Real-world document tasks often involve combining files from different sources — a Word document, some photos, a few existing PDFs, and maybe a scanned receipt. Here's how to compile everything into a single, clean PDF.
The General Workflow
Step 1: Convert non-PDF files to PDF first. Each source type needs to become a PDF before merging.
Step 2: Merge all PDFs into one. Use FreePDFNest Merge PDF to combine everything in the right order.
Step 3: Polish if needed. Add page numbers, rotate misaligned pages, or compress for sharing.
Converting Different Source Types
Images (JPG, PNG, photos)
Use FreePDFNest Image to PDF to convert your images into a PDF. Multiple images become a multi-page PDF with one image per page.
Word Documents
Open in Microsoft Word or Google Docs and use File → Save as PDF (or Print → Save as PDF).
Spreadsheets
Open in Excel or Google Sheets and use File → Save as PDF. Adjust print settings first to ensure proper page layout.
Web Pages
In Chrome or Edge, press Ctrl+P (Cmd+P on Mac) and choose "Save as PDF" as the destination.
Existing PDFs
These are ready to merge as-is.
Example: Job Application Package
Sources: Resume (PDF), cover letter (Word), portfolio images (JPG), reference letter (scanned PDF).
Step 1: Save cover letter as PDF from Word.
Step 2: Convert portfolio images to PDF using Image to PDF.
Step 3: Merge all four PDFs in order: cover letter → resume → portfolio → reference letter.
Step 4: Add page numbers with Page Numbers.
Step 5: Compress with Compress PDF if the file is too large for the application portal.
Result: one professional, numbered, optimally-sized PDF ready for submission.
Ready to try it?
Use our free Merge PDF tool — no signup required.