Merging PDF files online is straightforward, especially with the right tool. Read our blog on how to combine PDF documents online. A file with the .pdf extension conforms to the Portable Document Format (PDF). It’s a multi-platform convention of saving files to preserve their format and font face. You’ve most likely encountered documents that appear different when viewed on other platforms. For instance, a .doc file may display documents with varying font and page sizes when viewed on Windows, Mac, or Android devices or when using different software. Hence, the PDF format was invented to address such inconsistencies.

The need to edit PDFs

Over the years that followed, PDFs gained immense popularity and became the de facto standard for printable documents. In 2008, PDF version 1.7 became ISO 32000-1:2008-certified, cementing its vitality in representing documents digitally. With such a wide adoption among knowledge workers and businesses, the need to edit these files arose, contrary to the initial intention of making them uneditable. After all, making changes to documents is commonplace, given that no first draft is always perfect. Editing may involve deleting texts, resizing images, rearranging page elements, and inserting extra information. PDF editors also come in handy when appending an e signature to your doc as proof of ownership or to signify approval. Another crucial editing option for PDF files is merging. You might have two separate documents created in different environments, but you want to combine them so you can submit them as a single piece. The tutorials at https://www.youtube.com/c/FoxitSoftwareInc/ could equip you with the basics of merging PDFs. Otherwise, you may use the following tips to merge your files easily online.

Select an appropriate online PDF merger

Currently, the average worker uses 36 cloud-based services in their daily schedule. It might sound excessive, but that’s how deep cloud computing is infiltrating the business world. Online tools are preferable because of several reasons. Firstly, cloud-based software is hosted online, meaning you don’t have to download any programs to your personal computer (PC). While some applications start as trustworthy, developers may add spyware, adware, toolbars, and other junk as they become desperate for income. And these may infect your PC, meddling with its performance and functionality. Other advantages of online software include lower upfront costs, quick setup, automatic data backups, and the ability to work from anywhere. On that note, you may want to merge PDF file online for free. There are many online tools you could use, each with a definite set of steps to follow. For illustrative purposes, below is a typical procedure you’d follow when merging PDFs online using Foxit PDF Editor:

1. Load the PDF combiner platform.
2. Drag and drop the files you want to merge. There’s an orange button on which you should drop the files. Another option is uploading the PDF files from your PC. Choose the “Or Click To Select” option, which directs you to Windows Explorer; where you can browse your PC’s internal storage for the files.
3. Rearrange the files in the order you want them to appear. It’s crucial to organize the pages in your final document to prevent the recipient from getting confused when reading the document. The tool includes up and down arrows for this purpose.
4. Delete the files you don’t need in your final document. You might have uploaded some files by mistake. Use the trash icon against them to remove them from the list.
5. Once all is set, click “Start Now” to kick off the merging process.
6. A pop-up dialog box displays when the merging completes; prompting you to download and save the file in your preferred location.

The process is typically straightforward, and you shouldn’t get stuck. But in case you do, you may check out audio-visual tutorials on merging PDFs online to reinforce this written discussion.

Use a mobile app

Mobile apps are extremely popular globally. Statistics indicated a whopping 230 billion downloads of mobile apps in 2021, and an average user spend of USD$4.95 in the second quarter of 2022. This popularity is partly due to the flexibility of smartphones; given that you can use them pretty much anywhere as long as you have an Internet connection. In addition, it’s an excellent option if you’re always on the go and wouldn’t want to stay behind on submitting documents for review or sharing with your work or schoolmates. You can use dozens of mobile apps to merge PDF files online. Each app has a specific procedure to follow when merging PDFs. But the basic steps comprise uploading the files from your phone storage, reordering them; and combining them at the touch of a button. That said, when choosing a mobile app, consider factors like user-friendliness, aesthetic appeal, affordability, functionality, and range of features.

Take advantage of free trials

The good thing about merging PDF files online is that you can do it for free. Besides using a free version, you may want to use the trial version of your preferred software and save the cash for other pressing needs. This is best if you’ll only be using this once, or if you’re an on-off user; meaning you don’t use the PDF merger every other day. Fortunately, most providers include this option in their offers to allow users to test them before committing to purchase. Better still, some offer these online converters are free for a lifetime. However, in some cases, there may be a limit on how many files you can combine or the maximum allowed file size. On the other hand, if you’re a heavy user of online PDF mergers; you’re better off with a paid subscription to eliminate the typical restrictions and enjoy the full range of features.

Integrate cloud storage

As mentioned earlier, cloud computing is taking the world by storm. Thus, a good option would be to use an online PDF merger that integrates with cloud storage platforms; especially the ones that you mostly use. It’s convenient to save files online as you can access them from anywhere with whatever device you want, unlike saving files in your local drive. Cloud storage also enhances collaboration with colleagues, given that each team member can access the merged files from their end.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a student merging chapters of a research study for your members; or an applicant wanting to piece together your academic and professional certificates in your resume; merging PDF files online isn’t an overly complicated process. You can do it in just a few seconds with the right online tool. Fundamentally, the process involves uploading the required files; arranging them in the correct order, and leaving the software to carry on. An advantage is that most of these online tools are free, especially if your merging needs are minimal. Select an appropriate PDF merger and start editing your files like a pro