How to Split a PDF Into Separate Files or Page Ranges

Large PDFs are hard to share. Maybe you only need to send one chapter of a report, or each page of a scanned stack is actually a different document. Splitting the PDF solves the problem in seconds. Here is how to do it and when each method makes sense.

Two ways to split a PDF

Every page as its own file

This is ideal when one scan contains many separate documents, such as a stack of signed forms or individual invoices. Each page becomes its own PDF.

Custom page ranges

Enter ranges such as 1-3, 4-6, 7 and you get one file for each range. This is perfect for separating chapters, sections of a contract or the parts of a long report.

How to split a PDF step by step

Open the Split PDF tool.
Select your PDF file.
Choose to split every page, or type the page ranges you need.
Download the new files.

Try it now: Split PDF is free, works in your browser and needs no signup.

Split, extract or remove: which tool do you need?

Split PDF creates several files from one document.
Extract PDF Pages creates one new file that contains only the pages you choose.
Remove PDF Pages keeps the document but deletes pages you do not want.

If you only need one or two pages, extracting is usually quicker. If you need many separate documents, split.

Common reasons to split PDFs

Upload limits on government, university or job portals.
Sending only the relevant pages of a contract to a colleague.
Separating a bulk scan into individual receipts for bookkeeping.
Sharing one chapter of an e-book or course handout.

Your files stay private

Splitting happens on your own device. Your PDF is not uploaded to a server, so sensitive documents stay with you.

Tips

Check the page numbers in a PDF viewer before you type ranges, because the printed page number on a document is not always the real page position.
Name each output file after its content, for example Invoice-March.pdf.
If the parts are still too large to email, use Compress PDF.

FAQ

Can I split a password-protected PDF?

Protected files usually need to be unlocked with the password in a PDF reader first.

Does splitting change the quality?

No. The pages are copied as they are into the new files.