How to Combine PDF Files on Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

Combining PDF files in Windows 10 is a breeze! You can use built-in tools or third-party applications to merge multiple PDF documents into a single file. Either way, you’ll have your combined PDF ready in minutes. Below, we’ll guide you through the easiest and most efficient ways to complete this task.

How to Combine PDF Files in Windows 10

Combining PDF files might sound tricky, but it’s super simple. We’ll use both native Windows tools and third-party apps to ensure you have options that fit your preference.

Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge

First, open Microsoft Edge, the default web browser on Windows 10.

Microsoft Edge has a built-in PDF viewer that makes it easy to open and manage PDF files without installing extra software.

Step 2: Open the First PDF File

Navigate to the folder where your PDF files are saved and double-click the first PDF to open it in Edge.

Opening the PDF in Edge allows you to view and ensure it’s the correct document you want to merge.

Step 3: Print to PDF

Click the three-dot menu in the top right corner of Edge and select "Print." Choose "Microsoft Print to PDF" as your printer option.

This step converts your document to a format ready for merging, giving you the flexibility to combine it with other PDFs.

Step 4: Save the PDF

Click "Print," and save the newly formatted PDF file to your desired location on your computer.

Saving the PDF ensures it’s formatted correctly and ready for merging with other files.

Step 5: Repeat for Additional PDFs

Repeat steps 2-4 for any other PDFs you want to combine, saving each one separately.

This step ensures that all your PDFs are in the correct format and location for easy merging.

Step 6: Use PDF Merger Tool

Open a reliable PDF merger tool like PDFsam Basic (free) or an online service like Smallpdf. Upload your PDFs.

Using a specialized tool like PDFsam Basic simplifies the merging process, allowing you to quickly combine files without hassle.

Step 7: Merge and Save

Follow the tool’s instructions to merge the PDFs. Download and save the newly combined PDF to your preferred location.

After merging, you’ll have a single, combined PDF file, containing all the documents you selected.

After completing these steps, you’ll have a single PDF file that contains all the documents you wanted to merge. This newly created file will be ready for sharing, printing, or archiving.

Tips for Combining PDF Files in Windows 10

  • Choose the right tool: While Edge can handle basic needs, specialized tools like PDFsam Basic offer more features.
  • Organize files first: Save time by organizing all your PDFs in one folder before starting the merge process.
  • Check PDF order: Ensure your PDFs are in the correct order before merging to avoid confusion.
  • File size considerations: Large PDF files can slow down the merging process. Compress them if necessary.
  • Backup originals: Always keep a backup of the original PDFs in case something goes wrong during the merge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I combine PDFs without third-party software?

Yes, you can use Microsoft Edge and the "Print to PDF" feature, but third-party tools offer more flexibility and features.

Is there a file size limit?

Most online tools have file size limits, but desktop software like PDFsam Basic usually handles larger files better.

Are there any free tools recommended?

PDFsam Basic is a great free tool. Online services like Smallpdf are also popular and offer free versions.

Can I rearrange pages after merging?

Yes, most PDF merger tools allow you to rearrange, add, or delete pages even after merging.

Is it safe to use online PDF merging tools?

Generally, yes, but always use reputable websites and consider the sensitivity of your documents.

Summary

  1. Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge
  2. Step 2: Open the First PDF File
  3. Step 3: Print to PDF
  4. Step 4: Save the PDF
  5. Step 5: Repeat for Additional PDFs
  6. Step 6: Use PDF Merger Tool
  7. Step 7: Merge and Save

Conclusion

Combining PDF files in Windows 10 is a straightforward task, whether you opt for built-in tools like Microsoft Edge or choose third-party apps like PDFsam Basic. By following the steps outlined, you can easily merge multiple documents into a single file, making it simpler to manage and share your information.

Remember to organize your files beforehand and check the order for a seamless merging experience. Using reliable tools ensures your documents are handled safely and efficiently.

If you’re frequently combining PDFs, consider investing in a dedicated PDF management tool. This can save you time and offer additional features like editing and compressing files.

For further reading, check out guides on specific PDF management tools or explore more advanced features available in paid versions of these applications. Happy merging!