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Combine files into a single PDF

You can combine source files coming from a variety of applications, including existing PDF files, into a single PDF document. Combining files is only possible if you have more than one file:

  • Opened in Power PDF

  • Listed in the file list for the Create PDF dialog box
  • Listed in the file list for the Create Assistant
  • Selected in Windows Explorer

You can add both files and folders to the list and adjust the order by dragging. If you add a folder, Power PDF optionally processes all compatible files within the folder and subfolders, though only the top folder appears in the list.

The following apply when combining files into one PDF:

  • No bookmark is created for documents with an unsupported file format.
  • No bookmark is created for empty folders or subfolders.
  • The combined document includes all files that belong to PDF packages.

Combine currently opened files into one PDF with the Combine All command

  1. Open all the PDF documents to be combined.
  2. Select Home > Create > Combine All.
  3. In the Combine Files dialog box, edit and order the list of source files as described in Create Assistant.
  4. Select Add filenames as Bookmarks to build a Table of Contents from the file names.
  5. Start Combine icon Click the Start button to proceed with PDF creation.

After a successful conversion the resulting, unsaved document opens automatically.

Combine files into one PDF using the File menu

  1. On the File tab, select New > From Files.
  2. Select Combine multiple files into a single PDF on the right.
  3. Use drag and drop or click Add (Add icon) to build a file and folder list in the Create PDF dialog box.
  4. Arrange the files and folders in the desired order.
  5. Select Combine files into one PDF document in the assemble drop-down list box (below the list).
  6. Click Options, then select Add file names as Bookmarks to generate a bookmark for each input document. The bookmark text become the input file names.
  7. Select a profile in the profile list box (the one below) and click Profiles. Modify settings as preferred.
  8. Click Saving to define destination settings.
  9. Start PDF Creation icon Click the Start PDF Creation tool or press Alt + G.

    Saving is performed according to the current destination settings. The resulting PDF files are saved either in the source folder, or in a predefined folder, or the Save As dialog box appears.

  10. Click Open files under the result list to open the combined PDF file.

Combine files into one PDF using Create Assistant

  1. Open Create Assistant from the Windows Start menu.
  2. Follow the instructions described above from step 2 to 9.
  3. Double-click the resulting PDF in the PDF Creation Result list to display it.
  4. Click Close to return to the Create Assistant window, and then close it.

Combine files into one PDF using the Windows Explorer shortcut menu

  1. Right-click two or more source files in Windows Explorer or on your desktop.
  2. Select Combine files as one PDF and then Edit if you want to change profile settings. Select any of the profiles listed otherwise.

    Create Assistant appears.

  3. Follow the instructions described above from step 2 to 9.
  4. Double-click the resulting PDF in the PDF Creation Result list to display it.
  5. Click Close to return to the Create Assistant window, and then close it.