A common problem with PDF merge tools is that the output can end up larger or lower in quality than the original files. This often happens when pages are rendered and exported again instead of being merged at the document level.
A few things worth checking:
- Check each input before merging. Look at page count, page dimensions, embedded fonts, and whether the PDF is already optimized for web viewing.
- Preserve the original page content wherever possible. A PDF merge should combine page objects, not turn every page into an image and rebuild the document.
- Check the merged file afterward. Try selecting and copying text, inspect the embedded fonts, and compare the output with the originals to catch unexpected changes.
There are limits, though. Different color profiles can cause visual differences, and scanned PDFs are already image-based. A merge won't fix either problem. If consistent colors or image quality matter, handle those issues before combining the files.
It's also worth keeping a reference copy and comparing the output after changes to your merge process. That helps catch regressions before they affect users.
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