Top 8 best merge PDF APIs in 2024

In this article, we explore the top 8 best PDF merge APIs that can be called through Power Automate or used as standalone REST APIs in 2024. These services are designed to simplify document management workflows by integrating with Power Automate, making PDF merging and other document-related tasks more efficient without the need for complex development.

NOTE: The services below are listed in alphabetical order and do not represent any ranking or preference.

• Merge PDF API services:
  • Adobe PDF Services
  • CloudConvert
  • Encodian
  • Muhimbi
  • PDF.co
  • PDF4me
  • PDFblocks
  • Plumsail Documents
• Comparative table of services
• How to choose the best merge PDF API for your needs

Adobe PDF Services

Adobe PDF Services API is a powerful solution for handling PDF files, offering a wide range of capabilities such as merging, splitting, converting, and securing documents. This API is particularly suited for large enterprises and organizations looking for a robust document management system.

 

Features:

• Merge and split PDFs: Combine multiple PDFs into a single document or split one PDF into several parts.
• Convert documents: Convert files from various formats (like Word and Excel) to PDF and vice versa.
• Security and permissions: Programmatically apply password protection, encryption, and set user permissions for PDF files.
• Perform OCR: Convert scanned images or documents into searchable and editable PDFs.

Strengths: High reliability, extensive feature set, and seamless integration with Power Automate for automated workflows.

Weaknesses: High cost compared to simpler solutions, complex setup for non-technical users, challenging documentation, and lack of transparent pricing, requiring calls with sales representatives after the trial.

Documentation and links:

• How to merge PDFs using Adobe PDF Services API
• How to merge PDFs using Adobe PDF Services in Power Automate

CloudConvert

CloudConvert is a versatile tool for converting and managing PDF files, supporting over 200 formats. It integrates effectively with Power Automate, providing flexibility in automating various document processing tasks.

 

Features:

• Merge and split PDFs: Combine multiple PDFs into one document or split them into separate files via API requests.
• Convert files to PDF: Convert more than 200 file formats to PDF using API endpoints.
• Edit PDF metadata: Modify metadata fields in PDF documents programmatically.
• Add watermarks: Apply text or image watermarks to PDF files for branding or security purposes.

Strengths: Flexibility, extensive format support, and cost-effectiveness for small projects or occasional use.

Weaknesses: Slower processing times for larger files and occasional downtime affecting reliability.

Documentation and links:

• How to merge PDFs using CloudConvert API
• How to merge PDFs using CloudConvert in Power Automate

Encodian

Encodian provides a scalable solution for processing PDF documents, seamlessly integrating with Power Automate. It offers advanced PDF handling features, such as optimization and watermarking.

 

Features:

• Merge, split, and extract data from PDFs: Combine, split, and extract text and data from PDFs through API requests.
• Optimize PDFs for web: Reduce file size and optimize PDFs for faster web performance.
• Convert images and documents to PDF: Transform various file formats, including images, to PDF using API calls.
• Add watermarks and backgrounds: Insert custom watermarks or backgrounds into PDF documents

Strengths: Reliable, highly rated customer support, and robust features for medium to large businesses.

Weaknesses: Advanced features can have a steeper learning curve, and documentation could be more comprehensive.

Links:

• How to merge PDFs using Encodian
• Encodian API where you can find requests for merge PDF action

Muhimbi

Muhimbi provides a secure and efficient way to process PDF documents, designed for enterprise use. With its seamless integration with Power Automate, Muhimbi enables the automation of complex document workflows, allowing enterprises to manage and manipulate PDF files at scale through versatile API actions.

 

Features:

• Merge and split PDFs: Merge multiple PDFs into one document or split a PDF into separate files.
• Convert files to PDF: Transform various file formats like Word, Excel, and HTML to PDF.
• Perform OCR on PDFs: Convert scanned images or PDFs to searchable, editable PDF documents.
• Watermark and stamp PDFs: Add text and image watermarks or stamps for document management and security.

Strengths: Comprehensive security features, reliability, and enterprise-grade functionalities.

Weaknesses: Higher cost, making it less accessible for smaller businesses, and more complex setup compared to simpler solutions.

Documentation and links:

• How to merge PDFs using Muhimbi API
• How to merge PDFs using Muhimbi in Power Automate

PDF.co

PDF.co provides an API that allows businesses of all sizes to handle various PDF tasks programmatically. It integrates well with Power Automate, making it easier to automate different types of document processing.

