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🌍 Foreign Residents in Korea Series
Step-by-step guides for foreigners living in Korea — from address registration and visa to banking, taxes, and digital certificates.
“I used to send five PDFs one by one — now I just merge and split them on my phone.
In short
You can combine or separate PDF files on your phone with free apps or quick workflows. This guide shows simple methods for iOS and Android, offline and online, with privacy-safe tips.
Table of Contents
Quick Choices: Pick Your Method
Choose the option that fits your situation:
- Fast & offline: Use an app that merges/splits on-device (e.g., Xodo, iLovePDF app). Good for privacy.
- One-time task in browser: Use a reputable PDF website in your mobile browser. Simple; depends on internet.
- Automation (iOS): Build a Shortcuts workflow to combine/split files from Files app.
- Heavy editing: Try a full PDF editor app (bookmarks, re-order, annotations).
iOS Methods (iPhone/iPad)
Method 1: Merge with Shortcuts (on-device)
- Open Shortcuts > tap + to create a new shortcut.
- Add action “Select Multiple” (from Files) to pick PDFs.
- Add action “Make PDF” or “Combine PDFs” (if available) and set order.
- Add action “Save File” and choose a folder in Files.
- Run the shortcut, select your PDFs, and save the merged file.
Method 2: Split with Shortcuts (page ranges)
- Create a new shortcut.
- Add “Open File” to choose the source PDF.
- Add “Split PDF” (or loop with page ranges if using a custom action).
- Add “Save File” to store the results in separate PDFs.
Method 3: Free app (Xodo, iLovePDF app, etc.)
- Install a PDF app that supports Merge and Split.
- Open the app > tap Merge > add PDFs from Files or Photos (if exported).
- Arrange order by drag-and-drop > tap Merge > save to Files.
- For splitting, open the PDF > choose Split > set by page range or by every N pages > save.
💡 Tip In the Files app, use a clear naming scheme like
Contract_part1.pdf, Contract_part2.pdf before merging. It
keeps pages in the right order.
Android Methods
Method 1: Xodo or similar (offline)
- Install a PDF editor app that supports Merge and Split.
- Open the app > choose Merge > add PDF files from Downloads or cloud.
- Reorder thumbnails > tap Merge > save locally.
- For splitting, open the PDF > select Split > set ranges (e.g., 1–3, 4–7) > export.
Method 2: Google Files + PDF app
- Find your PDFs in Files by Google or your file manager.
- Share the selected files to your PDF app’s Merge option.
- Confirm order and export the merged PDF back to Downloads or cloud.
⚠️ Note Some “Reader” apps only view PDFs. Check that the app
lists Merge and Split tools before installing.
Browser-Based Tools (Any Phone)
If you prefer not to install an app, you can use PDF websites in Safari/Chrome on mobile.
Merge in the Browser
- Open a trusted PDF tool website in your mobile browser.
- Choose Merge PDF > tap Choose files > select from your device or cloud storage.
- Reorder pages/files if needed > run the merge > download the result.
Split in the Browser
- Open the same site’s Split PDF tool.
- Upload your PDF > pick split mode: ranges, extract pages, or every N pages.
- Run the split > download the separate PDFs.
💡 Tip When using web tools, prefer options labeled “process
on device” or “no upload” for sensitive files.
Privacy & File-Safety Tips
- Stick to offline for sensitive docs. Use on-device apps whenever possible.
- Remove uploads after use. If using a website, delete files from their server (look for a “Delete” link).
- Use temporary folders. Save to a folder you can clear later.
- Check encryption. If a site mentions TLS/HTTPS and on-device processing, that’s safer.
- Keep originals. Duplicate your PDF before editing in case you need to revert.
- Name clearly. Use page ranges in filenames, e.g., report-merged.pdf, report-p1-5.pdf.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Q. Is merging PDFs free on mobile?A. Yes, many apps and websites offer free merging and splitting. Some “pro” apps place limits or watermarks; choose tools without those limits.
-
Q. Will my files be uploaded online?A. Browser tools usually upload files to a server unless they state on-device processing. Offline apps keep files local. For private documents, stay offline.
-
Q. How do I keep page order when merging?A. Rename files with a numeric prefix (01, 02, 03) or reorder thumbnails inside the app before tapping Merge.
-
Q. Can I split by bookmarks or headings?A. Some advanced apps support splitting by bookmarks. If your app does not, use page ranges (e.g., 1–5, 6–12).
Notes
Note. Adobe-style “Combine” tools may require a subscription in some apps. If you see a paywall, switch to a free app or a reputable web tool.
Related Reading
- How to Scan Documents to PDF on Mobile
- How to Compress a PDF on Your Phone
- Reorder and Rotate Pages in a PDF
You may also find these helpful:
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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