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To merge PDFs without uploading them, install a desktop application that performs the merge on your own computer. PDFsam Basic is a free, open-source option that runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. PDF24 Creator is a free offline option for Windows only. Either way, you add the files, set their order, choose an output name, and run the merge, and the combined file is created on your machine.
Which tools merge PDFs locally
Two desktop programs match this requirement as of October 2026, based on their publishers’ current pages. Online converters from the same publishers are listed for comparison, because they are the most common source of confusion.
| Option | Platforms | Where the merge happens | Page selection | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PDFsam Basic | Windows, macOS, Linux | On the computer; PDFsam states that files are never uploaded and no internet connection is needed | Comma-separated page ranges per input file | Any desktop operating system, including Mac and Linux |
| PDF24 Creator | Windows 10 and Windows 11; the vendor states it is not supported on macOS or Linux | Offline on the PC; PDF24 states that all files remain on the PC | Arrange or insert pages in the application | Windows users, including scanned front-and-back batches |
| PDF24 online tools | Any modern browser; operating system not stated | Uploaded to PDF24’s servers; the vendor states transfers are encrypted and processed files are deleted within one hour | not stated | Only when sending the file to a service is acceptable |
The online row is included so you can recognize the difference. Encryption and deletion policies reduce risk, but the file still leaves your computer.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Merging with PDFsam Basic
PDFsam Basic is the better choice if you use macOS or Linux, or if you need to take only some pages from each input file.
#1 Best Overall
- PORTABLE SCANNER FOR USE ON-THE-GO — The fastest and lightest mobile single-sheet-fed compact document scanner in its class¹
- QUICK DOCUMENT SCANNING ― This Epson ultra-fast scanner scans a single page as quickly as 5.5 seconds²; Windows and Mac compatible
- VERSATILE PAPER HANDLING ― Portable scanner scans documents up to 8.5 x 72 in; Also easily digitizes receipts and ID cards to make accounting, bookkeeping, and organizing simpler
- INTUITIVE, HIGH-SPEED SOFTWARE — Epson ScanSmart Software³ is a smart tool allowing you to easily scan, review, and save; Stay organized easily with the help of this Epson scanner
- EASY SETUP — USB-powered connect to your computer for quick and simple scanning; No batteries or external power supply required to operate portable document scanner; Standard Connectivity: USB 2.0
- Download PDFsam Basic from the official PDFsam website and install it like any desktop application.
- Open the Merge tool and drag in the PDFs you want to combine.
- Arrange the files in the order they should appear. The first file in the list supplies the opening pages of the output.
- Choose the output filename and run the merge.
PDFsam’s merge options also include handling of bookmarks and AcroForms and the option to create a table of contents. Check these settings before you run the merge if the source documents rely on them.
Selecting specific pages with ranges
If you need only part of a document, PDFsam Basic accepts comma-separated intervals for each input. The vendor’s example is 1-10, 14, 25-, which takes pages 1 to 10, page 14, and everything from page 25 to the end. Enter the ranges against the file they belong to, not against the whole batch, and confirm that each range reflects the page numbers in the source file rather than the page count of the output.
Rank #2
- FAST SPEEDS - Scans color and black and white documents a blazing speed up to 16ppm (1). Color scanning won’t slow you down as the color scan speed is the same as the black and white scan speed.
- ULTRA COMPACT – At less than 1 foot in length and only about 1. 5lbs in weight you can fit this device virtually anywhere (a bag, a purse, even a pocket).
- READY WHENEVER YOU ARE – The DS-640 mobile scanner is powered via an included micro USB 3. 0 cable allowing you to use it even where there is no outlet available. Plug it into you PC or laptop and you are ready to scan.
- WORKS YOUR WAY – Use the Brother free iPrint&Scan desktop app for scanning to multiple “Scan-to” destinations like PC, Network, cloud services, Email and OCR. (2) Supports Windows, Mac and Linux and TWAIN/WIA for PC/ICA for Mac/SANE drivers. (3)
- OPTIMIZE IMAGES AND TEXT – Automatic color detection/adjustment, image rotation (PC only), bleed through prevention/background removal, text enhancement, color drop to enhance scans. Software suite includes document management and OCR software. (4)
Merging with PDF24 Creator on Windows
PDF24 Creator is a broader desktop PDF utility on Windows. Its documentation describes it as offline software that keeps files on the PC.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute- Download and install PDF24 Creator from the official PDF24 website. The download page lists Windows 10 and Windows 11 as supported; at the time of checking, it displayed version 11.31.0.
