10 Best PDF Merging Software in 2024

In the age of digital documents, juggling numerous PDFs can become a messy, time-consuming chore. This is where PDF merging software shines, transforming scattered files into a unified, streamlined masterpiece. Choosing the right tool is crucial. Not every PDF merger is created equal, and some can leave you with clunky, disorganized results. In this article, we aim to be your guide through the merging task, highlighting the significance of this process, navigating the software landscape, and equipping you with the knowledge to select the perfect tool for your PDF needs.

Understanding PDF Merging

PDF merging, at its core, involves combining multiple PDF files into a single document. This process allows users to bring together various pieces of information, images, or text from different sources, creating a cohesive and easily manageable file. This process preserves the integrity of the original content while providing a unified structure, making it a necessary tool for document management.

There are several common scenarios where PDF merging proves to be essential. For instance, professionals often find themselves needing to merge various reports, spreadsheets, and presentations into a single document before sharing it with clients or colleagues. With a click of the merge button, file organization can be much easier. Students also benefit from PDF merging when collecting research papers, articles, or lecture notes into cohesive study material. Additionally, business professionals dealing with contracts, invoices, and legal documents often use a PDF combiner to create comprehensive records that are easier to navigate and archive. Understanding these practical applications highlights the versatility and importance of PDF merging in both personal and professional contexts.

In addition, the utilization of specialized offline or online PDF mergers amplifies the benefits of the merging process. These tools offer users advanced functionalities, such as the ability to rearrange pages, add bookmarks, and apply security features like password protection and encryption. By providing customization options and ensuring compatibility with various file formats, choosing the right tool empowers users to tailor the merging process to their specific needs, ultimately enhancing productivity and document organization.

5 Key Criteria for Evaluating PDF Merging Software

When assessing PDF merging software, several key criteria should be considered to ensure that the selected tool aligns with specific needs and provides a seamless merging experience. The following are five most important criteria to consider when choosing PDF merging software:

1. User-Friendly Interface:

The software should boast an intuitive design that allows easy navigation, ensuring that users, regardless of their technical expertise, can efficiently merge PDF files. Accessibility features further enhance the user experience. A well-designed interface contributes significantly to overall usability, streamlining the merging process and reducing the learning curve for new users.

2. Merging Options and Flexibility:

A robust PDF merging tool should offer a wide array of merging options and flexibility. This includes support for multiple file formats, enabling users to merge documents regardless of their original format. Customization options for arranging and combining files provide users with the flexibility to tailor the merging process to their specific needs. The software’s configurability is also crucial, allowing users to choose from various merging scenarios and adapt to different document structures.

3. Performance and Speed:

Efficiency and speed are key criteria for evaluating PDF merging software. Users rely on these tools to expedite the merging process, so the software must perform tasks quickly and reliably. 

4. Security Features:

A top-notch PDF merging tool should offer robust encryption capabilities to safeguard confidential data. Additionally, the software should provide options for password protection, ensuring that merged documents remain secure and accessible only to authorized individuals. These security features contribute to the overall integrity and confidentiality of the merged documents.

5. Compatibility and Integration:

PDF merging software should seamlessly integrate with other tools and platforms commonly used in various workflows. Whether it’s integrating with project management tools, cloud storage platforms, or other document-related applications, the software’s compatibility ensures a cohesive and interconnected user experience. Additionally, it is also crucial to check its compatibility across different operating systems, making sure the software is accessible to users on all platforms.

10 Best PDF Merging Software in 2024

To help you better navigate through the options on the market and find the most ideal PDF merging software, we have categorized the top 10 PDF merging software we recommend according to each user’s specific needs. Keep reading  to discover the software that fits your requirements. 

Best Paid Version

KDAN PDF Reader

KDAN PDF Reader is the ultimate solution designed to fulfill all your requirements. It seamlessly operates on iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows platforms, providing powerful capabilities for advanced editing. With this versatile tool, you can annotate PDFs, apply stamps, electronically sign documents, manipulate text by deleting, adding, or replacing content, compress files without compromising quality, rearrange page layouts, enforce password protection, split and merge PDFs, convert documents into PDF format, and transform various file types into PDFs. With such a wealth of features, let’s delve into a detailed exploration of its capabilities.

