add two pdfs together adobe

May 8, 2025 7 min read

Combining PDF files is a common need in today's digital world. Whether you're organizing documents for work, school, or personal use, consolidating multiple PDFs into a single file can simplify sharing and management. Oftentimes, you might receive various documents, such as reports, contracts, or presentations, each saved as a separate PDF. To streamline your workflow, merging these files into one comprehensive document becomes essential.

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Adobe Acrobat has long been a go-to solution for handling PDF tasks, including merging. With its robust features and widespread availability, it offers a reliable way to combine multiple PDFs into a single, cohesive document. However, Adobe Acrobat isn't the only option available. BreezePDF provides a simple, secure, and free alternative or complementary solution to Adobe Acrobat, especially for those who prioritize privacy and ease of use.

Why Combine PDFs?

There are several compelling reasons to combine PDF files. The advantages extend beyond mere convenience, impacting efficiency and organization. Let's delve into some key benefits:

  • Simpler Sharing: Instead of sending multiple attachments, you can share a single, consolidated PDF file. This simplifies communication and reduces the risk of missing documents.
  • Easier Compression: A single PDF is generally easier to compress than multiple individual files. This can be particularly useful when emailing large documents or storing them in the cloud.
  • Improved Organization: Combining related PDFs into one file helps keep your digital documents organized. This makes it easier to locate specific information when you need it.
  • Reviewing Documents: Reviewing multiple documents becomes more manageable when they are compiled into one comprehensive file. It streamlines the process and reduces the chances of overlooking important details.

Combining PDFs with Adobe Acrobat Online

Adobe Acrobat Online offers a convenient way to merge PDFs directly in your web browser. This eliminates the need for desktop software and provides accessibility from any device.

  1. Step 1: Access the Adobe Acrobat Merge PDF tool. Navigate to the Adobe Acrobat online website and find the Merge PDF tool.
  2. Step 2: Select the Files. You can select PDFs using one of two ways:
    • Drag and drop the files directly into the designated area.
    • Use the “Select Files” button to browse your computer and choose the PDFs you wish to combine.
  3. Step 3: Arrange and Organize. Once the files are uploaded, you can rearrange their order by dragging and dropping them into the desired sequence.
  4. Step 4: Merge Files. After arranging the files, click the “Merge” button to combine them into a single PDF.
  5. Step 5: Download the Merged PDF. Once the merging process is complete, you can download the consolidated PDF to your computer.

Adobe Acrobat Online also provides options for reordering, rotating, or deleting pages within the merged PDF, providing greater control over the final document.

Combining PDFs with Adobe Acrobat Desktop (DC)

Adobe Acrobat Desktop (DC) provides a more feature-rich experience for merging PDFs. It's the premier tool for managing PDFs.

  1. Opening Files in Acrobat DC. Open Adobe Acrobat DC and open the PDF files you want to merge.
  2. Accessing the Combine Files Tool. Navigate to the “Tools” tab, then select “Combine Files” and click "Add Files."
  3. Adding files. Use the "Add Files" button to select the PDF files you want to combine.
  4. Arranging the Files. Drag and drop the files to arrange them in the desired order.
  5. Combining the Files. Click the “Combine” button to merge the files into a single PDF.
  6. Saving the Combined File. Save the new combined PDF file to your computer.

Acrobat DC offers advanced features such as bookmarks, headers, footers, and Bates numbering for managing large, complex documents. These features are not offered in online versions.

Combining Password Protected PDFs in Adobe Acrobat Desktop

Combining password-protected PDFs in Adobe Acrobat Desktop requires a slightly different approach.

Note: Standard merging tools in Adobe Acrobat do not directly accept password-protected files for merging.

  1. Navigate to “File” -> “Create” to create a new PDF file.
  2. Choose the “Combine Files Into a Single PDF” option.
  3. Select “Add File” and add all the PDF files you want to merge.
  4. Add the password of the locked PDF files when prompted.
  5. Select “Combine.”
  6. Navigate to “File” -> “Save As” to save the new combined PDF file.

