Find Out How Can You Merge Multiple PDFs Into One In Simple Steps

PDFs are one of the most popular file formats people use to send and store data. Its versatility is second to none. No wonder it is accepted as the industry standard on both Windows and Mac. However, many times Mac users ask, “Can you merge multiple PDFs into one?” and the answer to that is of course! you can. Joining PDFs is only one of the many amazing utilities that made them so popular.

In this article, we will provide you with all possible solutions to join your PDFs. So without wasting any time, let’s start by understanding why anyone would want to merge multiple PDFs into one file on a Mac device.

Answering Can You Merge Multiple PDFs into One Document -Top 5 Reasons

There can be several causes for users to merge different PDF files. Let’s go through these causes prior to answering the question.

1. Convenience: If you’re thinking of opening & closing several files simultaneously, this is inefficient. Rather, users can try to merge all of their PDF files into a single document which is way better.
2. Structure: It’s easier for users to manage their files in a systematic manner by Combining numerous PDFs into one. In addition, this makes the files structured & far away from confusion.
3. Sharing: The distribution of a large number of PDF files is one of the major reasons why a user asks,  “Can you merge multiple PDFs into one file on a Mac?”. After combining multiple PDFs, it is way easier for users to share a single file with the recipient. Moreover, it reduces the complexity of handling multiple PDFs as well.
4. Security: Users should combine their bulk PDF files always. The reason for this is to have a single password for a merged PDF than multiple different passwords for each PDF separately. This also results in increased security for the files.
5. Compression: When we integrate two or more files together, the size of the combined file becomes less than the separate files altogether. Also, this is handy when sending huge files through email or uploading them to a website.

Now that we know why anyone is looking for a method to merge their PDF. here, it’s time to introduce various methods of joining multiple PDFs.

Can You Merge Multiple PDFs Into One File On A Mac Using Built-in Method?

Absolutely Yes! There are various tools that Apple offers on their Mac OS devices. Therefore, users can utilize these for the basic task of merging PDF files together.

Use Preview To Join PDF

Preview is a built-in application on Mac that allows you to view, edit, and merge PDF files. Finally, here are the steps to merge PDFs using Preview on Mac:

• Open Preview: 

1. 1. 1. Users can get the Preview in the Applications folder or by searching for it in Spotlight.

• Open PDF Files in Preview: 

1. 1. 1. Open the desired PDF files to merge in Preview. Double-click on each PDF file or drag and drop them onto the Preview icon.

• View Thumbnails: 

1. 1. 1. Click on the “View” button in the top menu bar and select “Thumbnails” or press “Command + Option + 2” to view the thumbnails of all the open PDF files in the sidebar.

• Drag and Drop Thumbnails: 

1. 1. 1. Click and drag the thumbnails of the PDF files that you want to merge into one file to the sidebar of the PDF file that you want to use as the main document. 
      2. After that, you can arrange the order of the pages by dragging and dropping the thumbnails.

• Save the Merged PDF:

1. 1. 1. File Click on “File” from the top menu bar and select “Export as PDF.” 
      2. Next, choose a name and location for your merged PDF file and click “Save.”

• Check the Merged PDF File: 

1. 1. 1. After the file is saved, go to the location where you saved the merged PDF file and open it to make sure that all the PDFs were merged correctly.

This way users can easily merge PDFs with Preview on Mac. It allows users to merge PDF files and even rearrange the pages before saving they save the final document. Moreover, the markup tools in Preview are there as well to add annotations and comments to the merged PDF file.

Learn How Can You Merge Multiple PDFs into One Using the Automator 

The automation tool is the one which let users create workflows for tasks that are repetitive. Users do not need to download this as it is already there on Mac devices by default. Moreover, merging multiple PDF files into one file is one such task. Below are the steps to merge PDFs using Automator on Mac:

• Open Automator: 

1. 1. 1. You can find Automator by searching for it in Spotlight or in the Applications folder.

• Create a New Workflow

1. 1. 1. Press “New” by going to “File,” located on the top menu bar.
      2. Then, select “Workflow” as the type of new document you want to create.

• Add “Get Specified Finder Items” Action:

1. 1. 1. Search for “Get Specified Finder Items” in the search bar on the left side of the Automator window and drag it to the right side of the window. 
      2. Next, click on the “Add” button and select the PDF files you want to merge.

• Add “Combine PDF Pages” Action:

1. 1. 1. Search for “Combine PDF Pages” in the search bar and drag it below the “Get Specified Finder Items” action. 
      2. After that, in the “Combine PDF Pages” action, select “Single PDF” from the “Destination” dropdown menu.

• Save the Merged PDF:

1. 1. 1. Press the “Save” button; you will find it in the top menu bar under the “File” option. 
      2. Then, choose a name and location for your merged PDF file and click “Save.”

• Run the Workflow:

1. 1. 1. 1. You will find the “Run” button located on the top right corner of the window. Click on it  to run the workflow.

• Check the Merged File:

1. 1. 1. After the workflow is finished, go to the location where you saved the merged PDF file and open it to make sure that all the PDFs were merged correctly.

Now we know how the Automator works on Mac to merge PDFs. Additionally, You can save this workflow for future use.

Precautions While Using Built-in Methods on Mac

It is strongly advised to observe these recommendations carefully when utilising built-in Mac ways to combine PDFs.