• Annotate PDFs – Add comments or markups for a more descriptive PDF. These annotations are also compatible with multiple PDF software tools, including Foxit and Adobe Acrobat. 
• Merge Multiple PDFs – Streamline your documents by merging PDFs into a single file. You can also split them. 
• E-sign Documents – Sign agreements, contracts, or online invoices by typing or drawing your name. You can even use a signature image.
• Edit Text –  You can replace, delete or add text without needing to export the text to Microsoft Word for editing. 
• Insert PDF Stamps – Create your own stamps or simply use the ready-made ones to communicate information that enhances the efficiency of workflows. 
• Compress Files – Easily share files without losing information or quality by compressing your PDFs to the right size. 
• Convert Files – Seamlessly convert PDFs to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint or convert these files into PDFs. 
• Secure Files – Using encryption and decryption technology, you can limit who may view and edit your PDF documents. 
• Rearrange Pages – Move pages around with the drag-and-drop feature, and delete or rotate them in batches. 

Other nifty features include inserting photos, adding hyperlinks, converting an image to a PDF, and creating PDF forms. 

There are several pricing plans to choose from.

• KDAN PDF Reader: The basic version is free. 
• Document 365: Offers KDAN PDF Reader with over 20 premium features, available across mobile devices, PCs, and Mac, and comes with 1TB of Kdan Cloud Storage at a rate of $4.99/month or $59.99/year. 

Foxit PDF

Key Benefits:

• Comprehensive editing features: Edit text and images, rearrange pages, insert and delete content, apply headers and footers, and more.
• OCR technology: Convert scanned PDFs into editable text, making them searchable and reusable.
• Document security: Protect your PDFs with passwords, encryption, and digital signatures.
• Collaboration tools: Share documents with others for review and annotation, track changes, and manage feedback.
• Cloud connectivity: Integrate with Foxit Cloud for online access and document sharing. (Paid feature)
• Multiple platform support: Available for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android devices.

Limitations:

• Learning curve: While intuitive, the interface can be overwhelming for new users compared to simpler PDF viewers.
• Limited free version: The free version of PhantomPDF Reader lacks editing and conversion capabilities.
• Fewer advanced features: Advanced features like form creation and pre-press tools might be missing.
• Cloud integration limitations: Cloud features require a paid subscription and may not offer the same level of functionality as other PDF editors.

Price: 

• $135.15 as a one-time fee or $67.15 as a yearly fee

Best Free Versions

PDFsam Basic

Key benefits:

• Free and open-source: No cost to download or use, with the freedom to modify and contribute to the codebase.
• Cross-platform: Works on Windows, Mac, and Linux, ensuring compatibility with your preferred operating system.
• Simple and intuitive interface: Easy to learn and use, even for non-technical users.
• Lightweight and efficient: Doesn’t hog system resources and runs smoothly on most computers.
• Portable: No installation required, you can run it directly from a USB drive.
• Multilingual support: Available in a variety of languages for international users.

Limitations:

• Limited editing features: Lacks advanced editing capabilities like text manipulation or image editing.
• No OCR support: Cannot recognize text in scanned PDFs.
• Basic security: Offers password protection but lacks more advanced encryption options.

iLovePDF

Key benefits:

• Wide range of tools: iLovePDF boasts over 25 tools, including merging, splitting, compressing, converting, rotating, editing, and securing PDFs. You can also unlock PDFs, add page numbers, and perform OCR (optical character recognition) to extract text from scanned documents.
• Cross-platform accessibility: iLovePDF is available as a web-based application, a desktop app for Windows and macOS, and mobile apps for iOS and Android. This means you can access your tools and files from any device, anywhere.
• Ease of use: iLovePDF’s interface is intuitive and straightforward, making it easy for even non-technical users to navigate and utilize its features. The drag-and-drop functionality for uploading and processing files further simplifies the process.
• Security and privacy: iLovePDF takes data security seriously. Your files are encrypted during upload and processing, and they are automatically deleted from the servers after a certain period.
• Free version available: iLovePDF offers a free version with limited features, such as merging up to two PDFs at a time and compressing files up to 50MB. This is a great option for occasional users or those who only need basic functionality.

Limitations:

• File size restrictions: The free version has a file size limit for each tool. For example, you can only merge PDFs up to 100MB in size with the free plan.
• Subscription-based for full functionality: To access all features and remove file size restrictions, you need to subscribe to a paid plan.
• Internet dependency for web app: While the desktop and mobile apps can be used offline, the web app requires an internet connection to function.

