Split PDF

Split PDF Files Free Online

A PDF split tool divides one PDF document into smaller, separate files. You choose which pages to keep in each output file. This is useful when a large report needs to be broken into chapters, when a contract must be separated into individual agreements, or when you only need specific pages from a long document.

PDF splitting is the reverse of merging. While a merge tool combines many files into one, a split tool breaks one file into many. Both operations preserve the original formatting, fonts, images, and layout of every page.

Our free split PDF tool runs entirely in your browser using PDF-lib. No file is sent to any external server. You get fast, private, and reliable results without installing any software.

What Does a PDF Split Tool Do?

A split tool reads your PDF and separates it into smaller files based on the page ranges you define. For example, if you have a 50-page document, you can extract pages 1 through 10 as one file, pages 11 through 25 as another, and so on. You can also split every page into its own individual file.

This is different from extracting pages, though the outcome is similar. Splitting typically means dividing the whole document into multiple parts. Extracting means pulling specific pages out while leaving the rest intact. This tool handles both approaches.

The original PDF is not changed by this process. The tool creates new files from the pages you specify and leaves your source document exactly as it was.

How to Split a PDF Step by Step

Step 1 – Upload your PDF. Click the upload area or drag your file onto it. The tool reads the document and shows the total page count.

Step 2 – Choose your split method. Select to split by page range, extract individual pages, or split every page into its own file.

Step 3 – Enter page ranges. Type the ranges you need, such as 1-5 or 10-20. You can add multiple ranges for multiple output files.

Step 4 – Click Split. The tool processes your file locally and prepares separate PDFs for each range you defined.

Step 5 – Download. Each output file downloads separately. Your original PDF stays unchanged on your device.

Common Reasons People Split PDFs

There are many practical situations where splitting a PDF is the right solution:

Extracting a single chapter from a large textbook or manual to share with a colleague without sending the entire document.

Separating a combined invoice file into individual invoices to send to different clients or departments.

Breaking a scanned document into sections when each section belongs to a different topic or recipient.

Isolating a signature page from a contract to share or sign independently.

Reducing file size by removing pages that are not needed before sending a document by email.

Preparing presentation slides by extracting specific slides from a PDF version of a deck.

Benefits of Splitting PDF Files

Targeted sharing. You send only the pages a recipient needs. This protects confidential sections of a larger document.

Smaller file size. A 10-page extract is much smaller than a 100-page original. Smaller files are easier to email and upload.

Better organization. Splitting one large archive file into topic-specific documents makes retrieval faster.

Privacy control. You can remove sensitive pages before sharing a document publicly or with a third party.

No software needed. This browser tool works on any computer or mobile device without any installation.

Completely private. Because processing happens locally, no one else sees your files. This matters when working with legal, medical, or financial documents.

Limitations to Know Before You Split

Password-protected files. Encrypted PDFs cannot be split until the password is removed. Use a PDF unlock tool first.

Very large files. PDFs over 200 MB may be slow to load depending on your device. Split large files in batches if needed.

No visual preview. The tool does not show a visual thumbnail of each page before splitting. Check your PDF in a viewer first to confirm the correct page numbers.

Session-based. If you close the tab before downloading, the output files are lost. Download all files immediately after splitting.

Related Tools You May Find Useful

• Merge PDF – Combine your split files or other PDFs into one document.
• Compress PDF – Reduce the size of each split file.
• Rotate PDF – Fix page orientation before or after splitting.
• PDF to Text – Extract all text from any of your split files.
• PDF to JPG – Convert individual PDF pages to images.

Frequently Asked Questions About Splitting PDF Files