Merge PDFs for Court — Free, Private
Court packets often start as separate PDFs: declarations, exhibits, receipts, photos. Merging them into one file keeps your filing organized and prevents e-filing systems from scrambling the order.
When to merge
- Submitting a motion with multiple supporting exhibits.
- Delivering discovery responses that include attachments and verifications.
- Preparing a settlement packet with letters, proof, and summaries.
- Building a photo binder from images exported via Screenshot2PDF or organized with the Photo Evidence Binder tool.
Recommended order
Keep your packet logical: cover sheet, declarations, exhibits in alphabetical or numerical order. Match the order in your Document Index or Evidence Index so the judge can flip between the index and packet easily.
Optional dividers
Divider pages help the reader see where one exhibit ends and the next begins. CourtPDF's MergePDF tool lets you insert simple exhibit dividers automatically. You can also generate full cover pages with the Exhibit Cover generator.
Step-by-step: merge PDFs for court
- Open the MergePDF tool.
- Select each PDF in the order you want them to appear.
- Drag files up or down to adjust sequencing.
- Check the divider option if you want labeled separator pages between exhibits.
- Click “Merge & Download” to save a single court-ready PDF.
FAQ
How large can the merged PDF be?
Keep it under your court's e-filing limit (often 25–50 MB). If the packet is larger, split it into volumes and include a cover letter explaining the separation.
Is there a page limit?
Most courts care about file size, not page count. For very large packets, break them into labeled volumes and reference each in your index.
Can I reorder after merging?
Yes—use the list inside MergePDF to drag pages before you generate the final file. Once merged, you'll need to rebuild to change the order.
How do divider pages help?
Dividers signal new exhibits to the reader. They also make it easier to cite “Exhibit C” even when multiple documents live inside the same PDF.
Should I add page numbers before or after merging?
Merge first so the page numbering remains continuous. Then run the Page Numberer and Bates Stamper on the combined file.