PDF Split and Merge for Mac

For those users who have the patience to figure out a complicated interface, PDF Split and Merge for Mac offers a number of useful features for altering PDF files. This free application had an unfortunately complicated download process that required navigating several menus on the developer's Web site.

The most notable thing about PDF Split and Merge's interface is how confusing it is. There are almost no graphics and the numerous features are not clearly labeled. A left-hand menu lists the main functions as plug-ins rather than specific options. These include the ability to alternate mixes of files, merge or split them, and rotate PDFs. Once an option is selected, the user can add PDFs into a right-hand window, as well as reorder them. An output file can be selected with a basic folder menu. The only button that is placed well is the one to run the program, which sits by itself in the lower right corner. There is an additional top row of menu buttons whose functions are not clear. Clicking them appears to allow users to select XML files for the program environment and edit logs. After playing with the interface, we were able to select the right options, and the merged and split PDFs appeared as expected.

PDF Split and Merge for Mac performs assigned tasks well. However, due to lack of instructions and a rather puzzling interface some users might find its usefulness outweighed by its unnecessary complexity.