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How to Add Two PDFs Together in Windows

May 8, 2025 10 min read

In the digital age, managing documents efficiently is crucial. Many times, you might find yourself needing to combine multiple PDF files into one cohesive document. This is especially true when dealing with reports, financial records, or even creative projects. This article explores various methods available on Windows to add two pdfs together windows, ensuring you can streamline your document management process. We'll also take a look at how BreezePDF can simplify this task.

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Why Combine PDFs?

Combining PDFs offers several advantages. First and foremost, it simplifies sharing. Instead of sending multiple files, you can send a single, well-organized PDF document. This is particularly beneficial when emailing large files or collaborating with others on projects. A single PDF reduces clutter and simplifies file management.

Moreover, combined PDFs can be compressed more easily. This is useful when dealing with size restrictions for email attachments or online uploads. Combining related documents—such as financial records, reports, meeting notes, and supporting graphics—into a unified PDF improves organization and accessibility. This approach is especially beneficial for job applications, where several documents such as a cover letter, resume, and portfolio can be compiled into one convenient file.

For team projects and collaborative work, a single, combined PDF ensures that all members have easy access to all relevant data in one central place. This eliminates the need to sift through multiple files and promotes better coordination.

Methods to Combine PDFs on Windows

There are multiple ways to combine PDFs on Windows, each offering different features and levels of complexity. These methods include online PDF mergers, desktop PDF editors, and even the built-in Microsoft Print to PDF functionality. Let's explore each option in detail.

Online PDF Mergers

Online PDF mergers are convenient tools accessible directly through your web browser. They eliminate the need for software installations, making them a quick solution for occasional PDF merging needs. Many online tools offer a user-friendly interface where you can upload your PDFs and rearrange them as needed.

Most online tools follow a similar process: upload your PDF files, arrange them in the desired order, and then click the merge button. Once the merging process is complete, you can download the combined PDF file. While many such tools exist, steps for using Acrobat Online PDF Merger are below.

  1. Open the merge PDFs tool.
  2. Drag and drop files or select them from your computer.
  3. Select Merge.
  4. Reorder, reorganize, or edit the merged PDF if required.
  5. Download the final merged PDF or compress it for easier sharing.

Other popular online PDF merging tools include Smallpdf and iLovePDF. These tools generally follow the same basic steps but may have slightly different interfaces and additional features. It is important to consider data privacy when using these tools as documents are uploaded to their servers. BreezePDF is designed for privacy.

BreezePDF: BreezePDF offers a simple online merging capability, letting you quickly combine multiple PDFs directly in your browser. It's 100% private, ensuring your documents never leave your device. Use it to create fillable PDFs or merge PDFs quickly and easily.

Desktop PDF Editors

Desktop PDF editors offer more advanced features and greater control over the merging process. These software applications are installed directly on your computer, providing offline access and enhanced security. Desktop editors typically provide a broader range of editing tools beyond basic merging.

Merging with Foxit PDF Editor

  1. Download and install Foxit PDF Editor from the official website.
  2. Launch the application on your Windows system.
  3. Go to ‘File’ in the top left corner of the application.
  4. Select ‘Create’ and then choose ‘Combine Files’.
  5. Add the files you want to merge by clicking ‘Add Files’.
  6. Arrange the files in the desired order by dragging and dropping them in the interface.
  7. Click on the ‘Combine’ button to merge the PDFs into a single document.
  8. Save the merged PDF to your preferred location on your computer.

Merging with Adobe Acrobat for desktop (offline)

  1. Open a PDF file in Adobe Acrobat.
  2. Select Combine Files > Add Files from the toolbar.
  3. Choose the PDFs you want to merge into one document.
  4. Arrange the files in the desired order and select Combine Files.
  5. Save the combined PDF to your computer.

Drag and Drop Method with Foxit PDF Editor

  1. Open the Pages panel in Foxit PDF Editor and select a document you wish to combine with other PDF documents
  2. Drag and drop the files you want into your navigation panel by browsing through your folder.

Merging with Third-Party Software(PDF Merge)

  1. Download and Install PDF Merge from a reputable source and install it on your Windows system.
  2. Open PDF Merge: Launch the application.
  3. Click on ‘Add PDF Files’ and select the files you want to merge.
  4. Arrange them in the desired order.
  5. Click on the ‘Merge’ or ‘Combine’ button to start the merging process.
  6. Save the Merged PDF After the process is complete, save the merged PDF to your preferred location.

BreezePDF: BreezePDF delivers desktop-like merging capabilities directly within your browser. All processing happens on your device, ensuring that your sensitive information never leaves your computer. BreezePDF offers features to make PDFs fillable, add input boxes, typing on PDF's and much more.

Microsoft Print to PDF Method

The Microsoft Print to PDF method is a built-in feature in Windows that allows you to combine multiple files into a single PDF without requiring additional software. This approach leverages the printing functionality to create a new PDF document.

  1. Open File Explorer and select the PDF files you want to combine.
  2. Right-click on the selected files and choose Print.
  3. In the Printer dropdown menu, select Microsoft Print to PDF.
  4. Click Print
  5. Choose a location to save the new combined PDF and give it a name.

