Merge PDFs in the right order
Merge a cover, main document and appendix into one file for delivery. For example, a two-page cover document plus a five-page body gives seven pages when every page is included. If you select fewer pages, use that selected total when checking the result.
Use the toolDistinguish file order from page selection
Files near the top of the list are placed first. Confirm the list order after adding files, then inspect each file’s page preview to choose what to include. Arrange covers and appendices before starting the merge.
With similarly named revisions, compare dates or the first lines to choose the right version. Adding a file twice can duplicate its pages. Check the first page, boundaries between source files and the last page to spot omissions and duplicates.
How to use
Choose the PDFs
Select the files and check that every required file and the correct revision are present.
Check order and included pages
Arrange the files and inspect selected pages in the preview. Check where the documents should connect, then merge them.
Download and review
Compare the selected page total with the result. Check document boundaries, orientation and existing numbers before delivering the final PDF.
Different page sizes can remain different
Merging collects pages into one document. It does not re-typeset a landscape A3 plan and a portrait A4 report into a single paper size. Check paper and scaling settings when printing.
Combining scanned pages with text PDFs does not make the scan’s lettering editable. If pages face the wrong direction, use the rotation tool before preparing the final file.
Check numbering and digital signatures
Numbers already printed on a page are part of that page’s content. They do not automatically become a continuous sequence after merging. If you add new numbers, check that they do not overlap existing ones.
Modifying or merging a digitally signed PDF may affect its signature validity. Keep the signed original and check the final document’s signature status in your PDF viewer. A picture of a signature is different from a verifiable digital signature.
Troubleshooting
The order is unexpected
Check the file list and the pages included from each file. Adjust the work if it is still available, or use page reordering to rearrange an existing result.
Pages have different sizes
The source pages may use different paper sizes. Distinguish preview zoom from physical page size and check the paper and scaling settings used for printing.
A password-protected file cannot be included
Check that you have permission and the password needed to process it. Review the supported workflow in the password-removal tool before using the file.