- Launch Creator and drag the PDFs into the application.
- Arrange or insert pages as needed, then save the merged output.
Interleaving separate front and back scans
Scanners often produce one PDF of the front sides and another of the back sides. PDF24’s help documentation describes a zipper merge for this case. Load both sets, reverse the page order of the back-side document if the scanner delivered it in reverse, use the zipper merge control to interleave the pages, and save the result. This workflow is specialized. For ordinary documents, use a standard sequential merge.
Rank #3
- STAY ORGANIZED – Easily convert your paper documents into digital formats like searchable PDF files, JPEGs, and more.Power Consumption : 2.5W or less (Energy Saving Mode: 0.7W). Suggested Daily Volume : 500 scans..Does it contain liquid: no
- CONVENIENT AND PORTABLE –lightweight and small in size, you can take the scanner anywhere from home offices, classrooms, remote offices, and anywhere in between
- HANDLES VARIOUS MEDIA TYPES – Digitize receipts, business cards, plastic or embossed cards, reports, legal documents, and more
- FAST AND EFFICIENT – No technical hurdles or complicated setups here; easily scan both sides of a document at the same time, in color or black-and-white, at up to 12 pages-per-minute, and with a 20 sheet automatic feeder
- BROAD COMPATIBILITY – Works with both Windows and Mac devices, be it laptop or computer
What “offline” does and does not guarantee
A desktop merge keeps the source files on your computer, but it does not make the result safe to share without a check. Keep these points in mind:
- Both vendors describe local processing in their own words. These are publisher statements rather than independent security audits, so treat them as claims to weigh, not as proof.
- A merge combines pages into a single document. It does not remove or redact sensitive content inside those pages.
- Interactive forms, bookmarks, signatures, and permission restrictions may not carry over the way you expect. Test the output on a copy before you rely on it.
- The online tools from PDF24 do process uploads on a server. Use them only if that is acceptable under your privacy needs and any workplace rules.
PDFsam’s official Basic page: “Everything runs locally so your files are never uploaded and no internet connection is needed.”
Rank #4
IRIScan Express 4 Black Compact Portable USB Simplex Document Scanner, 8 PPM for Contracts, Invoices and Business Cards, Compatible with Windows, Readiris PDF Included
- IRIScan Express, portable scanner : scans color and black and white documents a blazing speed up to 8ppm simplex. Color scanning won’t slow you down as the color scan speed is the same as the black and white scan speed.
- IRIScan Express mobile scanner is powered via an included micro USB 2. 0 cable allowing you to use it even where there is no outlet available. Plug it into you PC or laptop and you are ready to scan. USB cable provided. AC Adapter not provided and not needed.
- IRIScan flatbed scanner uses a simplex scanning mode allows for quick and straightforward scanning of single-sided documents. IRIScan with its full portable features is the ideal document scanners for computers.
- IRIScan document scanner : Versatile scanning capabilities, including scanning to Word, PDF, and Excel formats with companion software provided Readiris OCR
- Receipt scanner and card scanner with Additional features include scanning business cards directly to Outlook, photo scanning, and receipt scanning for efficient document management
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.PDF24’s official Creator page: “All files remain on your PC.”
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Checking the merged file before you share it
Open the output and verify it before sending or filing it:
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Scanner type: Document
- Connectivity technology: USB
- With Auto Scan Mode, the scanner automatically detects what you're scanning
- Digitize documents and images
- The first and last pages are the ones you intended.
- Page sequence matches the order you set, with no missing or duplicated pages.
- Bookmarks, table of contents entries, and form fields are present and working, if the source documents had them.
- Any pages you excluded through page ranges are absent.
Troubleshooting common problems
- The file you need is not on the list of supported systems. If you use macOS or Linux, PDF24 Creator is not an option according to its vendor. Use PDFsam Basic instead.
- Bookmarks or form fields are missing. Return to the merge settings in PDFsam Basic and check the bookmark and AcroForm handling options, then merge again from the original files.
- Scanned pages are out of order. Use the zipper merge in PDF24 Creator for separate front and back sets, and reverse the back-side order first if needed.
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