Merging
How to Combine PDF Files on Windows and Mac
We compare Preview, Microsoft Print, and the MyPDFHero Merge tool so you can consolidate PDFs whether you are on Windows, macOS, or Chromebook.
Table of contents
Why merging PDFs matters
Recruiters, teachers, and procurement teams prefer a single PDF. Sending an invoice, contract, or essay as separate attachments increases the risk that someone loses a page. Combining PDFs ensures your story remains intact and professional.
Windows 11, macOS Sonoma, and even ChromeOS all provide basic merging features, but they are buried inside print menus. MyPDFHero collapses the process into one clean interface accessible from any browser.
Try the tools mentioned in this guide
Every workflow here is powered by MyPDFHero. Jump straight into the tool that fits your task.
Compress PDF
Shrink assignments, contracts, or reports to fit email and LMS limits.
Open tool →Merge PDF
Combine chapters, receipts, or scans before submitting a single file.
Open tool →JPG to PDF
Turn photos, scans, or screenshots into polished PDFs in seconds.
Open tool →Combine PDFs on macOS using Preview
Preview lets you drag thumbnails from one PDF into another. Open the primary document, show the thumbnail sidebar, and drop additional PDFs where you need them. When you save, Preview merges everything automatically.
This works well for quick edits, but it becomes tedious with more than a few files. Use it when you do not have internet access and only need a minor tweak.
Merge PDFs on Windows using Microsoft Print to PDF
Select the PDFs you want to combine, right-click, and choose Print. Set the printer to “Microsoft Print to PDF,” enable “All pages,” and hit Print again. Windows generates a new PDF that concatenates the files.
It is a clever workaround but lacks page reordering and can mis-handle mixed orientations. Keep MyPDFHero bookmarked for those more advanced cases.
Use MyPDFHero for cross-platform speed
Open the Merge PDF tool, drop up to ten files, rearrange them using drag-and-drop, and export a single polished PDF. There is no watermark, and processing happens in seconds. Because it runs entirely in the browser, the workflow feels identical on Windows, macOS, or mobile.
You can also compress the merged output immediately using the CTA that appears in the result modal. This one-two punch keeps files organized and lightweight.
Maintain document integrity
After merging, skim the final PDF to ensure page numbers flow correctly, interactive form fields still work, and bookmarks remain. MyPDFHero preserves these elements thanks to lossless concatenation, but it is wise to verify when using OS-level tricks.
If you need a table of contents, insert a page at the beginning summarizing the contents. Re-run the merge if you make additional edits.
Collaborate with teams
Use a shared checklist so teammates know which PDFs belong in each packet. Store the merged file in a project folder with dates so stakeholders can trace the evolution of a contract or syllabus. Consistency builds trust and makes audits trivial.
When combined with the MyPDFHero compressor, your merged files stay email-ready no matter how many appendices you include.
Step-by-step workflow
Follow these practical steps inside MyPDFHero or your operating system to complete the task quickly.
Step 1
Collect the PDFs
Organize the files you want to merge in a single folder for easy drag-and-drop.
Step 2
Choose your method
Decide whether to use Preview, Print to PDF, or the MyPDFHero Merge tool.
Step 3
Arrange the order
Drag thumbnails (Preview) or reorder inside MyPDFHero to tell your story correctly.
Step 4
Export the merged PDF
Save or download the combined file and verify key pages.
Step 5
Compress if needed
Send the merged PDF through the compressor so it stays under email limits.
Official resources
Validate your workflow with trusted documentation from Google, Microsoft, Adobe, and other official sources.
- Apple: Combine PDFs using Preview
Apple’s official steps for merging with Preview.
- Microsoft: Print to PDF
Explains how to use Microsoft Print to PDF.
- Adobe Sign upload guidance
Useful if you plan to send the merged PDF for signature.
Frequently asked questions
How many PDFs can I merge with MyPDFHero?
Up to ten per session. Download the result and you can immediately start another batch.
Will bookmarks and links survive the merge?
Yes. The tool concatenates files without flattening, so navigation elements remain.
Can I merge PDFs offline?
Use Preview on macOS or Print to PDF on Windows when offline. Reconnect later to compress the result.
Is there a file size limit?
Each PDF can be up to 20 MB in MyPDFHero. Keep an eye on totals if you plan to email the merged file.
Do I need Adobe Acrobat Pro?
No. Acrobat is powerful but unnecessary for basic merges thanks to the workflows above.
How do I merge PDFs on Chromebook?
Open MyPDFHero in Chrome, upload your files, reorder, and export—no extra software required.
Related reading
Expand your PDF toolkit with more long-tail guides from MyPDFHero.
How to Merge PDFs on Mobile (Android + iPhone)
Step-by-step instructions for Android, iOS, and ChromeOS users who need to stitch PDFs without touching a laptop.
Read more →Fix “PDF Files Not Merging” Error Easily
A troubleshooting playbook for anyone who keeps seeing “cannot merge PDF” pop-ups in Acrobat, Preview, or online tools.
Read more →How to Compress a PDF Without Losing Quality (Free Guide)
A practical tutorial that shows you how to reduce PDF size without hurting readability, perfect for email, admissions, or procurement portals.
Read more →