How to split a PDF
- Drop your file on Drop a PDF here or click to choose. The page count and size appear.
- Pick a Split mode: Extract pages (one new PDF), Split by ranges (one PDF per range), Every N pages or Every page.
- Fill in the field that appears. Pages to extract and Ranges take page numbers and dashes separated by commas, like
1, 3, 5-8. A trailing dash, like7-, means page 7 to the last page. Pages per file takes a whole number. - Click Split PDF, then download each piece or Download all as ZIP.
How the split works
The page loads the open-source pdf-lib library, reads your file once, and builds each piece as a new PDF by copying the chosen page objects (copyPages). Pages are not redrawn, so text, images, page size and rotation stay as they were. Extracted pages always follow the original page order, and a page listed twice is used once. Nothing is uploaded.
Worked example with the sample file
Click Try a sample 12-page PDF. In Extract pages the field holds 1, 3, 5-8, and Split PDF gives "Created 1 file from 12 pages", named sample-12-pages_pages_1_3_5-8.pdf, with 6 pages (1, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8). Switch to Split by ranges and enter 1-3, 4-6, 7- to get three files holding 3, 3 and 6 pages. Every N pages starts at half the page count, 6, so it gives pages 1-6 and 7-12. Every page gives 12 single-page files.
Limits and edge cases
- A number above the page count, a page 0, or a range written backwards (like 8-5) stops with a message under the field. If N is at least the page count, you get one piece holding everything.
- Password-protected or restricted PDFs are refused, because the pages cannot be read. Bookmarks are not carried into the pieces, and links to pages that are not in a piece are removed.
- Fillable form fields may stop being editable and digital signatures no longer validate, because each piece is a new file.
- Each piece carries its own copy of the fonts and images its pages use, so the pieces can add up to more than the original. Shrink them with the PDF compressor.
- To pick pages in an order you choose, use the PDF page extractor. To join pieces again, use the PDF merger.
PDF splitting questions people ask
How do I split a PDF into separate pages?
Open your file, choose the Every page mode and click Split PDF. You get one single-page PDF for each page, which you can download one by one or as a ZIP.
How do I extract specific pages from a PDF?
Choose Extract pages and type the pages you want, like 1, 3, 5-8. The result is one new PDF containing only those pages, in their original order.
Can I split a PDF into several files by page range?
Yes. Choose Split by ranges and enter the ranges, like 1-3, 4-6, 7-. Each range becomes its own PDF, and a trailing dash means to the last page.
Does splitting change the quality or page size?
No. The pages are copied into the new files without being redrawn, so text stays sharp, images keep their resolution, and each page keeps its size and rotation.
Why are the split files bigger than the original in total?
Each piece is a complete PDF that carries its own copy of the fonts and images its pages use. When many pages share the same resources, the pieces add up to more than the original file.
Method reference: pdf-lib documentation.