How to split a PDF
- Choose your PDF. The tool shows the file size and the number of pages.
- Pick a split mode.
- Extract pages into one new PDF copies the pages you list into a single file. Use it to pull out one chapter, remove unwanted pages (list only the pages you want to keep) or reorder pages (list them in the new order, for example
3, 1, 2). - Each page range as a separate PDF creates one file per range. Typing
1-4, 5-9, 10-gives three files. - Split every N pages cuts the document into equal parts, for example every 2 pages for double-sided forms, or every page for single-page files.
- Extract pages into one new PDF copies the pages you list into a single file. Use it to pull out one chapter, remove unwanted pages (list only the pages you want to keep) or reorder pages (list them in the new order, for example
- Press Split PDF and download each file, or all of them at once as a ZIP archive.
Page range examples
| You type | Pages you get (in a 12-page PDF) |
|---|---|
1-3 | Pages 1, 2 and 3 |
2, 5, 9 | Pages 2, 5 and 9 |
8- | Pages 8 to 12 |
-4 | Pages 1 to 4 |
12-1 | All pages in reverse order |
1-5, 7-12 | Every page except page 6 |
Does splitting change the pages?
No. Pages are copied exactly as they are, so text, images, fonts and page sizes stay the same, and text remains selectable. The new files are often much smaller than the original, because each one only contains the fonts and images its own pages use. Bookmarks, form fields that cover several pages and digital signatures are not copied.
When to split a PDF
- Upload limits: many government, bank and university portals accept files of only a few megabytes. Splitting a large scan into parts gets each part under the limit. If one page is still too big, try Compress PDF.
- Sharing just what is needed: send one page of a contract or one month of a statement rather than the whole document.
- Removing pages: drop blank pages, cover sheets or adverts by extracting everything else.
- Making images: to turn a page into a picture instead, use PDF to JPG.
To put parts back together, or join pages from different files, use Merge PDF.
How this tool works
This tool runs entirely in your web browser using two well-known open-source libraries: pdf-lib, which creates and edits PDF files, and Mozilla's PDF.js, the engine Firefox uses to display PDFs. Both are hosted on our own site, so your browser does not contact any other service while you work. Because the files never leave your device, the tool works for private documents such as contracts, bank statements and ID scans, and it keeps working even on a slow connection once the page has loaded. Very large files depend on your device's memory: a modern phone can usually handle a few hundred pages, and a computer can handle much more.
Want the full explanation? Read our guide: How to merge, split and convert PDF files safely.
More guides on this topic:
Frequently asked questions
How do I extract one page from a PDF?
Choose 'Extract pages into one new PDF' and type the page number, for example 4. The new file contains only that page.
How do I delete pages from a PDF?
Extract the pages you want to keep. For example, to remove page 6 from a 12-page file, type 1-5, 7-12.
Can I split a PDF into single pages?
Yes. Choose 'Split every N pages' and set it to 1. You can download each page separately or all pages in one ZIP file.
Is my PDF uploaded anywhere?
No. Splitting happens in your browser and the file never leaves your device.
Why is the split file sometimes almost as big as the original?
Pages share fonts and images. If the pages you extract use most of the original's large images or fonts, the new file has to include them too.