How to Combine PDF Files on iPhone and iPad (2 Free Methods)
You have three PDFs on your iPhone and an online form that accepts only one file. The good news: you do not need to buy an app. iPhones and iPads can combine PDFs with tools they already have. This guide shows two free methods and when to use each.
Method 1: The Files app
Recent versions of iOS and iPadOS include a "Create PDF" action in the Files app. It combines the selected files into a single PDF.
- Open the Files app and go to the folder that contains your PDFs. If they are in different places, move them into one folder first.
- Tap the ⋯ button (top right) and choose Select.
- Tap each PDF you want to combine.
- Tap the ⋯ button at the bottom right and choose Create PDF.
A new PDF appears in the same folder, usually named after the first file. Rename it by touching and holding the file, then choosing Rename.
Menu names can change slightly between iOS versions. If you do not see "Create PDF", update your iPhone or use Method 2.
Method 2: Your browser (Safari or Chrome)
Our Merge PDF tool works in Safari on iPhone and iPad, and the files are processed on your device rather than uploaded.
- Open pdftoolkitx.com/merge-pdf.html in Safari.
- Tap Choose PDF files, then Browse to pick PDFs from the Files app or iCloud Drive.
- Use the ↑ and ↓ buttons to put the files in order.
- Tap Merge PDFs. Safari will ask whether to download the file; tap Download.
The merged file is saved in the Downloads folder of the Files app. This method gives you full control over the order, which is its main advantage over the Files app.
Combining photos and PDFs together
If some of your documents are photos (for example, a picture of a receipt), convert them first with Image to PDF, then merge the result with your other PDFs. On iPhone, photos taken in HEIC format may need to be shared or saved as JPG first; setting Settings → Camera → Formats → Most Compatible makes new photos JPG by default.
Which method should you use?
| Files app | Browser tool | |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | None | None |
| Control over order | By file name only | Full (move up and down) |
| Works offline | Yes | Yes, once the page has loaded |
| Also on Android and PC | No | Yes |
Troubleshooting
The merged PDF is too large
Scanned pages and photos make PDFs heavy. See how to make a PDF smaller.
A page is sideways
Fix it with Rotate PDF before or after merging. The rotation is saved in the file.
Safari opens the PDF instead of downloading it
Tap the share icon and choose Save to Files.
Summary
For a quick merge, the Files app's "Create PDF" action is built in. When the order matters, a browser tool lets you arrange the files exactly as you want. Both are free and keep your documents on your device.