How to Merge PDF Files Online for Free (2026 Guide)

Why Merge PDF Files?

Combining multiple PDF documents into a single file is one of the most common PDF tasks. Whether you're preparing a report, compiling invoices, or organizing scanned documents, merging PDFs saves time and keeps your files organized.

Common use cases include:

• Business reports: Combine cover page, content, and appendices
• Invoice archives: Merge monthly invoices into yearly compilations
• Academic papers: Combine chapters, references, and appendices
• Legal documents: Assemble contracts with attachments and signatures
• Portfolio creation: Combine work samples into a single presentation

How to Merge PDFs with PDFey (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Open the Merge Tool

Go to PDFey Merge PDF in your browser. No account creation or software installation needed.

Step 2: Upload Your PDF Files

Click the upload area or drag and drop your PDF files. You can select multiple files at once from your file browser (hold Ctrl/Cmd while clicking).

Step 3: Arrange the Order

Drag and drop the files to arrange them in your desired order. The final PDF will combine them from top to bottom as shown in the list.

Step 4: Click Merge

Press the "Merge PDFs" button. Processing happens instantly in your browser - even large files merge within seconds.

Step 5: Download Your Combined PDF

Your merged PDF downloads automatically. The original files remain unchanged.

Choosing the Right PDF Merger

When selecting a PDF merge tool, consider these factors:

1. Privacy and Security

The safest option is a tool that processes files locally (client-side). This means your documents never leave your device. Server-based tools upload your files, which poses privacy risks for sensitive documents.

2. No File Limits

Many free tools restrict file sizes or number of files. Look for tools without arbitrary limits that would interrupt your workflow.

3. No Registration Required

The best tools let you work immediately without creating accounts or providing email addresses.

4. Speed

Client-side processing is typically faster because there's no upload/download wait time.

Common Questions About PDF Merging

Is it safe to merge PDFs online?

Yes, if you use a tool that processes files in your browser. PDFey uses client-side processing - your documents never leave your device, making it completely safe for confidential files.

How many PDFs can I merge at once?

With PDFey, you can merge up to 100 PDF files at once. The practical limit depends on your device's memory, but most users can easily combine 20-50 files without issues.

Will merging reduce PDF quality?

No. PDF merging simply combines the files without re-encoding. The original quality of text, images, and graphics is fully preserved.

Can I merge password-protected PDFs?

You'll need to remove the password first. Use our Unlock PDF tool to remove password protection, then merge the files.

Does the order of files matter?

Yes. The merged PDF will have pages in the exact order you arrange the files. That's why PDFey provides drag-and-drop reordering before merging.

Tips for Better PDF Merging

Conclusion

Merging PDF files doesn't have to be complicated. With the right tool, you can combine documents in seconds while keeping your files private and secure. PDFey offers a fast, free, and secure solution that works entirely in your browser.