How to Use Python to Combine PDFs

The Portable Document Format (PDF) has become the standard for exchanging documents across multiple devices in the current digital era. However, manipulating PDF files can be troublesome at times. Therefore, we can use Python to programmatically merge source PDF files into a single merged PDF file. The Python programming language is highly flexible and offers a lot of libraries and tools available for working with PDF files. Among these, IronPDF stands out as a potent tool for handling PDF files, offering features like smooth PDF creation, editing, and merging.

This post explains how to simplify PDF management operations by using IronPDF in Python to combine several PDF files into a single, coherent document.

How to Use Python to Combine PDFs

1. Create a new Python file.
2. Install the IronPDF for Python library.
3. Import the PDF library.
4. Create a PDF object and add PDF files.
5. Merge PDF files and save the created file.

IronPDF

IronPDF is a Python library that offers an extensive feature set for programmatically interacting with PDF documents, to streamline PDF-related tasks. Built on the .NET foundation, IronPDF combines smoothly with Python, offering developers an extensive toolkit to create, modify, and convert PDF files.

IronPDF is a Python library that makes working with PDFs easier. It provides developers with a simple API to deal with PDF documents programmatically. IronPDF is a very useful tool for many applications, from document management systems to report production. It allows developers to easily create, modify, and merge PDF files.

Features of IronPDF

• PDF Generation: With IronPDF, developers may start from scratch when creating PDF documents. This means they can use their Python code to dynamically generate reports, invoices, and other structured documents. With support for text, graphics, tables, and hyperlinks, IronPDF makes it simple to create visually stunning and educational PDFs.
• PDF Manipulation: IronPDF provides a wide range of options for working with pre-existing PDF documents, in addition to creating new ones. Developers can easily append, divide, and combine PDF files, which improves productivity and streamlines document management operations.
• HTML to PDF Conversion: IronPDF makes it easier for developers to convert HTML information to PDF while maintaining the style, organization, and file formats of the final PDF documents. This functionality is particularly useful when creating print-friendly versions of web-based reports, documentation, and marketing materials.
• PDF Parsing and Extraction: With IronPDF, developers may programmatically analyze and process PDF files by easily extracting text, images, and other content from PDF documents. With IronPDF, you can extract useful insights from PDFs, whether you're analyzing data from financial reports or removing graphics from presentation slides.
• PDF Security: To protect PDF documents and guarantee their integrity and secrecy, IronPDF provides strong encryption and authorization settings. To strengthen document security in critical contexts, developers can encrypt PDFs with passwords, restrict printing and copying, and digitally sign documents to confirm their legitimacy.

Always keep in mind that IronPDF's features and accessibility in Python are subject to change, so make sure to check out the most recent and accurate information by visiting IronPDF's official documentation.

New Project in PyCharm

PyCharm is an IDE for writing Python programs, and it will be used in this session.

Select "New Project" when the PyCharm IDE opens.

By selecting "New Project," you open a new window where you can alter the project's location and environment. This new window can be seen in action in the screenshot that follows.

After selecting the project directory and configuring the Python environment, click the "Create" button to begin a new project. The project will open in a new tab after it has been created.

Requirements to Use IronPDF

Before viewing the code samples, confirm that the following requirements are met:

• Python: Python version 3.7 or higher is required for IronPDF to function properly.
• .NET 6.0 Runtime: The .NET 6.0 runtime environment is required for IronPDF's core functionalities. Download and install the necessary runtime from the official .NET website, depending on your operating system.
• How to Install the IronPDF Library: Use the pip package manager in your Python environment to install the IronPDF library. Run the following command at a command prompt or terminal window open:

 pip install ironpdf

The configuration of the 'IronPDF' package is shown in the screenshot below.

Merge PDF files using IronPDF

IronPDF can be used to efficiently handle large or merge multiple PDF documents. Because of the built-in functionality for slow loading and incremental updates, you can process documents with less RAM. With the following lines of code, we may combine several PDF documents into a single PDF file.

The sample code for combining several PDF files is shown below.

from ironpdf import PdfDocument

# Load the first PDF file
first_pdf = PdfDocument.FromFile("A.pdf")

# Load the second PDF file
second_pdf = PdfDocument.FromFile("B.pdf")

# Merge the two PDF files
merged_pdf = PdfDocument.Merge(first_pdf, second_pdf)

# Save the merged PDF to a new file
merged_pdf.SaveAs("MergedDoc.pdf")

from ironpdf import PdfDocument

# Load the first PDF file
first_pdf = PdfDocument.FromFile("A.pdf")

# Load the second PDF file
second_pdf = PdfDocument.FromFile("B.pdf")

# Merge the two PDF files
merged_pdf = PdfDocument.Merge(first_pdf, second_pdf)

# Save the merged PDF to a new file
merged_pdf.SaveAs("MergedDoc.pdf")

The code snippets above demonstrate how to use IronPDF to combine PDF documents:

1. We are first using the FromFile function to import two PDF files, A.pdf and B.pdf, to establish local variables for the PdfDocument objects.
2. The Merge function is called to merge these two PDF objects.
3. Finally, we use the SaveAs() function to save the merged PDF into a single file named MergedDoc.pdf.

The two input PDF files are displayed in the image above. There will be a link to the final PDF file below.

OUTPUT PDF FILE

The function merges all the PDF files that are saved into a single PDF file, as seen in the images above. Similarly, we can combine several PDF files. With just a few lines of code, IronPDF can complete this task in a few milliseconds. You may read this article here to find out more about IronPDF as well.

Conclusion

Finally, IronPDF offers a practical and effective solution for PDF management tasks by streamlining the process of merging PDF files in Python. Developers can easily combine several PDF documents into a single, coherent file by following the instructions provided in this article, which will increase productivity and streamline document management procedures.

IronPDF is a useful tool for Python projects as it enables developers to handle PDF files effortlessly, regardless of whether they're creating a document management system, creating reports, or automating operations connected to PDFs.

The $749 Lite edition of IronPDF includes a permanent license, upgrade options, and a year of software support. During the watermarked trial period, customers can evaluate the product in real-world situations. To find out more about IronPDF's price, licensing, and free trial, please visit the license page. Alternatively, go to this website to learn more about Iron Software.