What splitting a PDF means
Splitting turns one PDF into several PDFs. You decide which pages go into each new file. The original document stays unchanged; the tool simply produces new files that contain copies of the pages you chose.
There are two ways to split here:
- Separate all pages — every page becomes its own single-page PDF. A 40-page file gives you 40 files.
- Split by page ranges — you type groups separated by commas, and each group becomes one file. Typing
1-5, 8-12produces two PDFs: one with pages 1 to 5, and one with pages 8 to 12. Pages 6, 7 and anything after 12 are simply left out.
If what you want is a single new PDF containing a handful of pages, that's extraction rather than splitting — use Extract PDF Pages.
When to split a PDF
- A combined scan of separate documents. If you scanned a stack of letters in one go, split them back into one file per letter.
- Sending sections to different people. Give each department only the chapter or annex that concerns them.
- Getting under an upload limit. A 60 MB report can be split into parts that each fit a portal's size cap.
- Filing statements or invoices. A yearly export can be split into monthly or per-invoice files for your records.
How to split a PDF
- Add the PDF. The tool reads it in your browser and shows the page count — note it, because ranges can't go beyond it.
- Choose a mode. Pick Separate all pages for one file per page, or Split by page ranges to define your own groups.
- Type your ranges (range mode only). Use a hyphen for a run of pages and commas between files:
1-3, 4-9, 10-12makes three files. - Split and download. One file downloads directly. Several files can be downloaded individually or together as
split-files.zip.
How page ranges work
| You type | You get |
|---|---|
1-5, 8-12 | 2 files: pages 1–5, and pages 8–12 |
1, 2, 3 | 3 single-page files |
1-3, 5, 8-10 | 3 files: pages 1–3, page 5, pages 8–10 |
1-10, 5-15 | 2 files that both contain pages 5–10 (overlaps are allowed) |
9-4 | An error — a range must start at the lower page number |
Page numbers mean positions in the file
"Page 1" is always the first page in the file, even if the document's own printed numbering starts later. Books and reports often have a cover and roman-numeral front matter, so printed page 1 might actually be the 5th page of the file. Check the page counter in your PDF reader rather than the number printed on the page.
File names
Each part is named after its range, such as split-1-5.pdf and split-8-12.pdf, so you can tell the parts apart. Rename them after downloading if you need descriptive names.
Tips for splitting
- Write the plan down first. For long documents, jot down where each section starts in your PDF reader, then type the ranges in one go.
- Use "Separate all pages" sparingly. It's convenient for short files, but a 300-page document produces 300 files. Ranges are usually more practical.
- Splitting to fit a size limit? Pages aren't equally heavy — photo pages are far bigger than text pages — so check each part's size after splitting and adjust the ranges if one part is still too large.
- Keep sections in order. If you'll send all parts, number them in the file names so the recipient reads them in sequence.
Common splitting problems
- "Range … is outside 1–N"
- A page number is higher than the number of pages in the file. The message shows the valid range — adjust your numbers to fit.
- "Couldn't understand …"
- Ranges accept only numbers, hyphens and commas, such as
1-3, 7. Words like "to", semicolons or the letter "p" aren't recognised. - The wrong pages ended up in a file
- This is almost always printed page numbers vs file positions. Recount using your reader's page counter and split again — the original is untouched.
- I can't find the downloaded files on my phone
- Multiple files download as one ZIP. On most phones, open your Files or Downloads app and tap the ZIP to extract it.
Split PDF FAQ
No. Splitting happens in your browser with JavaScript, and the new files are created on your device. The PDF isn't sent to our server as part of splitting.
Split creates several files — one per page, or one per comma-separated group. Extract creates a single new file containing the pages you pick. If you want one PDF out, use Extract.
No. Pages are copied as they are. Text remains selectable and images keep their original resolution.
Yes. Overlapping ranges such as 1-10, 5-15 are allowed, and pages 5–10 will appear in both files.
Each split file carries its own copy of any fonts and shared resources the pages use, so the parts can add up to more than the original. Each individual part is usually still much smaller.
Page content is kept, but document bookmarks aren't copied into split files, and links that point to pages in another part will no longer lead anywhere.