Three ways to split a PDF
After you add a PDF, the tool shows how many pages it has and offers three modes:
- Extract pages into one new PDF. Type the pages you want, for example
2or1-3, 7, and get a single PDF containing just those pages, in that order. Perfect for sending only the relevant part of a long document. - Split into several PDFs, one per group. Each comma-separated group becomes its own file:
1-4, 5-9, 10-produces three PDFs. You download them together as a ZIP. - Every page as its own PDF. One file per page, delivered as a ZIP, with page numbers in the file names so they sort correctly.
Page range cheat sheet
| You type | You get |
|---|---|
1 |
Page 1 only |
1-3 |
Pages 1, 2, 3 |
5- |
Page 5 to the last page |
1, 3, 5 |
Pages 1, 3 and 5 |
3, 1, 2 |
Pages 3, 1, 2, in that order |
1-2, 2 |
Pages 1, 2 and 2 again (duplicates allowed) |
If you type a page that doesn’t exist, the tool tells you the valid range instead of producing a broken file.
Why split before compressing
When an upload portal has a strict size limit, the most effective trick is often not compression at all: it is sending fewer pages. A portal asking for “proof of address” usually needs one page of a statement, not all twelve. Extracting that page first means the file is small to begin with, and if you still need to shrink it, Compress PDF to 200 KB will keep far more detail on one page than on twelve.
Lossless and private
Splitting copies each selected page exactly as it is. There is no re-rendering and no recompression, so text stays selectable and images keep their quality. Fonts and images shared between pages are stored only once in each output file.
Everything happens in your browser. Your PDF is read into memory on your device, the new files are created there, and nothing is sent over the network. When you close the tab, it’s all gone.
Common uses
- Sending only the signed page of a contract.
- Separating a scanned batch of documents into individual files.
- Extracting a chapter from an e-book or report.
- Pulling the photo page out of a passport scan for an application.
Need to put pages back together, or combine pages from several files? Use Merge PDF. Password-protected files must be unlocked before they can be split.
File names in the ZIP
When you split into several files, each one is named after your original PDF plus the part or page number, for example report-page-03.pdf or report-part-2-pages-5-9.pdf. Page numbers are zero-padded so the files sort in the right order in any file manager.
Frequently asked questions
How do I write page ranges?
Separate items with commas. A dash makes a range: 1-3 means pages 1, 2 and 3; 8- means page 8 to the end; a single number is one page. Example: 1-3, 5, 8-.
Can I reorder pages while extracting?
Yes. Pages are extracted in the order you type them, so 3, 1, 2 creates a PDF that starts with page 3.
Does splitting reduce quality?
No. Pages are copied without recompression, so text, images and fonts are identical to the original.
How do I get every page as a separate PDF?
Choose 'Every page as its own PDF'. You'll download a ZIP file containing one PDF per page, numbered in order.
Is my document uploaded?
No. Splitting runs in your browser and the file never leaves your device.