How to Merge PDF Files with Adobe Reader

Combining multiple PDF documents into one single document is simple—if you know the right tools.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to combine files using Adobe Reader. Plus, a simpler option using Smallpdf.

How to merge PDF files with Adobe Reader

Follow the instructions below to combine PDFs with Adobe Acrobat Pro quickly.

1. Open Adobe Acrobat Pro on your computer.
2. Navigate to the Tools pane in the top menu bar.
3. Select “Combine Files” from the available tools.
4. Click “Add Files” and choose the PDFs you want to merge.
5. Arrange your files in the desired order by dragging the page thumbnails.
6. Adjust any output settings if needed (file size, security options).
7. Click “Combine Files” to create your merged PDF and save it.

Note: This requires Adobe Acrobat Pro paid subscription ($19.99/month). Adobe Pro can quickly combine your documents into a single PDF file within a few clicks. However, this is a paid feature, so not everybody has access to it.

Read on to find out how to merge PDF files for free with Smallpdf.

How To Merge PDF Files Without Adobe Reader, for Free

1. Go to the Smallpdf Merge PDF tool.
2. Upload the files you want to merge using drag-and-drop or by clicking to browse.
3. Rearrange the PDF files or individual pages.
4. Download your merged files. That’s it!

There’s no sign-up required for your first use. Our web-based merger works directly in your browser with simple drag-and-drop functionality.

Why Merge PDFs? Benefits for Your Workflow

Merging PDFs simplifies document management in several ways:

• Reduce email attachment clutter: Send one file instead of multiple attachments.
• Create single source documents: Keep all project materials in one place.
• Simplify version control: Avoid confusion with scattered document versions.
• Streamline client deliverables: Present professional, organized final documents.
• Archive related documents together: Store contracts, invoices, and correspondence as one file.

Organize Pages and Navigate Your Merged PDF

After merging, both Adobe and Smallpdf let you fine-tune your document:

• Reorder individual pages: Drag page thumbnails to reorganize content.
• Add bookmarks for navigation: Create a clickable table of contents.
• Insert page numbers: Add consistent numbering across merged sections.
• Rotate misaligned pages: Fix pages that appear sideways or upside down.
• Delete unwanted pages: Remove blank pages or irrelevant content.

Merge PDFs on Any Device (Mac, Windows, Linux, Mobile)

Smallpdf works across all platforms without installation.

• Desktop browsers - Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge on Windows, Mac, and Linux
• Mobile web - iOS Safari and Android Chrome for on-the-go merging
• No downloads required - It all happens in your browser
• Cloud-based - Files are processed on our secure servers, not your device

More PDF Tools Beyond Merging

Our web pages also offer lots of other tools you can work with for free. On top of merging files into a single PDF document, why not:

• Convert - to Word, Excel, PPT, or JPG
• Split - a single file into multiple documents
• Rotate - to turn single or all pages
• Reader - for your viewing needs
• OCR & text recognition - to make scanned PDFs searchable
• E-signature tools - to sign documents digitally
• Password protection - to secure sensitive files

Is Merging PDFs Secure with Smallpdf?

Yes. Here’s how we protect your files:

• TLS encryption - Secure connections for all file transfers
• Automatic deletion - Files removed after 60 minutes of processing
• Privacy controls - No file content is stored or accessed by our team
• Trusted by millions - Over 40 million people monthly

We take data protection seriously.

Is Adobe Merge PDF Free? (Smallpdf vs. Adobe Pricing)

Adobe Acrobat Pro: What You Get

• Requires a paid subscription to access the “Combine Files” tool.
• Works fully offline, as long as the app is installed.
• Can merge unlimited files in one go.
• Accepts multiple file types and converts them during the merge process.
• Includes advanced features like form creation, OCR, and editing.

Smallpdf: What You Get

• Free for a limited number of tasks per day.
• Runs entirely in your browser—no installation needed.
• Works on any device (Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS).
• Lets you merge PDFs in seconds with simple drag-and-drop.
• Offers extra handy tools: compression, page organization, e-signing, and PDF conversion.

The Key Differences at a Glance

Cost

• Adobe: subscription required
• Smallpdf: free daily tasks, and an affordable Pro option, with free 7-day trial available

Ease of use

• Adobe: tool buried in the “Tools” panel
• Smallpdf: dedicated landing page to upload, merge, download

Speed

• Adobe: depends on local installation and machine performance
• Smallpdf: cloud processing handles large files quickly

File types

• Adobe: merges PDFs and converts other formats automatically
• Smallpdf: must first convert to PDF (built-in tools available)

Device flexibility

• Adobe: desktop only
• Smallpdf: browser-based, works anywhere

Compress Your Merged PDF (Optional Step)

If your merged PDF is too large for email or storage limits, use our Compress PDF tool to reduce file size without losing quality. This is especially helpful when combining multiple high-resolution documents or scanned files.

Start Your Free Trial to Access All Smallpdf Tools

Ready to merge unlimited PDFs? Start your 7-day free trial of Smallpdf Pro—no credit card required. Get access to our full toolkit plus the desktop app for offline work.

Frequently Asked Questions About Merging PDFs

How many PDFs can I merge at once?

Adobe Acrobat Pro supports unlimited files. Smallpdf allows up to 20 files per merge in the free version and unlimited with Pro.

Can I merge password-protected PDFs?

Both Adobe and Smallpdf can merge password-protected files. You’ll just need to enter the password when uploading.

What’s the maximum file size for merging?

Smallpdf supports large files, and Adobe’s limit depends on your available disk space and memory.

Can I merge different file types with PDFs?

Adobe can convert and merge Word docs, images, and other formats automatically, while Smallpdf requires converting files to PDF first using our converter tools.

Will merging PDFs preserve formatting?

Yes, both tools maintain original formatting, fonts, and layouts when combining PDF files.

How do I reorder pages after merging?

Use our Organize PDF tool to drag and drop pages into your preferred order after merging.

And that’s all there is to it. Regardless of the solution you opt for, we aim to make your work with PDF documents as painless as possible.