Please note that this method essentially "prints" the selected PDFs into a new PDF, which means interactive elements or specific formatting may not be perfectly preserved.

Formatting Considerations

When merging PDFs, it's important to consider how the formatting of the original documents will be retained. Some merging methods may alter the formatting, layout, or image quality of the combined PDF. In some cases, you may need to manually reorder or rotate pages to ensure the final document is properly formatted.

Some advanced tools like Adobe’s tend to keep the formatting intact, however, that may not always be the case. Always double-check the merged PDF to confirm that everything appears as expected. BreezePDF prioritizes preserving document formatting during merging to ensure your final PDF looks professional.

What to do When Combining PDF files without software

When you need to combine PDF files without installing any software, online services such as Smallpdf, iLovePDF, and Foxit PDF Editor can be viable options. These services allow you to upload your PDF files, merge them, and then download the combined file, all within your web browser.

However, it's important to be aware that using these services requires you to upload your documents to their servers. This raises potential privacy concerns, as you are entrusting your data to a third party. Before using any online PDF service, carefully review their privacy policies to understand how your data will be handled and protected. BreezePDF takes steps to improve data privacy.

Splitting Merged PDFs

Sometimes, after merging PDFs, you might need to split them back into individual files. Fortunately, most PDF editors also offer splitting capabilities. This is useful if you accidentally merged too many documents or need to extract specific pages from a combined PDF. These tools allow you to divide your merged PDF based on page numbers, bookmarks, or other criteria.

Tools like Adobe Split PDF and Foxit PDF Editor offer dedicated splitting features. Splitting can be done after merging the files in tools like Adobe Acrobat as well.

Splitting PDFs with Foxit PDF Editor

  1. Open the PDF document you want to split.
  2. Choose Organize > Split > Split Document, or right-click on the target page thumbnails and choose Split… > Split Document in the context menu.
  3. In the Split Document dialog box, choose one of the options for the Split documents by item to specify how you want to split the current PDF document:
    • Number of pages: Set the maximum number of pages for each document generated during the splitting.
    • File Size: Set the maximum file size for each document generated during splitting.
    • Page Range: Manually type the specific page ranges you want to split the current PDF by.
    • Top-Level Bookmarks: Split by the top-level bookmarks if the current document includes bookmarks.
    • Blank Page: Split the current PDF document each time a blank page is encountered. Blank pages will be discarded when splitting.
  4. Click Output Options to specify the storage location, the file names, and other settings.
  5. Click OK.

BreezePDF: BreezePDF also supports splitting capabilities. Easily split apart merged files with 100% privacy.

Addressing Security Concerns with online merging tools.

When using online PDF merging tools, it's essential to be aware of potential security risks. Since these tools require you to upload your documents to external servers, there's always a chance of data breaches or unauthorized access.

To mitigate these risks, it's crucial to choose reputable online services with strong security measures. Look for services that offer encryption, data protection policies, and transparent privacy practices. For maximum security, consider using offline desktop PDF editors or solutions like BreezePDF, which processes all data locally on your device.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about merging PDFs.

  1. How to combine PDFs without using software?

    You can use online PDF merging tools accessible through your web browser.

  2. Can I use [Software Name] to combine PDFs?

    Most PDF editors, like Adobe Acrobat and Foxit PDF Editor, can combine PDFs.

  3. Can I merge specific pages from different PDFs?

    Yes, some PDF editors allow you to select and merge specific pages.

  4. Is there a tool to merge PDFs on my smartphone?

    Yes, many mobile apps offer PDF merging capabilities.

  5. Is it safe to use online PDF mergers?

    It depends on the service. Choose reputable services with strong security measures.

  6. Will the quality of my PDFs be compromised when I merge them?

    Some merging methods might reduce quality. Check the final document to ensure quality is acceptable.

  7. How can I separate PDF files once I have combined them?

    Use the split PDF feature in most PDF editors.

BreezePDF: BreezePDF provides a 100% private approach to merging and editing PDFs. BreezePDF never uploads or shares your documents. BreezePDF keeps your PDF edits and merges secure.

Conclusion

Merging PDFs on Windows is a straightforward process with multiple methods available. Whether you choose an online tool, a desktop editor, or the built-in Microsoft Print to PDF feature, combining PDFs can save time and improve organization. Evaluate your needs and choose the method that best suits your requirements.

Combining PDFs simplifies file management and enables easier document sharing. Consolidating multiple files into a single document reduces the need to manage numerous attachments and simplifies collaboration. Explore the options discussed in this article and implement the method that works best for your specific requirements. This will increase efficiency and data security.

By adopting these strategies, Windows users can optimize their workflow and maintain better control over their digital documents. Each method has its own advantages and drawbacks, so consider what is most important to you. Whether it's the convenience of online tools, the features of desktop editors, or the simplicity of built-in Windows features.

Try BreezePDF today for a seamless, private, and efficient PDF merging experience. BreezePDF processes all data locally, safeguarding your sensitive data while you merge and create fillable PDFs.