Split a PDF

To split a PDF, choose your file below, pick how to split it (every page, by ranges, or extract pages), and click "Split PDF." Pages are copied exactly with no quality loss, and the file never leaves your device.

Free, no sign-up. Files are processed on your device and never uploaded.

How to split a PDF

This tool breaks one PDF into smaller PDFs, or pulls out just the pages you need. It runs in any modern browser on a computer or phone, it is free, and there is no account to create.

After you choose a file, you see thumbnails of every page, which makes it easy to find the page numbers you want. A single result downloads as a PDF, and multiple results download together as one ZIP.

1. Click "Choose a PDF" and select your file, or drag it onto the drop zone.
2. Look through the page thumbnails to find the pages you need.
3. Under "How to split," pick "Every page into its own PDF," "One PDF for each range" or "Extract pages into one PDF."
4. If needed, type the pages in the Pages field, for example 1-3, 5, 8-10.
5. Click "Split PDF." The PDF or ZIP downloads automatically.

How to split PDF pages into separate files

To save every page as its own file, choose "Every page into its own PDF." A 12-page document becomes 12 one-page PDFs, delivered in a single ZIP.

To split a PDF into two files, choose "One PDF for each range" and enter two ranges, such as 1-4, 5-. The "5-" means page 5 to the end, so you do not need to know the total page count. Add more ranges to split the PDF into multiple files of any size.

Some desktop apps can do this too. On a Mac, Preview lets you drag page thumbnails out to create new files, and many systems let you print selected pages using a Print to PDF option. Those methods work for one file at a time. This tool is easier when you need several files at once, or when you are on a phone.

Split options explained

Every page into its own PDF creates one file per page. It is handy for scanned batches where each page is a separate receipt, invoice or letter.

One PDF for each range creates one file for each range you list. Entering 1-3, 4-6, 7- produces three PDFs.

Extract pages into one PDF collects the pages you list into a single new file. Entering 2, 5, 9-11 gives you one PDF with those five pages in that order. Use it to send someone only the pages that matter.

The Pages field accepts single pages, ranges and lists separated by commas. A range that ends with a dash, like 8-, runs to the last page.

Privacy and limits

Your PDF is split in your browser on your own device and is never uploaded to PaperPorter. That is useful for tax documents, medical records and anything else you prefer to keep private.

PDFs up to 50 MB are supported. Pages are copied exactly as they are, so text, images and quality are unchanged. Password-protected PDFs need to be unlocked first. The tool splits and extracts pages; it does not merge separate PDFs or edit page content.

Tips for splitting PDFs

Use the thumbnails, not the printed page numbers. Many documents number pages differently from their actual position, for example after a cover page. Count by the thumbnails to get the right pages.

Extract instead of deleting. To remove a few pages, extract all the others into one PDF. For a 10-page file without page 4, enter 1-3, 5-.

Unzip before sharing. When several files come out, open the ZIP on your device first, then attach the individual PDFs you need.

Name the files after downloading. Split files are numbered in page order. Renaming them right away, for example "Lease pages 1-4," makes them much easier to find and share later.

Split large files before emailing. If a PDF is too big to attach, splitting it into two or three ranges often brings each part under the email size limit.

Related tools

Once your pages are split, Rotate PDF can fix sideways pages and Crop PDF can trim margins. To turn pages into images, use PDF to JPG. If one of those pages is a form you need to complete, the editable PDF tool can help. Browse all PDF tools.

More free PDF tools

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Frequently asked questions

How do I split a PDF into separate files?

Choose your PDF on this page, select "Every page into its own PDF" or "One PDF for each range," and click "Split PDF." Multiple files download together as a ZIP.

How do I split a PDF into two files?

Choose "One PDF for each range" and enter two ranges, such as 1-5, 6-. The second range runs to the last page.

How do I extract certain pages from a PDF?

Choose "Extract pages into one PDF" and list the pages, for example 2, 4, 7-9. You get one new PDF with only those pages.

Does splitting a PDF reduce quality?

No. Pages are copied exactly, so text and images look the same as in the original.

How do I split pages in a PDF on a Mac?

Preview can create new files from selected pages. To split into several files in one step, use this tool in your browser.

Is my PDF uploaded when I split it?

No. The PDF is split in your browser on your device and never sent to PaperPorter.