Most PDFs arrive as one big file even when you only need part of it: a single chapter, the signature page, or the first ten pages of a report. Splitting saves you from sending or storing everything else.
How the Split PDF tool works
Split PDF extracts one page range from your document and gives you that range as a new PDF. You choose the start and end page, so "pages 5 to 12" or "page 3 to page 3" for a single page.
- Open Split PDF and upload your file (up to 50 MB).
- Enter the first and last page of the range you want.
- Run it and download the new PDF.
- To get another section, run the tool again with a different range.
Your original file is not changed.
Common jobs and the quickest way to do them
Send only the pages that matter. Extract the range, check the page count on the result, then attach it.
Cut a big file into parts. Say you have a 90-page document that is too large to email. Extract pages 1 to 45 and 46 to 90 as two runs, then compress each with Compress PDF if needed.
Take out scattered pages. If you want pages 2, 7 and 9 only, Extract Pages lets you pick them individually. If you want to keep everything except a few pages, Delete Pages is faster than extracting.
Rebuild in a different order. After splitting, Merge PDF and Reorder Pages let you assemble a custom document.
Tips that save time
- Check the page numbers printed on the paper against the viewer's page count. A document with a cover and roman-numeral front matter often has a printed page 1 that is actually PDF page 5.
- Preview the extracted file before sending it. It takes ten seconds and catches an off-by-one mistake.
- Keep the source file. If you later need another section you won't have to hunt for it.
Example: pulling one chapter out of a long report
Say you need chapter 3, which runs from page 41 to page 68 of a 120-page report. Open Split PDF, enter 41 as the first page and 68 as the last, and download the result. Open it and check that it starts on the chapter heading and ends on the last page of the chapter. If a table or figure runs over, adjust the end page and run it again from your original file. Finally, if the extract is heavy because of images, shrink it with Compress PDF before you send it.
Mistakes to avoid
- Counting printed page numbers instead of the PDF's own page count.
- Overwriting your original with the extracted file. Save the extract under a new name.
- Splitting when you only need to remove a few pages; Delete Pages is faster.
- Forgetting to check the extract before sending it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I split a PDF into one file per page?
The tool extracts one range per run. For a handful of pages, run it several times. For a whole document, you can also export pages as images with PDF to JPG.
Does splitting change the quality?
No. Pages are copied as they are.
Can I split a password-protected PDF?
Unlock it first with Unlock PDF, provided you have the right to edit it.
What is the maximum file size?
50 MB per file.