How to Merge PDF Files Seamlessly to Improve Productivity
- Danielle Trigg
- Jul 8
- 4 min read
Merging PDFs offers numerous benefits, such as the ability to send multiple documents as one, efficient and simplified document organization, and improved work collaboration and productivity.
But before you merge PDFs, you need to get permission from the owners and choose the right solution.
This article will provide simple but effective tips and tricks for merging PDF files seamlessly, even with no prior experience.
How to seamlessly merge PDFs
First, you need a simple PDF combiner online that allows you to merge files into one PDF.
Here are four tools you can use to:
Use Lumin editor
Lumin is a simple and efficient tool you can use to merge PDFs online. Here's a step-by-step guide for using Lumin.
Find and open Lumin on your PC
Go to the Lumin website to create your account. Once you have created an account, sign in to access the software tool. Explore all tools
To merge PDF on Lumin, find and click on the “Merge PDF Files” button.
Click on the upload button and select all the PDF files you want to merge. You can either upload your PDF files directly from your local device or import them from cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox.
After uploading the first PDF file, click on “+Upload Files” again to add the other PDF files you want to merge with the first one.
Next, select your preferred saving arrangement. After uploading the subsequent documents, arrange them in the order in which you want them to appear in the final merged PDF.
After indicating your preferred arrangement, click the "Merge Document" button. Before clicking on the merge button, be sure you are satisfied with the results.
The final step is to download your merged PDF. You can either save it on your local device or upload it to cloud storage. Choose the option that works best for you.
You can also use Lumin's editing tools to edit PDFs even after merging.
Use Preview
Preview is a built-in software application on macOS that enables Mac users to merge documents into PDFs without any extra software.
Here's how to merge PDFs with Preview:
Open the Preview app on your device.
Open the PDF files you intend to merge.
Combine and arrange the documents in your desired order.
Go to the File section and export the document as a PDF to save your merged document.
Use Google Docs
Here's a simple breakdown:
Start by uploading the PDF files to your Google Drive. Once uploaded, the files will convert to an editable version.
Copy and paste each document in your preferred arrangement into one single Google Doc.
Once you have all your documents in one Google Doc, go to the File section and download it as a PDF file.
Go ahead and share your merged PDF file.
Use Photoshop or Illustrator
Here's how to merge multiple PDF files into one using a design tool:
Launch your design tool, Photoshop or Illustrator, and open the PDF files you intend to merge.
In Photoshop, use the “Layers” icon to drag and drop the PDF files into one single file in your preferred order. In Illustrator, you can copy and paste files into a single document.
Once you have your preferred arrangement and have merged all the files into one document, proceed to save.
Go to “File” and save it in PDF format.
Best tips for enhancing the efficiency of PDF merging
Here are some tips and tricks you can practice to enhance your efficiency and boost productivity when you merge files.
Ensure the formatting is consistent
Inconsistent formatting when merging PDF files will result in an unprofessional appearance.
Before merging any files, always ensure that the formats, including font style, size, margins, page orientation, and layout, are consistent.
It's best to make a final edit and align every font style and size before merging. Consistent formatting contributes to a document's credibility and professionalism.
Use batch processing to speed up the process
The batch processing feature in most online PDF editors is a straightforward way to upload and merge files into one PDF simultaneously. Leverage batch processing when merging multiple PDF files to save time and effort.
Clean up your storage after merging operations
Always clean up, delete, or archive the original files after merging PDFs. Leaving files behind can cause clutter and distort file organization.
If you desire to keep a file even after merging, create a separate folder for it. This will keep your workspace more organized and save time.
Consider conversion before merging
Some PDF files, such as scanned documents and images, are better converted to an editable format before merging.
Using tools like OCR (Optical Character Recognition) allows you to convert images to text quickly. It's a good idea to convert your PDFs to an editable format before processing and merging them.
Review the final document
Always take the time to review the final merged file before sharing it. It’s also advisable to have a second set of eyes review it.
Check for any errors or inconsistencies, such as missing pages, formatting issues, misarrangements, or incorrect page numbering, and make the necessary adjustments.
Rename the merged file
It's important to rename your newly merged document for easy identification and reference. Give it a clear and descriptive name in a format that you can easily remember.
Renew user access and permissions
Ensure you update your PDF user access to allow the right people to make changes to the document and prevent unauthorized access.
Before sharing the new PDF with your team, update the user access and permissions so that the relevant team members can view, edit, or comment on the document.
Additionally, extra layers of security, such as password protection or encryption, should be implemented to prevent unauthorized access.
Updating user access and permissions is essential for securing your document and protecting its integrity.
Conclusion
While merging PDFs is crucial, it only enhances productivity and efficiency when done correctly.
Lumin is a fantastic and easy-to-use PDF tool that facilitates a seamless merging process. Regardless of the tool you use, ensure consistent formatting, review for errors, clean up old files, and rename newly merged files to create a polished and professional PDF.
Merging PDFs is not an arduous task. With the right PDF tool, such as Lumin, and by following the tips and tricks in this article, you can achieve seamless and efficient PDF file management.