What if Adobe Isn't Enough? Introducing BreezePDF

While Adobe Acrobat is a powerful tool, it can be expensive and complex for simple tasks like merging PDFs. BreezePDF offers a streamlined, user-friendly alternative that prioritizes privacy.

BreezePDF is a free, web-based PDF editor that lets you create fillable PDFs without sending your documents to a server. All the processing happens directly in your browser, ensuring your data remains private and secure. Its core functionalities include adding input boxes, typing on PDFs, signing documents, adding images, password protecting PDFs, merging PDFs, and deleting pages. BreezePDF stands out for its speed, ease of use, and commitment to user privacy. You can also leverage other functionalities such as adding fill in boxes to PDF.

Step-by-Step Guide: Merging PDFs with BreezePDF

Merging PDFs with BreezePDF is straightforward:

  1. Simply navigate to BreezePDF in your web browser.
  2. Access files from various cloud storage locations: Box, Dropbox, OneDrive, SharePoint, and Google Drive.
  3. Follow the prompts to upload and combine your desired PDF files.

BreezePDF's intuitive interface makes the process quick and easy, even for users with limited technical expertise. It is a simple and private way to merge documents.

Arranging Pages with Adobe Acrobat

Both Adobe Acrobat Online and Desktop provide tools for arranging pages after merging PDFs. These tools allow you to refine the document's structure and ensure a professional presentation.

  • Rearrange Pages: Drag and drop pages to change their order.
  • Expand pages or Collapse Document: View individual pages or a condensed overview of the document.
  • Preview pages: Review each page to ensure accuracy and completeness.
  • Delete pages: Remove unwanted pages from the merged PDF.
  • Sort files: Quickly sort files for efficient organization.
  • Move files up or down file list: Adjust the position of files in the merging sequence.

File Size Options

When saving a merged PDF, Adobe Acrobat offers various file size options to optimize the document for different purposes.

  • Smaller File Size: Reduces the file size for easier sharing and storage, but may slightly reduce image quality.
  • Default File Size: Balances file size and image quality for general use.
  • Larger File Size: Preserves the highest possible image quality, resulting in a larger file size.

Can I Split a PDF in Adobe after Merging?

Yes, you can split a PDF in Adobe after merging. Adobe Acrobat includes a “Split PDF” tool that allows you to divide a single PDF into multiple files.

This can be useful if you later decide that the merged document needs to be separated into its original components, providing flexibility in managing your PDF files.

Inserting Files Into PDF

Adobe Acrobat allows you to insert files into an existing PDF document, seamlessly integrating additional content.

  • Insert one PDF into another: Add an entire PDF file into an existing PDF.
  • Insert a clipboard selection into a PDF: Copy content from another application and paste it directly into the PDF.
  • Insert a web page or a blank page into a PDF: Add web content or create blank pages within the PDF.

PDF Security Consideration

Security is paramount when dealing with PDF documents, especially those containing sensitive information. Adobe Acrobat offers several features to enhance PDF security.

  • Enhanced security setting for PDFs: Control access and usage permissions for the PDF.
  • Securing PDFs with passwords: Restrict access to the PDF with a password.
  • Removing sensitive content from PDFs: Permanently remove confidential information from the PDF.

Benefits of Using BreezePDF to Combine PDFs

BreezePDF provides a compelling alternative for combining PDFs, offering several distinct advantages.

  • Ease of Use: BreezePDF's intuitive interface makes the merging process simple and straightforward.
  • Efficiency: Combining PDFs with BreezePDF is quick and efficient, saving you time and effort.
  • Privacy: Your documents never leave your device. The processing happens in your browser.

Conclusion

Combining PDFs is a common task with several available solutions. Adobe Acrobat Online and Desktop offer powerful features for merging and manipulating PDFs. However, BreezePDF provides a user-friendly, private, and free alternative for those seeking a simpler and more secure solution.

Explore the features of BreezePDF and experience the ease and privacy it brings to PDF management. Whether you need to merge, edit, or secure your PDF documents, BreezePDF offers a comprehensive suite of tools to meet your needs.