Price:

• Premium Account: $7 for monthly subscription, $48 for annual subscription.

Best for Cloud-Connectivity

Adobe Acrobat

Key Benefits:

• Universal Compatibility: PDFs created or edited in Acrobat are guaranteed to be readable and editable on any platform with a PDF reader, making it a reliable format for document exchange.
• Rich Editing Features: Go beyond basic text adjustments. Acrobat lets you edit layouts, insert or remove pages, add headers and footers, and even apply digital signatures for added security.
• Advanced Security: Protect your sensitive documents with password encryption, permissions control, and redaction tools. Acrobat ensures your information stays confidential.
• Form Creation and Automation: Create interactive forms, gather data electronically, and automate workflows for a streamlined document management experience.
• Cloud Integration: Access your PDFs from anywhere with Adobe Document Cloud. Store, share, and collaborate on documents securely in the cloud.
• Seamless Integration with Other Adobe Products: Works seamlessly with other Adobe apps like Photoshop and InDesign for a smooth content creation and editing workflow.

Limitations:

• Cost: Acrobat Pro DC, the full-featured version, comes with a hefty subscription fee, making it a less accessible option for casual users.
• Learning Curve: The interface can be overwhelming for beginners, with a plethora of features and functionalities requiring some time to master.
• Limited Free Version: Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, the free version, offers basic viewing and annotation features but lacks editing capabilities.
• Not Ideal for Basic Editing: For simple tasks like adding text or changing fonts, a lightweight PDF editor might be a more efficient and cost-effective choice.

Price:

• Standard – $14.12 per month
• Pro – $16.29 per month

SodaPDF

Key Benefits:

• User-friendly interface: SodaPDF boasts a clean and intuitive design that makes it easy for users of all levels to navigate its features.
• Extensive functionality: It offers a broad array of online tools for editing, merging, splitting, converting, annotating, compressing, and securing PDFs.
• Cloud accessibility: SodaPDF offers both desktop and online versions, providing flexibility and accessibility across different devices and locations.
• Affordable options: It has various subscription plans at varying price points, catering to individual and business needs.
• Integrations: SodaPDF integrates well with popular cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox, facilitating seamless document management.

Limitations:

• Advanced features in higher tiers: Some advanced editing and security features are only available in higher-priced subscription plans.
• Offline limitations: The online version has limited functionality compared to the desktop software and requires a stable internet connection.
• Conversion quality: While SodaPDF claims high-quality conversions, some complex documents may suffer minor formatting inconsistencies.
• Customization options: Compared to some competitors, SodaPDF offers less customization in interface and workflow.

Price:

• Soda PDF 360: $12.50 for 1-month license, $10.50/month for annual license.

Best for Security

Solid Documents PDF Merge

Key Benefits:

• Robust Security: Solid Documents PDF Merge implements advanced encryption algorithms to protect your merged documents. You can set password protection, restrict permissions, and even encrypt specific parts of the document. This makes it ideal for handling confidential data, legal documents, and financial records.
• Compliance Focus: The software adheres to strict industry standards like HIPAA and ISO 27001, ensuring your merged documents meet regulatory requirements. This is crucial for businesses operating in healthcare, finance, and other regulated sectors.
• Effortless Merging: The interface is intuitive and user-friendly, allowing you to quickly combine PDF files in various arrangements. You can control the order of pages, insert blank pages, and even remove specific pages from the resulting document.
• Batch Processing: Automate repetitive tasks by merging multiple sets of PDFs in a single operation. This is a significant time-saver for users who regularly deal with large volumes of PDF documents.
• OCR Support: Merge scanned PDFs alongside regular PDFs, with the software automatically extracting text using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology. This makes your merged documents fully searchable and editable.

Limitations:

• Price: Solid Documents PDF Merge is a paid software, making it less accessible for casual users or those on tight budgets.
• Limited Feature Set: Compared to comprehensive PDF editors, it primarily focuses on merging functionalities and lacks advanced editing features like annotations, form creation, or watermarking.
• Offline-Only: Unlike cloud-based options, Solid Documents PDF Merge requires local installation and lacks document storage or collaboration capabilities.

Price:

• $99.95 for individual lifetime purchase. The prices differ when bought with multiple licenses. 

