PDF Free online tool
Merge PDF
Combine up to 10 PDF files into one document in the order you choose. Arrange the list, merge and download a single PDF to send, print or file.
- Free, no sign-up
- Encrypted transfer
- Files deleted after 2 hours
Step by step
How to merge PDF files
Combine PDF files in the order they appear in the list.
- PDF 01-cover-letter.pdf 1 page · 186 KB
- PDF 02-cv.pdf 2 pages · 412 KB
- PDF 03-certificates.pdf 2 pages · 2.3 MB
The result follows the order of the list.
Tip: number your files before you start, for example 01-cover-letter.pdf, 02-cv.pdf. A file in the wrong place is then easy to spot in the list.
Before you start
Prepare your files
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The files add up to more than 100 MB
Compress the largest files first with Compress PDF, then add them to the list.
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Scans or photos are JPG files
This tool accepts PDF files only. Turn JPG images into a PDF with JPG to PDF first.
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One part is a Word document
Save it as a PDF with Word to PDF, then add it to the merge list.
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A file is password-protected
Protected PDFs can’t be merged. If you are allowed to edit the file, remove the password first with Unlock PDF.
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A file has extra pages
Keep only the pages you need with Extract PDF pages, or remove the rest with Delete pages from PDF.
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Some pages are sideways
Fix the orientation with Rotate PDF before merging, so the whole document reads the right way up.
Example orders
Choose an order your reader expects
A merged PDF is read from the first page down. Put the document that explains the rest at the top, and supporting material after it. Pick a task to see a sensible order.
- Cover letter The recruiter reads it first.
- CV Your main document, straight after the letter.
- Certificates and diplomas In the order your CV mentions them.
- References Last, and only if the advert asks for them.
Before you merge: Check the job advert first. Some employers ask for separate files or a specific order, and their instructions come first.
- Main agreement The terms everything else refers to.
- Schedules and annexes Numbered as the agreement cites them: Schedule 1, 2, 3.
- Supporting documents Plans, certificates or ID the schedules mention.
Before you merge: Name each schedule as the agreement does, for example “Schedule 1 – Price list”, so the reader can match every part to its reference.
- Claim form or summary Totals and dates on the first page.
- Receipts In the same order as the lines on the form.
- Statement extract Card or bank statement lines, if your finance team asks for them.
Before you merge: Missing a receipt? Say so on the claim form, so the reviewer doesn’t have to ask about the gap.
- Title page Your name, the course or client and the date.
- Abstract or declaration Anything your institution requires up front.
- Main text Chapters in order.
- References After the main text.
- Appendices In the order the text cites them.
Before you merge: Exported each part separately? Check that headers and footers match before merging, so the document reads as one piece.
Pages in the merged PDF
- 2 Page number in your PDF reader
- 1 of 2 Number printed on the page
One PDF, in the order you set
The diagram shows what the download is called and how page numbers look after merging.
The download is named after the first file in the list, with -merged added. Rename it before you share it so the recipient knows what is inside, for example Smith-job-application.pdf.
Printed page numbers stay as they were. Your PDF reader counts pages 1 to 5, but the CV footer may still read “Page 1 of 2”. If the combined document needs continuous numbering, add it in the source files before merging.
What the merged PDF keeps
Merging changes how pages are grouped, not what is on them. A few document features need a quick check.
| Part of the document | Result | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Page content, text and images | Kept | Pages are joined, not converted, so they look as they did in the source and selectable text stays selectable. |
| Page size and orientation | Kept | Each page keeps its own size, so A4 and Letter, or portrait and landscape pages, can sit in one file. |
| Comments and highlights | Kept | Annotations made in the source files remain on their pages. |
| Bookmarks, links and form fields | Check | Open the merged PDF and try the ones you rely on before sending it. |
| File size | Check | Usually close to the combined size of your files. Need a smaller attachment? Use Compress PDF after merging. |
| Layer list | Not kept | The list of switchable layers is not carried into the merged file, so layers that were hidden become visible. |
| Digital signatures | Not valid | The signature may still appear on the page, but it no longer verifies in the merged file. Send the signed original whenever the signature must be checked. |
Check the merged PDF before you send it
Look for the usual problems: a missing file, a section in the wrong place or a sideways page.
- Page count Add up the pages of your source files. The merged PDF should have the same total.
- Section starts Go to where each source file begins and confirm it is where you planned.
- Orientation and readability Scroll through at normal zoom. Look for sideways pages, cropped edges and stray blank pages.
Printing double-sided
Document A has three pages, so document B starts on the back of A’s last sheet. To start each document on a new sheet, print the documents separately.
Your files and the team behind this tool
File handling
Files travel over an encrypted connection. Uploads and the merged file are deleted automatically two hours after the merge.
Read the Privacy Policy for how data is handled. If your documents fall under your organisation’s rules, check that you may use an online service before uploading.
The company behind Convertok
Convertok is operated by Uptraff Ltd. Learn about the company on the About us page.
If a merge fails, contact support with the number of files, their total size and the error message. You don’t need to attach your documents.
About this guide
Written by the Convertok team and checked against the merge tool: file and size limits, list order, file naming and download expiry.
Last reviewed: October 2026
FAQ
Merge PDF questions, answered
Cost, limits, devices, scans and upload problems.
Still stuck? Write to [email protected].
Is Merge PDF free? Do I need an account?
It is free and needs no sign-up.
How many PDF files can I merge at once?
Up to 10 files, 100 MB in total. For more files, merge the first 10, then merge that PDF with up to 9 more.
Can I merge PDFs on my phone?
Yes. The tool runs in your mobile browser. Select PDFs stored on your phone, set the order and download the result.
Can I merge scanned PDFs?
Yes, as long as they are PDF files. Scanned pages stay images, so their text can’t be selected or searched. Merging does not run text recognition (OCR).
Does merging change my original files?
No. Your files stay as they are on your device. Merging creates a new PDF.
Why won’t my PDF upload?
The tool shows a message with the reason. The usual causes: the file or the whole list is over the size limit, the file is empty or damaged, or it isn’t a PDF. If a file won’t open in your PDF reader either, ask the sender for a new copy.
Can I separate the files again after merging?
Yes. Use Split PDF on the merged file, or merge your original files again in a new order.
Put your documents in one file
Add your PDFs, set the order and download a single document.
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