How to Merge PDF Files on Mac: Complete 2026 Guide
If you’ve ever needed to combine multiple documents into one file, you already know how messy it can get. Maybe you scanned a contract page by page, downloaded a bunch of receipts, or saved separate chapters of a report. Now you’re sitting there wondering how to merge PDF files on your Mac without paying for expensive software.
macOS has built-in tools that make this surprisingly easy. And if those don’t fit your needs, there are free online options that work just as well. In this guide, I’ll walk you through every reliable method so you can pick whichever one works best for your situation.
Let’s dive in.
Why You Might Need to Merge PDF Files
Before we get into the how, let’s quickly cover the why. People merge PDF files for all kinds of reasons:
Combining scanned pages into a single document for emails or uploads
Putting together resumes, cover letters, and certificates for job applications
Merging chapters of an ebook or research report
Compiling invoices and receipts for tax filing
Creating one clean file from multiple drafts or notes
Whatever your reason, the goal is the same: turn several PDFs into one organised file that’s easier to share, print, or store.
Best Methods to Merge PDF Files on Mac
There’s no single “right” way to do this. The best method depends on how many files you’re working with and whether you want to use built-in tools or something online. Here are the top options that actually work in 2026.
Method 1: Merge PDF Files Using Preview (Built-In Mac App)
Every Mac comes with Preview as its default PDF viewer, and it can combine PDFs without the need for an installation. Most Mac users don’t realise this feature exists, but it’s genuinely one of the easiest ways to combine documents.
Here’s how to do it:
Open the first PDF in Preview by double-clicking it.
Click View > Thumbnails to see the sidebar with all pages.
Drag and drop the second PDF file into the thumbnail sidebar.
Rearrange the pages in any order you want.
Click File > Export as PDF and save the merged file.
That’s it. No downloads, no signups, no extra steps. If you only need to merge PDF files occasionally, Preview is more than enough.
Method 2: Merge PDFs Using Finder Quick Actions
If you’re running macOS Mojave or later, you can merge PDFs directly from Finder without even opening Preview. This is the fastest method when you already have all your files in one folder.
Steps:
In Finder, pick every PDF file you wish to merge.
Right-click on the selected files.
Choose Quick Actions > Create PDF.
A new merged PDF will appear in the same folder.
Quick tip: the order you select the files matters. The first file you click becomes page one of the merged document, so plan accordingly.
Method 3: Merge PDF Files Online (No Installation Needed)
Sometimes Preview just doesn’t cut it, especially if you’re dealing with large files or password-protected PDFs or you just want a cleaner result. That’s where online tools come in.
If you’re looking for a fast, free, and reliable way to merge PDF files online, you can use our Merge PDF tool on Tooldit. It works directly in your browser, with no downloads required, and handles multiple files in one click.
Here’s the basic process:
Open the Tooldit PDF Merger in Safari or Chrome.
Drag your PDF files into the upload box.
Reorder them by dragging if needed.
Click the merge button and download your final file.
The whole thing takes less than a minute, and your files stay private since they’re deleted automatically after processing.
Method 4: Using Automator for Batch PDF Merging
If you regularly need to combine PDFs in bulk, Mac’s Automator app can save you tonnes of time. You can build a custom workflow that merges files with a single click.
It takes a few minutes to set up, but once it’s ready, merging PDFs becomes a one-step process. This is overkill for casual users, but it’s a lifesaver for accountants, lawyers, and anyone handling large document workflows.
How to Reorder Pages Before Merging
One of the most common mistakes people make is forgetting to check the page order before merging. Here’s how to do it right in Preview:
Open the file in Preview and turn on the thumbnail sidebar.
Drag thumbnails up or down to rearrange pages.
Delete any blank or unwanted pages by selecting them and pressing Delete.
Save the cleaned-up version before merging with other files.
Taking 30 seconds to organise your pages before combining them saves you from having to redo the entire process.
Tips for a Clean PDF Merge
Want your merged document to look professional? Keep these tips in mind:
Match page sizes. Mixing letter and A4 sizes can make the final PDF look uneven.
Check orientation. Rotate pages so everything reads in the same direction.
Compress if needed. Large merged files can be tough to email. A quick compression keeps things manageable.
Rename the file clearly. “Merged_Tax_2026.pdf” is way better than “combined_final_v2.pdf.”
Preview before sharing. Always open the final file to make sure everything looks right.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few quick things that trip people up:
Skipping the preview step. Always check the final file before sending it.
Uploading sensitive documents to random websites. Stick to trusted platforms with clear privacy policies.
Forgetting to back up originals. Once you merge and overwrite, those individual files might be gone.
Ignoring file order. Pages in the wrong sequence can confuse readers and look unprofessional.
Not checking for password protection. Encrypted PDFs need to be unlocked before they can be merged.
Built-In vs Online Tools: Which Should You Use?
Both options have their place. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
Use Preview or Finder when:
You’re offline
You only need to merge a few files
You want zero learning curve
Use online tools when:
You’re working on Windows' computer
You need extra features like compression or page reordering
You’re combining a large number of documents
For most everyday tasks, Preview gets the job done. For anything more involved, an online tool gives you more flexibility. You can try our free PDF merger on Tooldit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I merge PDF files on Mac without any software?
Yes. Mac comes with Preview and Finder Quick Actions, both of which let you combine PDFs without installing anything. For more advanced options, online tools work right in your browser.
Is it safe to merge PDF files online?
It depends on the platform. Reputable tools delete your files automatically after processing and don’t require you to sign up. Always check a site’s privacy policy before uploading sensitive documents.
How do I merge PDF files on Mac in a specific order?
Open them in Preview and use the thumbnail sidebar to drag pages into the order you want before exporting the final file. You can also rearrange pages in most online merger tools.
Why won’t my PDF files merge in Preview?
This usually happens with password-protected files or PDFs that have unusual formatting. Try unlocking the files first, or use an online tool that supports a wider range of formats.
Can I merge PDFs on a MacBook Air or older Mac?
Absolutely. Preview has supported PDF merging for years, so even older Macs running macOS Sierra or later can handle it without any issues.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to merge PDF files on Mac is one of those small skills that ends up saving you a tonne of time. Whether you go with Preview, Finder Quick Actions, or a free online tool, the process is quick and beginner-friendly.
My honest recommendation: start with Preview for simple merges, and switch to an online tool when you need more control or extra features. Either way, you’ll never have to scroll through a dozen separate documents again.
Got a stack of PDFs waiting to be combined? Try the methods above, and you’ll have a single, clean file ready in under a minute.