PDF Candy

Key Benefits:

• Vast Toolset: Boasting over 47 tools, PDF Candy tackles almost any PDF task imaginable. Convert, edit, compress, protect, rotate, extract pages, add watermarks – the possibilities are endless.
• Ease of Use: The interface is clean and intuitive, making it ideal for users of all levels. Simply drag and drop your files, choose your tool, and voila!
• Cloud Convenience: Work on your PDFs from anywhere with the web version. Upload PDF files from cloud storage like Google Drive and Dropbox for seamless integration.
• Free Tier: Start exploring with a freemium model that offers core functionality for basic tasks. Paid plans unlock advanced features and higher processing limits.
• Security Focus: Secure servers and optional password protection for both uploaded and processed files ensure your documents stay safe.

Limitations:

• File Size Restrictions: Free users are limited to processing files under 50MB. Larger files require paid plans.
• Limited Offline Capabilities: While a desktop version exists, it offers fewer tools and features compared to the web platform.
• Basic Editing Features: Advanced editing tasks like text modification and image manipulation are not available.
• Subscription Model: Although the free tier is useful, accessing the full potential of PDF Candy requires paid subscriptions.

Price:

• Yearly subscription: $4/month
• Monthly subscription: $6/month
• Lifetime license: $99 

Best for Offline Use

Cute PDF Writer

Benefits:

• Free and Easy to Use: CutePDF Writer is completely free to download and use, making it a budget-friendly option for occasional or personal use. Its interface is straightforward and intuitive, even for users with limited technical expertise.
• Seamless Integration: CutePDF Writer installs itself as a virtual printer, allowing you to merge PDFs directly from any application that supports printing. Simply select “CutePDF Writer” as your printer in the print dialog box, choose the desired files, and click “Print.”
• Basic Features: CutePDF Writer offers basic but essential merging functionalities. You can control the order of the merged pages, add bookmarks, and choose the output file format (PDF or XPS).
• Lightweight and Portable: CutePDF Writer is a small and lightweight software, making it ideal for older computers or users with limited storage space. Additionally, it’s portable, meaning you can run it directly from a USB drive without installation.

Limitations:

• Limited Features: Compared to paid options, CutePDF Writer lacks advanced features like password protection, document editing, and OCR for scanned PDFs.
• No Cloud Support: CutePDF Writer is strictly for offline use. It doesn’t offer cloud storage or collaboration features, which can be inconvenient for teams or projects requiring document sharing.
• Basic Security: While you can add bookmarks for navigation, CutePDF Writer doesn’t offer encryption or password protection for merged PDFs. This might not be suitable for sensitive documents.
• Windows Only: Currently, CutePDF Writer is only available for Windows operating systems. Mac and Linux users need to explore alternative solutions.

Price:

• $49.95 for individual lifetime purchase. The prices differ when bought with multiple licenses. 

Icecream PDF Split & Merge

Key Benefits:

• Ease of Use: The intuitive interface makes it easy for anyone to split and merge PDFs, even those with no technical experience.
• Multiple Splitting Modes: Choose from various splitting options, including dividing PDFs by page number, range, or even bookmarks. You can also extract specific pages or remove unwanted ones.
• Effortless Merging: Combine multiple PDFs into a single PDF document with just a few clicks. Rearrange pages, rotate them, and even add bookmarks for better organization.
• Offline Processing: Work on your PDFs without an internet connection. All processing happens directly on your computer, ensuring privacy and security.
• Additional Features: Password protect your merged PDF file, convert them to other formats, and even compress them for easier sharing.

Limitations:

• Limited Editing Capabilities: Icecream PDF Split & Merge primarily focuses on splitting and merging. While it offers some basic editing features like page rotation and deletion, it doesn’t provide the same level of editing capabilities as dedicated PDF editors.
• No OCR Support: If your PDFs contain scanned text, you’ll need separate OCR software to make them editable or searchable within Icecream PDF Split & Merge.
• Paid Features: While the software offers a free version with basic functionalities, some advanced features like password protection and batch processing require purchasing the paid pro version.

Price:

• $19.95 for lifetime license. 
• $114 for all PDF products by Icecream Apps, including PDF Editor, PDF Converter, and PDF Split & Merge.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a comprehensive understanding of PDF merging, coupled with the careful evaluation of key criteria, is crucial for making informed decisions when selecting the right software.

The curated list of the 10 best PDF merging software in 2024 further refines the selection process, offering top choices for various preferences. Choose the software that aligns with your requirements, and experience seamless and efficient PDF merging process!

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