How to Combine PDF Files on iPhone

Apple / By / June 25, 2024

Combining PDF Files on iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide

In today’s digital age, it’s common to work with multiple PDF documents that contain valuable information or data. Sometimes, you may need to merge these files into a single document for easier reference or sharing purposes. The good news is that your iPhone can help you accomplish this task using various methods and apps.

Method 1: Using the Files App

The built-in Files app on your iPhone allows you to combine PDFs by creating a current file from multiple existing ones. Here’s how:

  1. Open the Files app on your device.
  2. Navigate to the folder containing the PDF files you want to merge.
  3. Select all the PDF files you need to combine (long press on each file, then tap “Select” when prompted).
  4. Tap “More” and select “Create New Folder.”
  5. Name this new folder as needed (e.g., “Merged Files”).
  6. In the newly created folder, tap on one of your selected PDF files.
  7. Long press on the thumbnail image until a pop-up menu appears with options for adding tags or creating a duplicate file.
  8. Tap “Duplicate” to create an exact copy of this first file in the same location as the original.

Now that you have duplicated each PDF, follow these steps:

  1. In your Files app, navigate back to your root directory (tap on “Files” at the top-left corner).
  2. Locate and select all duplicate files (again long-press then tap Select) by tapping and holding on one file until it highlights blue.
  3. Tap the three-dot menu icon in the bottom-right corner of your screen, then choose “Create New File from Selected Files.”
  4. This action will combine each selected PDF into a single merged document.

Method 2: Utilizing Third-Party Apps

If you’re not satisfied with the default Files app approach, there are alternative apps on App Store that provide more features for merging and editing your PDF files:

  1. GoodReader: A powerful and versatile file management tool.
    • Download GoodReader from the App Store if it’s not already installed (it offers a free trial; in-app purchase unlocks additional functionality).
    • Open GoodReader, then select “My Documents” or choose another directory depending on your desired organization method.
  2. Locate your PDF files within this app and tap each file you want to include in your merged document by long pressing on one until the preview screen opens (GoodReader will create a thumbnail view for each selected file).
  3. Tap the three vertical dots at top-right corner > “Create new document” from selected documents.
  4. Your GoodReader combined PDF should be available within the app’s library.

Other Alternative Apps:

While not as widely known, these additional apps also offer PDF combination capabilities:

  • PDF Expert: A popular and user-friendly app with robust features (in-app purchases or subscription-based).
  • PDF Combine: Designed specifically for combining PDF files with a clean and intuitive interface.
  • Pdfsam: Offers advanced functoinality and formatting options during the merging process.

Tips and Considerations:

  1. Quality Matters: Ensure each individual file is scanned at a high quality before attempting to combine them, as lower-resolution images can negatively impact overall document readability.
  2. Document Size Limitation: Keep in mind that combining very large files might slow your device or cause compatibility issues; break down merged documents into smaller chunks if necessary.
  3. App Compatibility Issues: If you experience difficulties with an app’s PDF merging features, consider switching to another option as these apps are designed differently.

By leveraging the built-in Files app or using a dedicated PDF-combining application on your iPhone, you’ll be able to merge and work with multiple PDF documents more effectively. Follow these step-by-step guides for efficient document organization and sharing in this digital era.

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