The Secure Way to Combine PDF Files
Managing digital documents can be chaotic. You have a cover letter in one file, a resume in another, and a portfolio in a third. Sending three separate attachments in an email looks unprofessional and is annoying for the recipient. The solution is to Merge PDF.
The Open Tools PDF Merger allows you to stitch multiple PDF documents together into a single, cohesive file. Whether you are a student submitting an assignment, a lawyer compiling a contract, or an accountant organizing receipts, this tool simplifies your workflow.
Why "Client-Side" Merging is a Game Changer
Typically, online PDF tools require you to upload your files to a cloud server. The server processes the files and sends the merged document back to you. While convenient, this poses significant risks:
- Privacy Risk: You are handing over your private data (tax returns, legal agreements, IDs) to a third-party company.
- Wait Times: Uploading large files takes time, especially on slow connections.
- File Limits: Most free tools limit you to 2 files or 10MB before asking for a credit card.
Our Solution: We use the pdf-lib JavaScript engine to process your documents directly in your browser. Your files are never uploaded. The merging happens on your device's CPU, making it instant, limitless, and 100% secure.
How to Organize Your Merged PDF
The order matters. When you combine files, our tool stitches them together in the order they appear in the list above.
- Upload: Select all the files you need. You can select multiple files at once.
- Check Order: The top file in the list will be the first pages of your new document.
- Merge: Click the button, and within seconds (depending on file size), your new document is ready.
Common Use Cases
1. Job Applications
Recruiters often ask for a "Single PDF" containing your Resume, Cover Letter, and References. Sending three separate files increases the chance that one gets lost. Merging them presents a polished, professional image.
2. Billing & Invoicing
If you are a freelancer, you might have 5 separate invoices or timesheets for a client. Merging them into a single "Monthly Report" makes it easier for your client to pay you.
3. Academic Submissions
Universities often require coursework to be submitted as one file. If you scanned your handwritten notes as separate PDFs, use this tool to combine them into a single submission file.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I merge encrypted (password-protected) PDFs?
No. For security reasons, the browser cannot open a locked PDF. You must remove the password (unlock it) using your PDF viewer before uploading it here to be merged.
Does this reduce the quality?
No. Our tool performs a "lossless" merge. It takes the pages exactly as they are from the original files and appends them to the new document. Text remains selectable, and images retain their original resolution.
Is there a file size limit?
Because the processing happens in your browser, the limit is determined by your computer's RAM. Most modern computers can easily handle merging files up to several hundred megabytes. If you try to merge 1GB of data, your browser tab might crash.