PDF files are a widely used electronic document sharing format that makes it easier for people to share information securely. They usually contain a combination of text, images, audio, and video files. In most cases, creating a single PDF that contains multiple files is much easier than sending several separate PDFs. If you are dealing with multiple PDFs and you want to combine them into a single file, then you might find this article helpful. Here, we will share several ways to combine PDF files in Windows 10.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Combine PDF Files in Windows 10
As compared to other file formats, PDF files are often much larger, especially when they contain images or other graphics. It can be pretty inconvenient and impractical to send multiple PDFs when you can merge several of them into a single file. You might also prefer to create a single PDF when you have finished your project or report, rather than submitting it as several documents. This can make it easier for other people to access everything they need in one place. Some reasons why you need to combine PDF files include:
- You want to create a single PDF using multiple files
- To make it easier to access information in one file
- When you need to share information and want to avoid sending multiple documents
Method 1: Using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is one of the most popular software used for editing and modifying PDF files. With this software, you can easily merge PDF files in the following steps:
- Open Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
- Click on the create PDF option at the bottom of the screen
- Select "Add Files" and browse for the PDF files you wish to combine. You can select multiple files at once by holding the Ctrl key on your keyboard while clicking on each file.
- Reorder the files by clicking and dragging the files until they are arranged in the order you want them to appear in the newly created PDF.
- Click on the "Combine Files" button located on the right side of the screen
- Choose a name and location for your new PDF and click "Save"
Pros:
- Easy and straightforward to use
- Can combine large PDF files
- Can reorder the pages
Cons:
- Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is not free, and you have to buy the software to access all the features
- The process can be slow when merging large files
Method 2: Using PDFsam Basic
PDFsam Basic is a free and open-source PDF tool that lets users edit, merge, split, and rotate PDF files. With PDFsam Basic, you can download and install its desktop app on your Windows 10 PC and merge PDF files with these easy steps:
- Launch PDFsam Basic and click the "Merge" tab
- Click the "Add" button, and select the PDF files you want to merge
- Select the files and click "Open" to upload them to the PDFsam Basic app
- Once added, you can rearrange the uploaded files by using the up and down arrow buttons
- Select the destination path where you want to save the newly created PDF file and click "Run"
Pros:
- It is entirely free to use
- It can handle multiple files simultaneously with ease
- It’s fast and does not require any registration
Cons:
- The layout is not as intuitive as Adobe Acrobat
- PDFsam Basic is not as powerful as Adobe Acrobat DC
Method 3: Using Microsoft Edge Browser
Microsoft Edge browser is now equipped with PDF editing tools, including the ability to merge or combine PDF files. Here’s how to merge two PDF files in Windows 10 using Microsoft Edge Browser:
- Open the Microsoft Edge browser and go to one of the PDF files you want to merge
- In the Microsoft Edge PDF viewer, click on the three dots located at the top right corner of the window
- Select "Open with Internet Explorer”
- Repeat the same action for the second PDF file you want to merge
- In Internet Explorer, right-click on one of the opened PDF files and choose "Copy", or use the keyboard shortcut "Ctrl + A" to select all pages and then press "Ctrl + C" to copy them
- Open a blank Word document and click "Ctrl + V" to paste the copied PDF files into the Word document
- Save the Word document as a PDF file
Pros:
- It is a built-in feature without the need to install any additional software
- It is an easy process for small PDF files
Cons:
- It’s not suitable for large files
- Microsoft Edge may not be as powerful a PDF editor as the other methods listed above
What to Do If You Can’t Combine PDF Files in Windows 10
If you can’t manually combine PDF files using any of the above methods, you can try using an online PDF tool instead. There are several trusted free online PDF tools like PDF Merge, Smallpdf, and PDF Converter to consider. They offer some of the features that are available in a desktop version of Adobe Acrobat but with the convenience of using them online. These tools require an internet connection, and all you need to do is upload your PDF files and let the tool handle the rest.
Bonus Tip
You can compress your merged PDF file to reduce its file size and therefore make it easier to share or upload to email. One of the advanced features offered by PDFsam Basic is its ability to compress PDF files. Here’s how you can compress your file using PDFsam Basic:
- Launch PDFsam Basic and navigate to the compress tab
- Click the "Add" button and then add the merged PDF file you just created
- Select the desired compression level, and click "Start"
- The output file will be saved in the same directory as the original file.
5 FAQs about Combining PDF Files in Windows 10
Q1. Is it safe to use an online PDF tool to merge PDF files?
A1. Yes, it is safe to use online PDF tools to merge PDF files, but you should choose a reputable platform that has positive reviews and feedback.
Q2. Can I merge PDF files without downloading any software?
A2. Yes, you can use free online PDF tools like PDF Merge, Smallpdf, and PDF Converter to combine PDF files without downloading software.
Q3. Can I add password protection to the merged PDF file?
A3. Yes, most of the PDF editors offer password protection features to secure your merged file. Adobe Acrobat Pro DC and PDFsam Basic are examples of software that provide password protection.
Q4. Can I rearrange pages in a merged PDF?
A4. Yes, you can rearrange pages in a merged PDF. Adobe Acrobat Pro DC and PDFsam Basic provide this feature, and it is easy to use.
Q5. What is the difference between Adobe Acrobat Pro DC and PDFsam Basic?
A5. Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is a powerful PDF editor that offers multiple features, including combining PDF files, password protection, and page arrangement. It offers both desktop and online versions, but it does require a subscription fee. On the other hand, PDFsam Basic is free and open-source software that provides a few basic PDF editing tools. It’s an excellent choice for tasks that don’t require advanced features.
Final Thoughts
If you need to combine two or more PDF files in Windows 10, there are several methods to achieve this. Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is the most popular software for merging PDF files and offers the most advanced features. PDFsam Basic is an excellent free and open-source alternative for those who don’t want to pay for software. Microsoft Edge Browser is a handy option for small files. Lastly, free online PDF tools like PDF Merge, Smallpdf, and PDF Converter are great alternatives when you don’t want to download additional software. Choose the method that suits your needs best and enjoy merging your PDF files easily.