How to Combine Scanned Documents into One PDF

Scans often arrive as separate files: one page from a scanner app, a photo of a certificate, a PDF of an ID. Many offices want everything in one PDF. This guide shows how to combine scans and photos into a single file in your browser.

Step 1: Turn Photos Into PDFs

If some of your scans are pictures, convert them first with Image to PDF. It accepts JPG and PNG only, so convert HEIC or WEBP photos to JPG first. Each image goes on its own A4 page, centered and scaled to fit. In my test, a PNG screenshot of 201.5 KB became a PDF of 198 KB.

Step 2: Merge Everything

Open Merge PDF.
Click “Choose PDF Files” and add your PDFs. You can add more files later.
Check the order in the list. Files are joined from top to bottom.
Click “Merge PDFs”. A file named paperdesk-merged.pdf downloads.

When I joined a 6,789.4 KB PDF with a 5.4 KB PDF, the merged file showed as 6.6 MB in Chrome’s download list, which matches the two sizes added together (about 6,795 KB).

Fixing the Order

There is no drag and drop. To move a file, remove it with the ✕ button and add it again, and it goes to the end. Numbering your file names (01, 02, 03) saves time.

If the Result Is Too Large

Scans add up quickly. Use Compress PDF on the merged file. Our guide on meeting an upload size limit explains the levels.

Check Before You Send

Scroll through every page and confirm the order.
Check that each page is upright and readable.
Keep the original files until your upload is accepted.