Why would the backs be in reverse order?

When you turn the scanned stack over to feed it again, the last sheet is now on top, so the scan of the backs starts with the back of the last page. The reverse option undoes that.

What if the files have different numbers of pages?

Pages are taken in turn while both files have them; the rest of the longer file is added at the end in its own order. If you scanned the backs and one sheet was blank on the back, the scanner may have skipped it; check the page counts first.

Can I mix more than two files?

Yes. Page 1 of each file comes first, in the order you set, then page 2 of each, and so on. The reverse option applies to the second file only.

How is this different from Merge PDF?

Merge PDF puts whole files one after the other. Alternate & mix weaves them together page by page. Use Merge for chapters or separate documents, and Alternate & mix for two halves of the same stack.

Are links, bookmarks and forms kept?

Yes. Each page keeps its links and comments, form fields come along, and the first file’s bookmarks point to where its pages land.

Alternate & mix PDF

Interleave the pages of two PDFs, such as the fronts and backs of a scan.

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How to use Alternate & mix PDF

01Add two or more PDFs and put them in order: the fronts first, then the backs.
02Turn on “The second file is in reverse order” if you scanned the backs by flipping the whole stack.
03Press Mix PDFs and download one file with all the pages in order.

About Alternate & mix PDF

Alternate & mix PDF combines files by taking one page from each in turn instead of joining them end to end. Its main use is double-sided paper and a scanner that only reads one side: scan the stack once for the fronts, turn it over, scan it again for the backs, and mix the two files to get every page in the right order. Because the backs come out of the feeder last page first, the second file can be read in reverse. It also works for interleaving questions with answers, or a document with its translation, page by page.

Why your files stay private

Double-sided scans are often contracts, applications and records. Both files are combined in your browser, and neither is uploaded to Nopload or anyone else.