Report into three sections
Input
annual-report.pdf (20 pages), ranges: 1-5, 6-12, 13-20
Expected result
annual-report-split.zip with pages_1-5.pdf (exec summary), pages_6-12.pdf (main body), pages_13-20.pdf (appendix)
PDF
Split PDF
Split a PDF by page ranges
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About this tool
PDF Split extracts one or more page ranges from a PDF into separate files. Enter ranges such as 1-3, 5, 8-12; a single range downloads as one PDF, and several ranges download together as a ZIP, so a 20-page report becomes three separate PDFs in one click. Splitting a large PDF into focused, smaller documents is one of the most common document tasks in offices, schools, and legal teams. It is ideal when a client only needs the appendix, when a student wants a single chapter offline, or when a scanned batch of mixed documents needs breaking into individual files. Pages are copied directly rather than re-rendered, so text and images stay crisp. Processing happens on our server over HTTPS, and both the source file and the output are deleted as soon as your download is sent.
Why use it
Custom Page Ranges in One Pass: Define multiple ranges at once — 1-5, 6-12, 13-20 — and receive all three PDFs in a single ZIP without re-uploading.
Extract Specific Pages: Pull out a single page or an arbitrary group of pages from anywhere in the document without affecting the original.
ZIP Download for Multiple Outputs: All split segments are bundled into one ZIP file, keeping your downloads folder tidy and reducing click-count.
No Re-Rendering — Pages Stay Sharp: Pages are copied byte-for-byte rather than re-printed, so text, images, and fonts remain pixel-perfect.
Secure HTTPS Upload with Auto-Delete: Your original PDF and all output files are purged from the server the moment the ZIP download is dispatched.
Free with No Daily Limit: Split as many PDFs as your work demands — there is no quota, no watermark, and no account required.
How to use
- Upload the PDF you want to split — files up to 24 MB are accepted.
- Note the total page count shown next to the Page ranges label once the thumbnails load.
- Click page thumbnails to build the range list automatically, or type ranges separated by commas — for example 1-5, 6-12, 13-20.
- Use single numbers (e.g., 7) to extract an individual page.
- Click Split PDF and wait a few seconds while the server creates each output document.
- Download the result: one range gives a single PDF, several ranges give a ZIP with one PDF per range.
When it helps
- When a 20-page report needs to be split into an executive summary, main body, and appendix for separate audiences.
- When a scanned batch of mixed documents was saved as one PDF and each document needs its own file.
- When a client portal requires individual chapter PDFs rather than a single combined manuscript.
- When you want to extract just the signature page or the pricing table from a long contract.
- When distributing exam papers section by section to different invigilators.
- When archiving a multi-invoice scan by splitting each invoice into its own dated file.
Examples
Single page extraction
Input
contract.pdf (15 pages), range: 12
Expected result
contract-split.pdf — a one-page PDF with the signature page only, ready to send for countersigning
Batch scan separation
Input
batch-scan.pdf (30 pages — 3 documents of 10 pages each), ranges: 1-10, 11-20, 21-30
Expected result
ZIP with three 10-page PDFs, each document now in its own file
Tips
- Map out your ranges before uploading by opening the PDF in a browser tab and noting which page numbers correspond to each section.
- For single-page extractions, just type the page number alone (e.g., 5) rather than a range like 5-5.
- If you need the same pages in a different order after splitting, run each extracted PDF through PDF Organizer.
- Compress the source PDF first if it is close to or over 24 MB so it falls within the upload limit.
- Files inside the ZIP are named by page range (e.g., pages_1-5.pdf, pages_12-12.pdf), making it easy to identify each segment without opening files.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I specify page ranges?
Enter ranges as start-end pairs separated by commas, for example: 1-5, 6-12, 13-20. With several ranges, each one becomes its own PDF inside the downloaded ZIP. Use a single number like 7 to extract just that one page. You can also click thumbnails to fill the field.
Can I extract non-contiguous pages into one file?
The split tool creates a separate PDF per range. If you need non-contiguous pages combined into one file, use PDF Organizer to select and rearrange only those pages.
What format is the download?
It depends on how many ranges you enter. A single range (for example 3-7 or just 7) downloads directly as one PDF. Two or more ranges download as a ZIP archive containing one PDF per range, named like pages_1-5.pdf.
Can I split an encrypted PDF?
No — the server needs to read the page structure, which encryption blocks. Use the PDF Unlock tool first, then upload the decrypted file.
Is there a maximum file size?
Each uploaded PDF can be up to 24 MB. If your file is larger, try compressing it with the PDF Compress tool first.
Do the split PDFs contain the same fonts and images as the original?
Yes. Pages are extracted without re-rendering, so all embedded fonts, vector graphics, and images remain identical to the source.
Will hyperlinks and internal bookmarks survive splitting?
Page content and the link annotations on each copied page are carried over. The document outline (bookmarks) is not copied into the new files, and links that jump to pages outside the extracted range will no longer have a target.
Are my files kept on the server?
No. The source PDF and all output PDFs are automatically deleted the moment your ZIP download is sent. Nothing is stored beyond the brief processing window.
Explore the category
Glossary
- Page Range
- A contiguous block of pages specified as start–end (e.g., 6-12), used to define which pages are extracted into a split PDF.
- ZIP Archive
- A compressed container file (.zip) that bundles multiple documents — used here to deliver all split PDFs in a single download.
- Extraction
- The act of copying a subset of pages from a source PDF into a new, standalone PDF document.
- PDF Flattening
- The process of merging form fields, annotations, or layers into static page content — not performed during a standard split.
- Raster
- A page composed of pixels (as in a scanned document) rather than vector paths; raster pages are extracted without any quality loss during splitting.
- Compression Ratio
- The ratio of the compressed file size to the original; a 10 MB file compressed to 2 MB has a 5:1 compression ratio.
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