PDF is one of our most commonly used formats, but when facing dozens or even hundreds of scattered PDF scanned contracts, reports divided into chapters, financial statements, or scattered resumes in folders, how to batch merge these files into a complete document for easy browsing becomes the biggest problem. Generally speaking, we can only find a PDF editor to manually insert PDFs one by one. A few files are still acceptable, but if there are too many documents, not only is the efficiency low, but it is also prone to errors. Especially if files need to be processed regularly on a daily or weekly basis, this repetitive labor will consume a lot of time.
Here are several practical methods to easily batch merge scattered PDF files from multiple folders, making file organization simple and efficient. Let's try it together below!
When should you batch merge all PDF files within folders?
Too many files
In work and study, you often encounter a folder containing many PDF files. Opening them one by one is very troublesome and can cause you to miss content. If you need to read them as a whole or consecutively, the experience is very poor. At this time, merging all PDFs in the folder into a single file centralizes all content, making viewing much smoother.
Submitting a complete file
Document submission and online review often require a single complete file. If you initially have many scattered PDFs, you must merge them first; otherwise, you cannot meet the requirements. The same applies to printing—printing multiple PDFs separately easily leads to disordered sequence and requires repeated operations. Batch merging all PDFs can generate a single complete file in one go.
Convenient archiving and management
Scattered PDF files are prone to being missed or having a disordered sequence during saving and storage, and become difficult to find over time. After batch merging PDFs within the same folder, only one file is kept, which not only makes the space clearer but also facilitates unified naming and archiving. This method is simple and intuitive, greatly reducing the trouble of file management and improving overall work efficiency.
Preview of batch merging multiple PDF files
Before processing:
After processing:
Method 1: Use HeSoft Doc Batch Tool to batch merge PDF files within folders
Recommendation index: ★★★★★
Advantages:
- The interface operation is simple, with more functions than online tools, supporting batch processing; multiple folders can be merged into multiple files.
- Files are processed locally, which protects user file security compared to upload-based methods.
Disadvantages:
- Can only be operated by installing software on a computer.
Operation steps:
1. Open [ HeSoft Doc Batch Tool ], select [PDF Tools] - [Merge multiple PDF folders into multiple files].
2. Click [Add Folder] to add the folder containing the PDFs to be merged, or drag and drop the folder directly. After confirming the files are correct, click Next.
3. Enter the settings options interface. For the sorting method, we can choose to merge from top to bottom or from bottom to top according to our needs. Finally, click Next again, then click Browse to select the save location for the new file.
4. After the processing is complete, click the path to open the folder and view the successfully merged PDF file.
Method 2: Use Adobe Acrobat DC to merge multiple PDF files
Recommendation index: ★★★☆☆
Advantages:
- High merging quality, format preservation is more complete, and it supports page preview and sequence adjustment.
- Can batch process a large number of files, with comprehensive functions, stable and reliable.
Disadvantages:
- Requires a paid subscription, low cost-effectiveness, not suitable for non-professionals.
- The software takes up a large amount of space and has certain requirements for computer performance.
Operation steps:
1. Open a PDF file with Adobe Acrobat DC, click Tools, find Merge Files.
2. Click Add Files to select the PDF files you need to add, then drag and drop to adjust the order.
3. Finally, click Merge and wait for the processing to complete.
Method 3: Use iLovePDF to quickly merge multiple PDF files
Recommendation index: ★★★☆☆
Advantages:
- No need to install any software, simple and intuitive operation.
- Usually allows free trials and supports cross-platform use.
Disadvantages:
- File size and number are limited, and functions are relatively simple.
- Depends on the current network environment and requires uploading files, posing a risk of privacy leakage.
Operation steps:
1. Open the ILovePDF webpage, find the Merge PDF function, and add the PDF files to be merged.
2. Then directly drag and drop the file order and click Start Merge.
3. Save directly after completion.
Method 4: Use PDF24 to batch merge PDFs online
Recommendation index: ★★★☆☆
Advantages:
- Completely free to use, no extra payment required.
- No need to install software, also supports mobile phone operation.
Disadvantages:
- Requires a stable network environment; impossible to operate without the internet.
- Very large files have restrictions and may not be uploadable.
Operation steps:
Open the PDF24 official website, click Merge PDF.
2. Upload all PDF files to be merged, adjust the order, and then click Merge.
Method 5: Use Smallpdf to quickly merge all PDFs within a folder
Recommendation index: ★★★☆☆
Advantages:
- Operation is very convenient, all interface functions are simple and intuitive.
- Merging speed is relatively fast and can be completed within seconds.
Disadvantages:
- The free version has usage limit restrictions.
- Be cautious about uploading sensitive files; there may be a risk of leakage.
Operation steps:
1. Open the Smallpdf website, select the Merge PDF function, and add all PDF files.
2. Drag and drop the file order, and click Merge after completion.
3. After the merging is complete, click Save.
