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How to Merge PDF Files Without Adobe Acrobat - Free Alternatives

Don't have Adobe Acrobat? Learn the best free ways to combine PDF files online without expensive software.

5 min read

You Don't Need Adobe Acrobat to Merge PDFs

Adobe Acrobat Pro costs $22.99/month - that's almost $276 per year! For most people who just need to combine a few PDF files occasionally, this is massive overkill.

The good news: There are excellent free alternatives that work just as well for merging PDFs.

Adobe Acrobat vs Free Alternatives

| Feature | Adobe Acrobat Pro | Convertify |

|---------|-------------------|------------|

| Price | $22.99/month | Free |

| Merge PDFs | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |

| Installation | Required | None (browser) |

| Works on mobile | Limited | ✅ Full support |

| Watermarks | None | None |

| File limits | None | None |

Best Free Adobe Alternatives for Merging PDFs

1. Convertify (Recommended)

Convertify's Merge PDF is our top recommendation:

  • **100% free** - No trials, no subscriptions
  • **No software** - Works in your browser
  • **No watermarks** - Professional results
  • **All devices** - Desktop, tablet, phone
  • 2. Built-in Options

  • **Preview (Mac)** - Basic merging capability
  • **Microsoft Print to PDF** - Workaround for Windows
  • 3. Other Online Tools

    Various online tools exist, but many add watermarks or limit file sizes.

    How to Merge Without Adobe

    Using Convertify (Easiest Method)

  • Open [convertify.work/merge-pdf](/merge-pdf)
  • Drag and drop your PDFs
  • Reorder if needed
  • Click "Merge PDFs"
  • Download your combined file
  • Time: Under 30 seconds

    Cost: $0

    Using Mac Preview

  • Open first PDF in Preview
  • View > Thumbnails
  • Drag other PDFs into thumbnail sidebar
  • File > Export as PDF
  • Using Print to PDF (Windows)

  • Open PDFs in browser
  • Print > Microsoft Print to PDF
  • Combine in Notepad (limited)
  • *Note: The Mac and Windows methods are limited and less reliable*

    Why People Still Pay for Adobe

    Adobe Acrobat Pro has advanced features like:

  • OCR text recognition
  • Form creation
  • Digital signatures
  • Advanced editing
  • But if you just need to merge PDFs, these features are unnecessary.

    The Verdict

    For 90% of people who just need to combine PDF files:

  • ❌ Don't pay for Adobe Acrobat
  • ✅ Use free online tools like Convertify
  • Merge Your PDFs Free Now

    Stop paying for software you don't need. Merge your PDFs for free with Convertify!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is Convertify as good as Adobe for merging?

    For merging PDFs, yes! Convertify produces identical results without the cost.

    Will I miss any features?

    Not for merging. If you need advanced editing, forms, or OCR, you might need paid software.

    Ready to Try This Tool?

    Put what you learned into action. Try Convertify's free PDF tools now - no sign up required!

    Try Merge Pdf Tool →

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