How to combine two PDF files into one with Preview on Mac

Check out these 2 free ways to easily merge multiple PDF files into a single document on your Mac, with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips.

Merge two PDFs into one

If you’ve ever wanted to combine multiple PDF files into one or selectively add certain pages from a PDF file to another, then you can use Preview to easily combine any number of those PDF files together into one.

Related: How to merge and split PDF documents on iPhone and iPad

Combine PDFs on Mac

Here are two ways to do that.

1. Using Preview

1) Go to the Finder folder where your PDFs are saved. From here, select both PDFs you want to combine. Next, right-click on one of them and choose Open With > Preview.

Open PDFs With Preview on Mac

2) On some versions of macOS, both PDFs may open in a single Preview window, and in some, both PDFs may open in two separate Preview windows.

  • Both PDFs opened in the same window: Drag the second PDF thumbnail in the sidebar over the first PDF thumbnail in the sidebar, then release your mouse. You should see a green + icon on your cursor as you drag, indicating that you’re ready to release.
combine pdfs mac Click and Drag
  • Both PDFs opened in separate windows: Select all by pressing Command + A or just a page from the secondary PDF file’s sidebar, and drag the thumbnail over into the sidebar of the original PDF file. When you see the green + icon on your cursor, you can let go of your mouse, and all or the selected pages will be transferred to the original PDF file.
Preview PDF Page Sharking

3) The Preview app will merge both PDF files together.

Related: How to manage PDF document pages with Preview on Mac

2. Using iLovePDF

1) Visit iLovePDF.com in your computer browser and click Merge PDF.

2) Drag and drop the PDF files you want to merge on this browser window.

3) Click Merge PDF.

4) Finally, click Download merged PDF.

Merge PDFs using ilovepdf.com

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