Print icon Print

Create a PDF from Multiple Documents

Learn how to combine multiple documents into one electronic PDF file. Merged PDFs are required for certain PASSPort tasks, such as submitting the HHS Prequalification (PQL) application.

Ways to Create One File from Multiple Sources

There are several common methods to generate one file from many files or many physical documents. This guide will focus on these common methods or tools.

1. Create a PDF from Paper Documents

  • Printer or Scanner – Often workspaces have a printer that scans paper documents and saves them as a file. These printers can be found at the office, home, a friend's or at your local print shop or local public library. Follow the instructions for that printer (or scanner) to scan your physical documents and save them as one file to your personal storage device.
  • iPhone (Notes app) – If you're an iPhone user, then you have a scanner at your fingertips. Use the camera and Notes app to scan physical documents and save them as one file to your phone. For instructions, visit Apple support.
  • Photo Capture of Documents – Upload photos of paper documents to iscanner.com's image converter to convert images to a PDF. Or download the mobile app for either Android device or iOS from the respective app stores. To scan one page and add additional documents to that file, use the Add button as instructed in the FAQ: How to add pages to an existing document?

Back to top

2. Create a PDF Using Software to Combine Files

  • Adobe's Merge PDF files – Adobe has a free Merge PDF tool offered on their website. Visit Adobe's Merge PDF tool and follow the steps on-screen to upload multiple PDF files, select which ones to combine and then merge them to one single PDF file. Storing merged files to an account on their site will require a paid subscription.
  • Other Free Online Tools – There is a variety of online tools like Adobe's Merge PDF file tool that are completely free. Some common online tools are:
  • Mac's Preview software – Mac users have the option to combine PDFs via Apple's pdf viewer software called Preview. For instructions, visit Apple Support.

If you choose to use a free online merge tool, be sure to learn about their security and privacy terms and policy.

Back to top

What Now?

You merged your PDFs or scanned your documents to one file. Get ready to submit your documents to PASSPort! Check out PASSPort learning resources here.

Last updated: June 18, 2025

Related Resources