Step-by-step guide
How to Combine Multiple PDFs into One File
Combine PDFs and images into one file
Combine PDFs and images into one clean file in the order you choose. Add cover letters, ID scans, and certificates, rotate sideways pages, then download a single attachment ready for portals and email.
Step 1 — Upload your file to Merge PDF
Open Merge PDF from PDFTrusted and you will see the upload screen shown here — the same layout you get in the live tool, with the orange drop zone and Select button.
You can add files in two ways: click Select file (or Select files) and choose from your computer, or drag files from your folder and drop them onto the dashed orange area. On phones and tablets, tap the button to pick from your gallery or files app.
Supported formats for this tool: PDF (.pdf), Plain text (.txt), HTML (.html, .htm), HTML (.htm), JPG / JPEG photos, JPG / JPEG photos, JPE, JFIF, PNG images, GIF images, BMP images, WebP images, AVIF, TIFF scans, TIFF scans, HEIC, HEIF, HIF, DNG, CR2, CR3, NEF, NRW, ARW, ORF, RW2, PEF, SRW, RAF, RAW, ICO. If a file type is not listed, export it to a supported format first — for example save Word documents as PDF before merging.
After a valid file is added, the workspace moves to the options step automatically. If you see an error, check the format and file size (limits are listed at the bottom of this guide).
Step 2 — Choose your Merge PDF options
Once your file is loaded, the main options panel appears — this is what you use to control the result. The screenshot matches the real sidebar and controls in the workspace.
Read each option below before you click the action button. Picking the wrong preset is the most common reason people need a second attempt — especially with compression, split modes, and security settings.
When you are satisfied with your choices, press the primary action button (Merge) and wait for processing to finish. Most files complete in seconds; long scans or many pages take longer.
Step 3 — Download your finished file
When processing completes, you see a success screen with a green checkmark and a download button — exactly as in the screenshot.
Click Download to save the new PDF (or ZIP of files) to your device. The file goes to your usual Downloads folder unless you chose another location.
Use Process another file or Start over to run the tool again without refreshing the page. You can share the downloaded file by email, upload it to a portal, or open it in your PDF reader — the same as any file you save locally.
We do not store your document on our servers after browser processing. Keep your own copy safe; we cannot recover a lost download.
Privacy — browser-based processing
Merge PDF on PDFTrusted runs in your browser on your device whenever the tool supports on-device execution. In that mode, your document is processed on your own device — it is not uploaded for that step.
We apply a encrypted connections (HTTPS/TLS), access controls, and short retention for cloud jobs across our platform. Short retention for cloud jobs — When a tool uses cloud-assisted processing, uploaded files are handled only to complete your request and are automatically deleted within two hours. We do not keep a personal document library of your uploads. Always use a trusted device and network for sensitive material.
Works in the browser on phone, tablet, and desktop — no install required. No installation is required — open the tool, process, download, and close the tab to clear in-browser working data for that session.
Keep a backup of originals. Delete downloads from shared computers when you are finished.
Merge PDF — file size & page limits
The Merge PDF workspace is designed for everyday documents in your browser. These are practical limits — not marketing numbers — so you know what to expect before you start.
Maximum file size: about 40 MB per PDF (or per file where noted).
Maximum pages: about 30 pages per PDF for most page-based tools.
You can add up to 25 files in one session (for example when merging).
Add up to 25 files in one session. Images and text files convert to PDF pages automatically.
If your file exceeds these limits, split or compress it first, or process it in smaller parts.
When people use Merge PDF
- Visa or university application packets
- Combining invoice and receipt scans
- One client deliverable from many exports
Tips for best results
- Put the main form first, supporting documents after — unless the checklist says otherwise.
- Use Pages view when you need one page from the middle of a PDF.
- Merge only what the recipient asked for — smaller files upload faster.
Common questions
Is it safe to upload my personal or business documents?
Yes. Transfer is encrypted. Working copies are wiped from our secure infrastructure within two hours. We do not sell your documents.
What is the maximum file size limit?
Free users can process files up to 25 MB. Upgrade to Pro for larger files up to 150 MB when available on your plan.
Can I merge photos with a PDF for a visa or job form?
Yes. JPG and PNG become pages automatically. Put them in checklist order and rotate sideways shots before you download.
The pages came out in the wrong order — how do I fix that?
Do not re-upload yet. Open Pages view (or Files view for whole documents), drag items into the correct sequence, then download again.
Should I merge Aadhaar and marksheets into one file?
Only if the form allows a single combined PDF. Many Indian portals want separate fields. Merging into the wrong slot can waste an attempt.
My merged PDF is too big to upload. Now what?
Compress the photo-heavy pages (or the whole pack) with Compress PDF, then merge again if needed. Size is mostly the sum of what you added.
Is merge safe for ID documents?
Use a private device. Standard PDF and image merge is designed to run in your browser on supported setups for that step. Do not share unlocked IDs in public groups. See the Privacy Policy for retention details on any remote steps used elsewhere on the site.
Can I remove or rotate a page before downloading?
Yes. Select the page for rotate, copy, or delete. Fix orientation before you submit — reviewers should not have to tilt the screen.
Is merge PDF the same as combine PDF?
Yes — merge, combine, and join all mean putting multiple PDFs into one file. On PDFTrusted you can also add JPG/PNG pages in the same session.
How is this different from Smallpdf or iLovePDF?
Compatible merge runs privately in your browser with no watermark on the download. Compare privacy and free limits on our compare pages if you are evaluating tools.