How to split a PDF
- Drop one PDF into the box above or press Browse files.
- Pick Every page for one file per page. Or pick Custom ranges.
- For ranges, type groups split by commas such as
1-3, 4-6, 7-. - Press Split PDF.
- Download each part or grab them all in one ZIP file.
What this split tool gives you
- Two modes for single pages or custom ranges.
- Open ended ranges so 12- runs from page 12 to the end.
- Output files named after their page numbers.
- One ZIP for many parts instead of dozens of downloads.
- Lossless page copies with selectable text.
- A page count message when a range matches nothing.
When should you split a PDF?
PDFs pile up in messy ways. A scanner fed a whole stack makes one big file. It may hold this month's invoices and a delivery note. It may even hold a page that belongs in another folder. A supplier sends a fifty page catalog when you needed four pages. A bank download covers twelve months when your accountant asked for one.
A split fixes each of these. It is lossless like a merge. The tool copies pages into new documents exactly as they were. Text stays selectable. Fonts and image quality stay the same.
Every page or custom ranges?
| Mode | What you get | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Every page | One PDF per page | Scans of separate one page papers |
| Custom ranges | One PDF per range | Chapters, sections and reports |
Want only one section and nothing else? A split is more work than you need. The PDF page extractor makes one file with just the pages you name. That is usually faster.
How to write page ranges to split PDF files
Each group between commas becomes one output file. Here is an example. Type 1-3, 4-6, 7- and you get three documents:
- Pages one to three.
- Pages four to six.
- Page seven to the end.
A single number such as 5 makes a one page file.
Page numbers here are positions in the file. They count from one. They are not the numbers printed on the pages. A report with roman numeral front pages still starts at position one for the cover.
The tool trims a range that runs past the end instead of rejecting it. A range that matches nothing shows a message with the real page count.
What each split part keeps
Each part is a real standalone PDF. A few items do not follow the pages to their new homes though:
- Bookmarks and the table of contents belong to the original file.
- Attachments stay with the original too.
- Internal links to pages in a different part stop working.
Page numbers printed on the pages stay as they are. They are part of the page content. Need a part numbered from one? Run it through PDF page numbering afterward.
Large documents and memory
A 300 page document split into single pages makes 300 files. Your browser builds the ZIP in memory. So expect it to take a moment. Ranges are kinder to your memory and to your downloads folder.
Common split PDF problems and fixes
A range gave me nothing
The range is past the last page. Check the page count in the message and type a new range.
My parts are in a strange order
The tool names each part by its pages. Sort the folder by name to see them in order.
The PDF asks for a password
Open it first with the PDF unlock tool if you know the password.
Split PDF or extract pages?
Both tools copy pages without loss. A split gives you every part as its own file. An extract gives you one file with only the pages you pick. Need several pieces? Split. Need one piece? Extract.
Tips to split PDF files cleanly
- Open the PDF first and note where each section starts.
- Write your ranges on paper before you type them.
- Use ranges instead of single pages for long files.
- Rename the parts with clear titles after you download them.
Who uses a split PDF tool?
Office staff break a batch scan into separate invoices. Students pull one chapter from a course pack. Accountants split yearly statements into months. Lawyers send only the pages a client needs to sign. Each job takes a few seconds.
Your files stay private
The tool uploads nothing at any stage. Your browser reads the document and splits it in memory. Then it hands the parts straight back. That matters because people mostly split statements, contracts and medical records. Need to put parts back together later? Merge PDF joins them again.