merging encrypted PDF files while using a simple interface. However, it requires Java to use, which might be a hassle for those who do not have it installed.
2. Smallpdf – Smallpdf might not be the most feature-packed tool, but it is simple to use. It is also quick as files get uploaded fast, and it supports cloud storage for convenience. Plus, it has a bulk conversion feature that comes in handy for merging multiple files. However, free users are limited to documents with 50 pages or less.
3. Seijda – This merging tool has all the features you need, and it is straightforward to use. Seijda supports drag-and-drop functionality, cloud storage integration, and page arrangement. Unfortunately, the free version has a 50MB limit on files, which can be problematic for large files.
4. PDF Merge – PDF Merge is an excellent option for those who are on a budget. It is a web-based tool that supports an unlimited number of documents, and it is easy to use. However, its features are lacking, including the inability to rearrange pages or edit PDF files.
5. Combine PDF – Combine PDF is an efficient tool that’s perfect if you need to merge large documents. It supports up to 20MB files, and there are no limits to the number of files you can merge. However, there are no advanced features so that it might not fit the advanced user’s needs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Merging PDF Files Online for Free
Merging PDF files online for free is an easy process. Here are the steps to merge PDF files online for free.
1. Go to any online PDF merge tool of your choice.
2. Select the files you want to merge by clicking on “select files” or dragging them into the upload area from your computer or cloud storage service.
3. Arrange the files as necessary.
4. Optionally, edit the files by adding page numbers or headers and footers.
5. Click on the “merge PDF” button to combine the PDF files.
6. Finally, download and save your merged PDF document to your computer.
Online merging tools have the benefit of being both easy to use and widely accessible. Plus, they save up a lot of time compared to other methods.
5 Simple Tips to Merge Multiple PDF Files for Free
If you do not want to use any tools or services, you can still combine PDF files using these tips.
1. Rename your files to arrange them in the order you want them to appear in the merged document. For example, 01.doc, 02.doc, 03.doc, etc.
2. Open Adobe Acrobat Reader, and select “Combine Files” from the “Tools” menu.
3. Select your files in the order you want them to appear in the final document.
4. Alternatively, combine different files into one through a Microsoft Office program, then convert the file to a PDF.
5. If you’re working with images or pictures, use software like GIMP or Photoshop to export the images from PDF files, then combine the images with the same aforementioned Office program.
How to Merge PDF Files on Different Devices for Free
Luckily, you can merge PDF files on different devices like a mobile phone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer, regardless of the operating system you use. Some of the free software or cloud storage apps to merge PDF files on your devices include:
1. Adobe Acrobat Reader – This popular PDF viewer can be installed on both macOS and Windows, making it widely accessible.
2. Apple Preview – This is the default PDF viewer on macOS that comes pre-installed and has some decent functions similar to Adobe.
3. Google Drive – Google Drive is both available on desktop and mobile devices, and uploading PDFs is easy.
4. Dropbox – Dropbox allows you to share documents as links and is accessible on almost any device.
5. Foxit Reader – Foxit Reader is a lightweight PDF viewer software that can be installed on Windows devices for free. It can also merge PDF files.
Why You Should Merge PDF Files and How to Do It for Free
Merging PDF files can help you improve your organizational skills as well as your productivity level. Imagine working on a long project where you have to access multiple files every day. Merging them would save you time and energy. To merge files using a free tool, follow these steps:
1. Go to the website of a specific merging tool
2. Upload the files you want to merge
3. In the tool, select the page range or the order
4. Click on the “Merge” button to join the selected pages.
5. Once the files have been merged, download or save it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, merging PDF files might seem like a daunting task, but the tips and tools presented in this article make it easier. With the step-by-step guide to merging PDF files online for free, tips to merge files on your own, and suggestions for software and apps to merge PDF files on different devices, there is no reason not to start combining files today. Organize your files with ease and convenience by using these tools.
