Merging PDF files on Windows 10 is straightforward and can be done using a variety of tools. Whether you want to combine multiple PDFs for convenience or to keep everything organized, the following steps will walk you through the process in a few easy steps.
How to Merge PDF Files Windows 10
By following these steps, you will be able to merge multiple PDF files into one single document using Windows 10. We’re going to use a free tool called PDFsam Basic, which is safe and highly effective.
Step 1: Download PDFsam Basic
Head over to the PDFsam Basic website and download the application.
PDFsam Basic is a free and user-friendly tool, specifically designed to handle tasks like merging PDFs. Once you’ve downloaded the installer, go ahead and open it to start the installation process.
Step 2: Install PDFsam Basic
Run the downloaded installer and follow the installation instructions.
The setup process is pretty standard. Just follow the on-screen prompts, and within a few minutes, PDFsam Basic will be installed and ready to use on your computer.
Step 3: Open PDFsam Basic
Launch the PDFsam Basic application from your desktop or start menu.
Upon opening PDFsam Basic, you will be greeted with a simple interface that lays out different PDF manipulation options. Look for the ‘Merge’ option as this is what you’ll need.
Step 4: Select ‘Merge’
Click on the ‘Merge’ option to start combining your PDFs.
Once you’ve clicked on ‘Merge’, you’ll be taken to a new screen where you can add the PDF files you want to combine. This screen also provides additional options like reordering pages or adding bookmarks.
Step 5: Add PDF Files
Click the ‘Add’ button and select the PDF files you want to merge.
You can either drag and drop your PDF files into the window or use the file explorer to locate them. Once added, you can rearrange the order of the PDFs by dragging them up or down in the list.
Step 6: Set Output Settings
Choose where you want the merged PDF to be saved and set any other preferences.
For your output settings, you can decide the destination folder for the merged PDF and if you want to overwrite any existing files. You can also set additional preferences like bookmarks and page numbers here.
Step 7: Click ‘Run’
Once everything is set, click the ‘Run’ button to merge the PDFs.
After clicking ‘Run’, PDFsam Basic will start processing your files. This usually only takes a few seconds, but the processing time can vary depending on the size and number of PDFs you are merging.
After completing these steps, your PDF files will be merged into one single file, stored in the location you specified. You can now share or save this combined PDF as needed.
Tips for Merging PDF Files Windows 10
- Use reliable software: Stick to reputable tools like PDFsam to avoid issues with malware.
- Check file order: Make sure your files are in the correct order before merging.
- Backup files: Always keep a backup of your original files before merging.
- Explore settings: Look into advanced options like bookmarks and page numbers if needed.
- Test the output: Open the merged PDF to ensure everything looks as expected before sharing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I merge PDFs without downloading software?
Yes, there are online tools like SmallPDF and PDF Merge that allow you to merge PDFs without downloading software. However, be cautious about uploading sensitive documents.
Is PDFsam Basic really free?
Yes, PDFsam Basic is free and open-source, which means you don’t have to worry about hidden fees or trial periods expiring.
Can I merge encrypted PDFs?
You can merge encrypted PDFs, but you will need to enter the password for each file before merging.
Does merging PDFs reduce file quality?
No, merging PDFs using PDFsam Basic does not reduce the quality of the individual pages.
How do I rearrange the order of files before merging?
In PDFsam Basic, you can drag and drop the files in the list to rearrange them before clicking the ‘Run’ button.
Summary
- Download PDFsam Basic.
- Install PDFsam Basic.
- Open PDFsam Basic.
- Select ‘Merge’.
- Add PDF files.
- Set output settings.
- Click ‘Run’.
Conclusion
Merging PDF files on Windows 10 is a simple task when you have the right tools. By using PDFsam Basic, you can easily combine multiple PDFs into one without any hassle. This tool’s intuitive interface and reliable performance make it a go-to solution for everyday PDF merging needs. Whether you’re a student compiling research papers or someone handling various documents at work, knowing how to merge PDFs can save you time and keep you organized. So go ahead, download PDFsam Basic, and make your document management a breeze. If you’re curious about other PDF manipulation tasks, there’s plenty more to explore with PDFsam’s additional features. Happy merging!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.