Southeast High School

Merge, Rearrange, or Delete PDF Pages with Preview (Mac)

If you are using a Macintosh you have a tool called Preview in your Applications folder. It appears to be a very simple tool for opening PDF files and pictures. If you take a closer look you’ll find that it has many tricks up its sleeves, including the ability to merge, rearrange, and delete pages of PDF files.

REQUIRED: MAC OS 10.5 or newer.

 

Merge PDFs

1. Open a PDF in Preview.
2. To edit the PDF, you will need to be able to see your “sidebar”. If you cannot already see a column along the right side of your open PDF that shows the individual pages, go to the view menu and select “Sidebar,” or click the icon in the toolbar. (View this step.)
3. To add to the PDF you have open, drag the additional PDF(s) into the sidebar at the location you would like them to appear. (View this step.) It’s as simple as that!

 

Rearrange Pages in a PDF

To rearrange the pages within a PDF file, simply drag them from their current location in the sidebar to the location you would like for them to be. (View this step.)

 

Delete Pages from a PDF

To delete one or more pages from a PDF file, select the page(s) in the sidebar, and choose “Delete” from the Edit menu. (View this step.)

 

Save your newly edited PDF

Remember to save your newly merged, rearranged, or otherwise edited PDF by going to the Edit menu and selecting “Save.” (View this step.)

 

Pictures, too?

If you like what Preview can do with PDF files, you'll love what it can do to edit your pictures! To try it out, open any image and look at the "Adjust" options in the "Tools" menu.