How to split a PDF: extract pages, cut it into parts or burst every page

Splitting a PDF means copying some of its pages into one or more new files, leaving the original untouched. You either pull out the pages you need, cut the document into several parts, or save every page as its own file. The split PDF tool does all three in the browser; this guide explains how to describe the pages you want and what to expect from the results.

Three ways to split

• Extract pages — the pages you list go into a single new PDF, in the order you list them. Use it to send someone pages 4 to 9 of a contract or one statement from a year's worth.
• Split into pieces — each comma-separated range becomes its own file, so 1-4, 5-9 produces two PDFs, downloaded together as a ZIP.
• Every page separately — one single-page PDF per page, also in a ZIP. Useful for scanned stacks where each page is a separate receipt or form.

The opposite job, keeping everything except a few pages, is often quicker with delete pages, where you list only the pages to remove.

Writing page ranges

Ranges use the same short notation as most print dialogs. Single pages and ranges are separated by commas, and a range is two numbers joined by a hyphen: 1-3, 7, 12-14 means pages 1, 2, 3, 7, 12, 13 and 14. Pages are counted from 1. The tool checks every number against the document and tells you if one is out of range before you split. Two details are worth knowing: a backwards range such as 9-5 is read as 5 to 9 rather than reversed, and open-ended ranges such as 5- are not accepted, so write the last page number. To reverse or reorder pages, use the PDF organizer instead.

Page positions vs printed numbers

The most common splitting mistake is mixing up two kinds of page number. Split tools count physical positions in the file: the first page is page 1, whatever is printed on it. A book or report often has a cover and front matter numbered i, ii, iii, so the page printed as 1 might be the ninth page of the file. PDF can store these printed labels separately, which is why a viewer sometimes shows 1 (9 of 240). Always use the second number, the position. The page counter confirms the total if you are not sure where a document ends.

Splitting by chapter

Long documents usually have natural break points, and the bookmarks often mark them. The split tool works from page numbers, not bookmarks, so the quickest route is to open the file in the outline viewer, note the page where each chapter starts, and type the ranges into the pieces mode: 1-18, 19-42, 43-77 and so on. If the document has no bookmarks, scroll through the thumbnails in the organizer and note where each section starts. PDF bookmarks explained: how the outline panel works explains what the outline contains and why some PDFs have none.

What to expect from the pieces

Each new file contains exact copies of its pages, so quality is unchanged and text remains selectable. A few things behave differently from the original:

• Sizes do not divide neatly. Every piece needs its own copy of the fonts and images its pages use, so ten pieces can add up to noticeably more than the original. A page with a large photo stays large however you split it.
• Document-level features are not copied. Bookmarks, document properties and the form dictionary belong to the whole file, so the pieces start without them, and links that jumped to pages now in another piece no longer work.
• Annotations do travel. Comments, highlights and links drawn on a page belong to that page, so they come along with it.
• Encrypted files must be unlocked first. If a PDF needs a password to open, the tool says so instead of guessing.

Everything runs on your device, so splitting a bank statement or medical letter does not send it anywhere. If you later need the parts back together, How to merge PDF files into one, and what to check first covers merging and its own pitfalls.