1. First and foremost, ensure that you have a backup in case anything goes wrong. You don’t want to lose your PDF files.
2. The second thing to keep in mind, while answering “Can you merge multiple PDFs into one?” is to pay close attention if you join large files as it is possible to lose your files. Additionally, we recommend adding them in batches. This is for sure a longer method but it reduces the risk of data loss.
3. At last, before combining, make sure that all PDF files are compatible with the built-in technique. Check that the password has been disabled for the PDF you are trying to join. Moreover, the built-in methods on Mac do not allow joining password-protected PDFs due to security concerns.

Be sure to comply with these precautions to enjoy the merging process without encountering errors. Next, we will tell you how to join PDFs using Adobe Acrobat DC.

Also Read: The Best Way to Split PDF into Multiple Files Easily.

Using Adobe Acrobat DC merge multiple PDFs into one

Adobe Acrobat DC is a popular software for creating and editing PDF files. It also provides the option to merge multiple PDFs into one file on a Mac device in its Pro version.

Procedure to Merge PDFs into One using Adobe Acrobat DC

1. On your Mac, launch the Adobe Acrobat DC app.
2. Go to the top menu bar and press the “Tools” tab.
3. Then, from the catalogue of choices, pick the “Combine Files” option.
4. After that, hit the “Add Files” button to choose the files you wish to join.
5. Next, drag and drop the various PDF files to rearrange them.
6. Finally, merge the PDFs into a single file by clicking on the “Combine Files” button.

Limitations of Using Adobe Acrobat DC Pro to Merge Multiple PDFs into One

Adobe Acrobat DC is that it is paid software & this is one of the major drawbacks of it. Therefore, without a subscription, there will be no benefit that users can avail of. Additionally, it may not be the best option for merging large numbers of PDFs, as it can be time-consuming & inefficient.

Utilizing Online Tools to Merge Multiple PDFs Into One

If you are time bound you might ask, “Can you merge multiple PDFs into one document online?“ Yes, simply follow these steps:

1. Pick an Online Tool: There are plenty of options; you can choose any online tool that meets your needs.
2. Upload the PDF files: Upload the PDF files you wish to combine. Furthermore, a drag-and-drop capability is available on most online PDF merging sites, which makes it simple to upload files.
3. Arrange the Files: Arrange them in the order you want them to appear in the final merged PDF file.
4. Merge the Files: Next, combine the PDF files after organizing them in the correct sequence. Additionally to join the files, many online tools have a merge button that you can press.
5. Download the merged file: You can immediately download the content from the website upon the completion of the merging process as per your specified parameters.

Disadvantages of Online Tools 

• Security Risks: You are submitting your files to a third-party server when you utilise an online application to combine PDF files. This can be a security concern, particularly if the files include sensitive data.
• Limited Features: When compared to desktop software, online tools quite often have fewer features. Moreover, you might not be able to customise the combined PDF file or regulate the output quality.
• Slow Performance: Web-based tools might be sluggish, particularly when combining large PDF files. This is a lengthy process that also reduces your efficiency.
• Internet Connection Required: A working internet connection is necessary to use online tools. The merging procedure may take longer than usual or even fail midway if your internet connection faces some issues.

All these drawbacks of online tools may reignite the doubt that can you merge multiple PDFs into one. Don’t get disheartened, as there is still a method we are yet to discuss, so without further ado, here is the automated tool. 

Introduction to a Professional PDF Merger Tool 

If you want a more powerful and reliable tool to merge multiple PDFs into one file on a Mac, you can go for the PDF File Merger Application for Mac. Moreover, this is desktop software that offers advanced features and customisation options that are not available in online tools.

Free Download Purchase Now

Simple Steps to Merge Multiple PDFs into One on Mac by Using the Tool:

Step-1. Launch the software and click on the “Merge” button.

Step-2. Choose the files that you want in the final merged PDF file.

Step-3. Choose the appropriate settings, from add in existing or create a new PDF.

Step-4. Click on the “Merge” button to combine the files into one PDF file. 

Step-5. The merged PDF file will be saved to your desired location.

Advantages of a Professional PDF Merger Solution 

• Advanced Features: It offers advanced features and customisation options that are not available with online tools. Furthermore, you can control the output quality, customise the page size and orientation, and add watermarks and bookmarks to the merged PDF file.
• High Performance: The tool is designed to handle large PDF files and can merge multiple PDFs into one file quickly and efficiently.
• Internet Not Required: The software works even in the absence of an Internet connection. In addition to that you can also combine PDF files offline, without worrying about slow or unstable internet connections.
• Security: It is secure software that does not upload your files to a third-party server. Moreover, you can join your PDF files offline, without worrying about security risks.

Conclusion

Can you merge multiple PDFs into one without major issues? Yes, as you have read this blog, you can increase your productivity on the Mac. The built-in Mac methods include Preview and Automator. Adobe Acrobat DC Pro provides options for merging PDFs, but the hefty cost is unjustified for such a simple task.

Online tools are quick to use, but they have security vulnerabilities. The professional tool is the jack of all trades. It provides an excellent alternative for a dependable and effective solution to combine PDFs on a Mac. Moreover, if you follow the precautions and tips provided here, you will be able to answer the question, “Can you merge multiple PDFs into one PDF file on a Mac?” without fail.