How to combine and merge PDF files on a Mac

Managing multiple PDFs can be a headache. Sifting through files, sorting documents, and just keeping everything organized is frustrating—and it doesn’t look professional. Merging PDFs saves time and helps keep it all in one place.

Instead of feeling helpless with clunky workarounds or expensive software, try the Dropbox PDF editor. This free, browser-based tool makes merging PDFs effortless. It comes with several efficiency-boosting benefits: 

• No installation required—convert, merge, and more online
• No complicated steps—enjoy an intuitive tool without an unnecessary learning curve
• Quick, secure, and efficient—everything’s done right in your web browser, whether you’re on a Mac or any other device

There’s no point wasting time switching between apps or dealing with complex software—especially when you’ve got work to do. The free Dropbox PDF editor is perfect for those managing HR records, handling legal contracts, or organizing administrative documents. You can merge files in seconds and get back to work faster. 

Try the Dropbox PDF editor for free and see how simple merging or combining PDFs on a Mac can be.

2 simple ways to merge and combine PDFs on a Mac

Merging PDFs on a Mac is easier than you might think. Whether you’re looking for a quick, no-frills solution or a feature-packed method with added flexibility, we’ll run through a couple of macOS options to suit your needs. 

Here’s how Apple users can combine PDFs using Preview (a built-in macOS app) and the powerful Dropbox PDF editor:

Using Preview (built-in macOS app)

If you don’t work with PDFs often but occasionally need to merge a PDF for quick, simple tasks—like combining lecture notes for a class or merging invoices for freelance work—Preview is a good built-in option on macOS.

Preview is a versatile tool that comes pre-installed on all Macs. Here's how to merge PDFs:

1. Use Finder to launch Preview and open the first PDF.
2. Drag additional PDFs into the sidebar to combine them.
3. Rearrange the pages as needed by dragging the thumbnails.
4. Save the combined file by selecting File then Export as PDF.

While Preview is a convenient option for basic PDF merging, it lacks a few things. Here are some drawbacks:

• No advanced editing—you can’t add annotations, comments, or electronic signatures
• No collaboration features—if you want to share and track feedback, you’ll need an additional tool
• Limited customization—you can’t reorder or remove pages as easily as with the Dropbox PDF editor

Preview is suitable for quick, simple tasks, but it falls short when you need more robust functionality.

Using the Dropbox PDF editor

If you want flexibility—like editing, adding annotations, or collaborating—the Dropbox PDF editor is a better choice. It’s free, works in your browser (no downloads needed), and uses encryption to protect your documents.

The Dropbox PDF editor is for more advanced PDF merging. Here’s how to merge PDFs on a Mac using the tool:

1. Go to the PDF editor page.
2. Click Upload file and choose the file you want to merge.
3. Click the paper symbol with the + (plus) sign to insert pages from another PDF in your Dropbox account.
4. Rearrange the pages using the sidebar.
   1. You can also delete any pages you want to remove by clicking the trash symbol.
5. Click the Save button.
6. Download, share, or store your newly-merged PDF as you wish.

The Dropbox PDF editor offers several advantages over Preview. Here’s why it’s the superior option:

• More than just merging—edit text, add annotations, and customize your PDFs
• Easy collaboration—share securely and collect feedback with real-time commenting
• Works on any device—no installations or software updates, just simple browser-based access
• Stronger security—Dropbox uses built-in encryption to ensure your PDFs stay safe

Whether you need a quick fix or a fully-fledged editing solution, these two methods make merging PDFs on a Mac simple and efficient. Try the Dropbox PDF editor and see how easy it is to merge, split, convert, and annotate PDFs.

Do more with your PDFs—with Dropbox

While Preview is great for basic PDF tasks, if you need advanced capabilities, it leaves you wanting more. That’s where the Dropbox PDF editor helps—it’s built for professionals and teams who need to do more than just merge files.

Dropbox lets you edit, share, and collaborate on PDFs easily, all in one place. Here’s a few things you can do:

• Merge PDFs efficiently—combine files into one cohesive document, perfect for contracts, reports, or proposals
• Split pages from existing PDFs—remove sections from large PDFs without the hassle of saving multiple copies
• Convert file formats with ease—turn JPG images and other files into accessible, shareable PDFs in seconds
• Make annotations and comments—great for teams to collaborate on edits, provide feedback, or track changes
• No downloads—access everything directly in your browser, there’s no need for extra software

And because security is our highest priority, Dropbox gives you strong encryption and secure sharing options—so that your PDFs stay protected. Try the Dropbox PDF editor and take your PDF management up a notch.

Reasons to combine two PDF files into one on a Mac

Merging PDFs isn’t just convenient—it helps you work smarter. Combining PDFs makes everything more efficient, professional, and easy to manage no matter what type of files you’re handling. Here are some ways it can help:

1. More professional deliverables

Keeping everything in one polished PDF makes it easier for clients and stakeholders to review documents without fussing over multiple attachments.

Preparing for a client presentation? Merge contracts, invoices, and proposals into one seamless PDF, so everything is neatly packaged and ready to share. This means no more cluttered email threads too!

2. Better project organization

Managing multiple project files can get messy—merging them into a single document keeps things structured and easy to reference.

Team leads can combine reports, meeting notes, and design drafts into a single PDF, making collaboration smoother while keeping everything archived for future reference.

3. More useful study resources

For students and teachers, having all your learning materials in one place makes studying and lesson planning far more efficient.

You can merge lecture notes, assignments, or research articles into one PDF, so students can study without flipping between multiple files. It’s perfect for getting more productive study time.

4. Simpler creative assets

Creative professionals often work with multiple iterations of designs, drafts, and storyboards. Merging them into a single PDF keeps presentations and feedback loops simple.

Designers, photographers, or illustrators can compile multiple file versions, sketches, or storyboards into one document—making it easy to present a full concept without juggling various, often cumbersome, project files.

No matter your industry, merging PDFs saves time, reduces clutter, and optimizes workflows. And the best part is you can do it all quickly and securely online using Dropbox. Try the PDF editor to crank up your efficiency today.

Merge and combine PDFs on a Mac for free with Dropbox

Merging PDFs on a Mac doesn’t have to be painful. With Dropbox, it’s fast, secure, and free. Our PDF editor makes it easy to combine files in a few clicks. You also get a full suite of PDF editing features to help you work smarter. 

From editing and annotating to secure sharing and file conversions, you’ll find everything you need to manage your PDFs efficiently—all in one place. Why juggle multiple tools when you can do it all in one? Try the PDF editor now.