# Merge PDF

The Merge PDF Data Operation combines multiple PDF files into one combined PDF.&#x20;

## Use Cases

* Combine individual sections of a form into one completed form
* Stitch together multiple receipts to generate an expense report

## Data Operation Properties

### Files to Merge

Expects type `list`.

An array of [Assets](../../variable-data-types/the-asset-data-type) pointing to PDFs to be combined. All files must be of type PDF, or the merge will fail.

### Filename

Expects type `text`.

Filename to create in the resulting operation. It can be any expression that evaluates a string.

### Asset Setting

\###Scope

Determines the scope of the download link. This can either be **APP** or **SESSION**. If the generated PDF should be accessible from other user sessions, choose **APP**. Otherwise, if the created PDF is unique per customer, choose **SESSION**.

\###Visibility

Determines the visibility of the download link. This can either be **GLOBAL**or **PRIVATE**. If the generated PDF has sensitive customer information, it should be marked as **PRIVATE**. With **PRIVATE**, the PDF will have an extra layer of access protection. The generated URL will have the necessary credentials to access the file.

\[block:callout] { "type": "info", "body": "The generated URL for the PDF allows anyone to access the file. The URL should only be shown to the customer that the PDF belongs to." } \[/block] ###Download Url Expiration

Expects type `number`.

Only appears when **Visibility** is marked **PRIVATE**, as **Global** Assets do not expire.

Determines how long the download link to the file is available. For instance, if **30 Minutes** is given, the download link will no longer work after thirty minutes. **Private** Assets must expire after a maximum of 7 days.

\###Hash Type

The hash type selected from the dropdown will automatically generate a hash when files are uploaded to the Asset store.

## Run Results

If successful, this data operation returns the [Detailed Asset](../../variable-data-types/the-asset-data-type/the-detailed-asset) of the merged PDF. This Detailed Asset will contain detailed information on this newly-created Asset, including the download URL.
