When and how to split a PDF
Splitting turns one large PDF into smaller, focused files. It is the quickest way to send only the pages someone needs: a single chapter of a manual, one invoice from a monthly statement, or the signed page of a contract.
Two ways to split
Extract a range when you want a specific selection. Ranges use page numbers starting at 1, separated by commas, and can combine single pages and spans, for example 1-3, 5, 9-12. The selected pages are saved together as one new PDF.
Split into single pages when every page should become its own file, which is useful for scanned batches where each page is a separate receipt or form. Each page downloads as its own PDF, named with its page number; your browser may ask once for permission to download several files.
Quality and file size
Pages are copied exactly as they are, so text, fonts and images keep their original quality. Extracted files are usually much smaller than the original, but shared resources such as embedded fonts are included in each file that uses them, so ten single-page files can add up to more than the original.
Splitting confidential documents
Because splitting runs in your browser, it is suitable for documents you would not want to upload, such as payslips or medical letters. If the extracted pages still contain sensitive details, consider adding a password with Protect PDF before sharing them.
Tips for splitting
- Check the page count shown after upload before typing a range, especially if the PDF has a cover or unnumbered front matter.
- Printed page numbers and PDF page numbers often differ; the tool always uses the PDF page position.
- Use Delete Pages instead if you only want to remove a few pages and keep the rest as one file.