How to use Split PDF
- 1. Choose the PDFClick Choose PDF files or drop the document onto the box.
- 2. Pick how to split, then click ConvertKeep One file per page, or choose Custom ranges and type ranges such as 1-3, 4-6, 7. Click Convert to split.
- 3. Download the piecesThe new PDFs download together as a .zip from the row's Download button, or use Download all (.zip) if you split several files.
Two ways to split
| One file per page | Custom ranges | |
|---|---|---|
| What you type | Nothing | Ranges separated by commas, like 1-3, 4-6, 7 |
| What you get | A one-page PDF for every page | One PDF for each range you typed |
| Example | A 12-page file gives 12 PDFs | 1-3, 4-6, 7 gives 3 PDFs: pages 1–3, 4–6 and 7 |
| Good for | Separating scanned pages, one invoice per page | Splitting chapters, pulling out one section |
How splitting affects the pages
A PDF (the format Adobe released in 1993, now the ISO 32000 standard) stores each page as its own object, so pages can be copied into new files without being redrawn. Text stays selectable, images keep their quality, and each page keeps its size and orientation.
Things that belong to the whole document rather than to a page, such as bookmarks, may not come along to the new files.
Writing page ranges
- 5 makes a PDF containing only page 5. This is how you extract a single page.
- 1-10 makes one PDF of pages 1 to 10.
- 1-10, 11-20, 21-30 cuts a 30-page document into three parts.
- 2, 4, 6 makes three separate one-page PDFs. To get those pages together in one file, split them out and then join the pieces into one PDF.
When splitting is the answer
- An upload form only wants page 1 of your bank statement or ID scan.
- Your scanner put a whole stack of receipts or invoices into one PDF.
- A portal rejects a big PDF, but accepts it in smaller parts.
- You want to swap or drop a page: split, then merge the parts you want in a new order.
Other ways to pull out pages
Mac: open the PDF in Preview, show thumbnails, and drag a page thumbnail onto the desktop to make a one-page PDF.
Any computer: open the PDF in your browser, choose Print, pick Save as PDF (or Microsoft Print to PDF on Windows) and enter a page range. This re-prints the pages, which can drop links and other interactive parts.
This tool is faster when you need many pieces at once, and it copies the pages instead of re-printing them.
Limits
- There's no visual page picker; you choose pages by number. Check numbers in a PDF reader first if you're unsure.
- Password-protected PDFs can't be split until the password is removed.
- Fillable form fields may not keep working in the split files, so fill them in first.
- Pages facing the wrong way? Fix the page orientation before or after splitting.
Frequently asked questions
How do I split a PDF into every page?
Leave Split into set to One file per page and click Convert. Each page becomes its own PDF, and they download together as a .zip.
How do I extract one page from a PDF?
Choose Custom ranges and type the page number, for example 3. Click Convert and you get a PDF containing just that page.
Can I split a PDF into multiple files of several pages each?
Yes. Choose Custom ranges and type each part, separated by commas, such as 1-5, 6-12, 13-20. You get one PDF per range.
Is my document uploaded?
No. The PDF is split on your device, inside the browser, and never uploaded, which matters for statements, contracts and IDs. The page itself loads code, ads and cookieless analytics like any site, but not your file. Learn how to check it.
Does splitting reduce quality?
No. Pages are copied, not re-rendered, so text and images look exactly the same as in the original.
Is there a file-size limit?
No. The file is read straight from your device, so there's no upload limit or wait. Very large PDFs need enough free memory in your browser.
Can I split several PDFs at once?
Yes. Add them all; the same split setting applies to each. Download all (.zip) saves every piece together.
Do the split files keep the PDF's title and author?
Yes, by default: each part keeps the original's document information (title, author, subject, keywords, creator and dates). Set Metadata to Remove to save parts with no document information or XMP metadata at all.