 

Features:

• Merge and split PDFs: Merge multiple PDFs into one or split a single PDF into several parts.
• Extract data: Extract text, images, barcodes, and QR codes from PDF documents.
• Generate PDFs from templates: Create new PDF documents using predefined templates through API requests.
• Convert PDFs to other formats: Convert PDF documents to formats like Excel, CSV, and Word via API calls.

Strengths: Transparent pricing, ease of use, and good customer feedback, making it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes.

Weaknesses: Occasional performance issues when handling large or complex PDF files and slower customer support response times.

Documentation and links:

• How to merge PDFs using PDF.co API
• How to merge PDFs using PDF.co in Power Automate

PDF4me

PDF4me is designed for automating PDF tasks and is well-suited for small and medium-sized businesses. It offers a wide range of document management features, including PDF conversion, compression, and e-signature integration.

 

Features:

• Merge, split, and reorder PDFs: Combine, separate, and rearrange pages within PDF documents via API calls.
• Compress PDFs: Reduce the size of PDF documents without compromising quality.
• Convert images to PDFs: Convert images from formats like PNG and JPG to PDF programmatically.
• Add e-Signatures: Insert electronic signatures into PDF documents securely through the API.

Strengths: User-friendly interface, flexible pricing options, and adaptability for various business needs.

Weaknesses: The API lacks some advanced features and may not be as comprehensive as more expensive alternatives.

Documentation and links:

• How to merge PDFs using PDF4me API
• How to merge PDFs using PDF4me in Power Automate

PDFblocks

PDFblocks offers a complete solution for manipulating PDF documents, including merging, splitting, and editing functionalities. It integrates seamlessly with Power Automate and other services for smooth workflow automation.

 

Features:

• Merge and split PDFs: Merge multiple PDFs into a single document or split a PDF into separate pages using the API.
• Rearrange and rotate pages: Modify page order and orientation within a PDF document.
• Add or remove pages: Programmatically insert or delete pages from existing PDFs.
• Extract text and images: Extract text and images from PDF documents for further use via API.

Strengths: Simple, affordable, and accessible for small businesses and startups.

Weaknesses: Limited advanced features compared to competitors and occasional glitches when processing complex PDFs.

Documentation and links:

• How to merge PDFs using PDFblocks API
• How to merge PDFs using PDFblocks in Power Automate

Plumsail Documents

Plumsail Documents offers an API for automating the creation, manipulation, and management of PDF documents. It integrates seamlessly with a wide range of applications, enabling businesses to automate document workflows without requiring complex development.

 

Features:

• Merge and split PDFs: Combine multiple PDFs into a single document or split a PDF into separate files.
• Generate PDFs from multiple formats: Create PDFs from HTML, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other file types.
• Fill PDF forms: Automatically populate PDF forms with data from various sources.
• Add watermarks: Insert text or image watermarks for branding or security purposes.

Strengths: Exceeds basic PDF merging and management, offering flexible document generation, supporting formats many other services lack, and integrating with multiple automation platforms, all at moderate pricing.

Weaknesses: May require more technical knowledge to fully utilize advanced features and to set up.

Power Automate integration: Plumsail Documents integrates with Power Automate, enabling automated document workflows for generating, merging, and managing PDFs without coding. All you need is to select the trigger and the action you need.

 

Documentation and links:

• How to merge PDFs using Plumsail Documents
• Plumsail Documents API where you can find requests for merge PDF action

Comparative table of services

Selecting the right API for merging PDF files with Power Automate in 2024 depends on your specific needs and workflow requirements. Each of the eight services reviewed in this article offers unique features for document management, such as merging, conversion, OCR, watermarking, and more.

To help you choose the best solution for your business, we’ve created a comparative table highlighting the key features, pricing, integration ease, and support levels of each API.

 

How to choose the best merge PDF API for your needs

If your main need is simply to Merge PDFs, any of the services will meet your requirements. For the best value, consider PDFblocks, PDF.co, or CloudConvert for their competitive pricing.

If you require more flexibility, such as both Merge and Split PDF functions, Encodian, Muhimbi, and Plumsail Documents are great options. Plumsail Documents goes a step further with advanced features like splitting PDFs by bookmarks, extracting specific pages, or dividing them into manageable chunks.

 

For businesses looking for an all-in-one document management solution, Plumsail Documents is ideal. It offers a flexible API that not only handles PDF splitting and merging but also supports document generation, conversion, and automation. Plus, subscribers get the added bonus of free RegEx actions for enhanced document customization.

Take advantage of the Plumsail Documents 30-day free trial to explore all the available features. If you have any questions, feel free to book a call with our team, and we’ll be happy to assist you in optimizing your workflows.