How to Merge PDF Files Free Online - 5 Easy Methods [2026]

Merging PDF files is something almost everyone needs to do at some point — whether you're combining multiple invoices, joining chapters of a document, or putting together application materials. The good news? You don't need expensive software like Adobe Acrobat to do it.

In this guide, we'll show you 5 free methods to merge PDF files that actually work in 2026.

Why Merge PDF Files?

Common reasons to combine PDFs include:

Organizing documents: Combine related files into one
Creating reports: Merge multiple sections into a final report
Job applications: Combine resume, cover letter, and certificates
Legal documents: Join contract pages with signatures
School projects: Combine research with your paper
Invoicing: Merge multiple invoices for clients

Method 1: Merge PDFs Online (Fastest & Easiest)

The quickest way to merge PDF files is using a free online tool like Percime Tools.

How to Merge PDFs Online:

Go to tools.percime.com/merge-pdf
Upload your PDF files by dragging and dropping
Arrange the order by dragging files up or down
Click "Merge PDF"
Download your combined PDF file

Why Online Merging is Best:

✅ No software to install
✅ Works on any device
✅ Free with no limits
✅ No watermarks added
✅ Files deleted automatically for privacy

Method 2: Merge PDFs on Mac Using Preview

Mac users have a built-in option using Preview:

Steps:

Open the first PDF in Preview
Go to View > Thumbnails to show the sidebar
Drag additional PDFs into the thumbnail sidebar
Arrange pages as needed
Go to File > Export as PDF

Limitation: This method can be clunky with many files.

Method 3: Merge PDFs on Windows

Windows doesn't have a built-in PDF merger, but you have options:

Using Microsoft Edge

Open the first PDF in Edge
Click Print > Microsoft Print to PDF
This method works for single files but not ideal for merging

Using Free Software

PDF24 Tools: Free desktop app
PDFsam Basic: Open source PDF merger
PDF Arranger: Simple drag-and-drop merger

Method 4: Merge PDFs on iPhone/iPad

Using the Files App + Shortcuts

Create a Shortcut that combines PDFs
Select your PDF files in Files
Run the shortcut

Using Online Tools (Easier)

Simply use Safari to access any online PDF merger — it works just like on desktop.

Method 5: Merge PDFs on Android

Using Google Drive

Open Google Docs
Insert PDFs as images (limited functionality)

Using Online Tools (Recommended)

The easiest method is using Chrome to access an online merger.

Tips for Merging PDF Files

1. Check Page Order Before Merging

Always preview and arrange your files in the correct order before combining.

2. Optimize File Size

If your merged PDF is too large, use a PDF compressor afterward.

3. Remove Unnecessary Pages First

Use a PDF splitter to remove pages you don't need before merging.

4. Name Your Output File

Use a descriptive name like "Invoice_January_2024_Combined.pdf"

5. Keep Original Files

Always keep your original PDFs in case you need to make changes.

Common Issues When Merging PDFs

Issue: "File Too Large" Error

Solution: Compress your PDFs before merging, or merge in smaller batches.

Issue: Page Orientation Problems

Solution: Use a PDF rotator to fix page orientation before merging.

Issue: Password-Protected PDFs

Solution: You'll need to unlock each PDF before merging.

Issue: Bookmarks Lost

Solution: Most free tools don't preserve bookmarks. Adobe Acrobat does.

Merging PDFs Without Adobe Acrobat

Adobe Acrobat Pro costs $12.99/month or more. Here's how free alternatives compare:

Feature	Adobe Acrobat	Percime Tools	PDF24
Price	$12.99/mo	Free	Free
Online	Yes	Yes	Yes
Batch merge	Yes	Yes	Yes
Page reorder	Yes	Yes	Yes
No watermark	Yes	Yes	Yes
File limit	None	50MB each	100MB

For most users, free tools work perfectly.

Best Practices for PDF Merging

Consistent formatting: Files merge better if they have similar page sizes
Check quality: Ensure all source PDFs are readable
Logical order: Arrange files in the order readers will view them
Add page numbers: Consider adding page numbers to the merged document
Create a table of contents: For long documents, add navigation

How Many PDFs Can You Merge?

With Percime Tools, you can merge unlimited PDF files in a single operation. Just drag them all in, arrange the order, and click merge.

Most free online tools support merging dozens of files at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is merging PDFs free?

Yes, online tools like Percime Tools offer completely free PDF merging with no limits or watermarks.

Will merging reduce PDF quality?

No, merging PDFs doesn't compress or reduce quality. The output contains the original content.

Can I merge PDFs with different page sizes?

Yes, most tools handle different page sizes. The merged PDF will contain pages in their original sizes.

How do I merge PDFs in a specific order?

Upload all files, then drag and drop to rearrange them before merging.

Can I merge scanned PDFs?

Yes, scanned PDFs merge just like regular PDFs.

Conclusion

Merging PDF files doesn't require expensive software. Online tools provide the fastest, easiest solution that works on any device.

Merge your PDF files free with Percime Tools — no watermarks, no signup, instant results.

Related guides: How to Split PDF Files | How to Reduce PDF Size