How to merge or combine pdf files into one on mac?

Automator is Apple's built-in automation app that lets you create custom workflows without writing any code. To merge PDF files into one on Mac, you're essentially building a "Quick Action" that you can trigger directly from the Finder. Once set up, you just select your PDF files, right-click, and choose your custom action—Automator handles the rest.

Step 1: Open Automator

• Go to your Applications folder and launch Automator
• When prompted, select "Quick Action" as the document type

Step 2: Configure the Workflow Settings

At the top of the workflow window, set:

• "Workflow receives current" → select "PDF files" from the dropdown
• "in" → choose "any application"

This tells Automator that your action should appear whenever you select PDF files, no matter where you are.

Step 3: Add the "Combine PDF Pages" Action

• In the left sidebar (Actions Library), search for "Combine PDF Pages" or find it under the PDFs category
• Drag this action into the empty workflow area on the right

Step 4: Add the "Move Finder Items" Action

• Search for "Move Finder Items" under Files & Folders
• Drag it below your "Combine PDF Pages" action
• Set the destination folder

Step 5: Save Your Quick Action

• Click File > Save (or press Command + S)
• Name your action something memorable like "Merge PDFs"
• Exit Automator

Once saved, how do you merge PDF files into one on Mac:

1. Open a Finder window and navigate to your PDF files
2. Select all the PDFs you want to merge
3. Right-click any of the selected files
4. Go to Quick Actions
5. Click "Merge PDFs"