Got a 200-page PDF that needs to become separate chapters? A scanned batch of different documents that should be individual files? Splitting a PDF divides one file into multiple smaller files based on your specifications.
This guide covers all the ways to split PDFs and when each method works best.
When to Split a PDF
Create Individual Chapters
A book or report PDF can become separate chapter files for easier reading and sharing.
Separate Scanned Batches
Scanned a stack of different documents at once? Split them back into individual files for proper organization.
Share Specific Sections
Instead of sending a huge document with instructions to "see page 45," send just the relevant section.
Manage File Size
Email attachment limits blocking your 50MB PDF? Split into smaller chunks that fit.
Organize Archives
Combined documents need to be filed separately? Split them for proper archiving.
Split Methods
Split by Page Range
Specify exactly which pages go into each output file:
- Pages 1-10 → File 1
- Pages 11-30 → File 2
- Pages 31-50 → File 3
Best for: Separating chapters, sections, or known divisions.
Split Every N Pages
Create files of fixed size:
- Split every 5 pages
- Split every 10 pages
- Split every 25 pages
Best for: Breaking large documents into uniform chunks.
Extract All Pages
Each page becomes its own PDF file:
- 100-page PDF → 100 separate files
Best for: When you need maximum flexibility to reorganize or process pages individually.
How to Split a PDF
- Upload: Go to our Split PDF tool and select your file
- Choose method: Select page ranges, fixed intervals, or extract all
- Preview: See which pages will be in each output file
- Split: We create your separate files
- Download: Get all split files (usually bundled in a ZIP)
Split vs. Extract vs. Delete
| Tool | What It Does | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Split | Divides PDF into multiple files | Multiple separate PDFs |
| Extract | Pulls specific pages into one new file | One PDF with selected pages |
| Delete | Removes pages from original | One PDF, fewer pages |
Tips for Better Splitting
Know Your Page Numbers
Before splitting, scroll through the PDF to note where sections start and end. Get page numbers right the first time.
Reorganize After Splitting
After splitting, you can merge selected files in a different order if needed.
Process After Splitting
Once split, each file can be individually:
Related Operations
- Merge PDFs — the opposite of split
- Extract pages — pull specific pages
- Delete pages — remove unwanted pages
- Reorder pages — rearrange before splitting
Common Questions
Is splitting lossless?
Yes. Pages are separated exactly as they are — no recompression or quality loss.
Can I split a password-protected PDF?
Remove the password first, then split the unlocked file.
How many files can I create?
No limit. A 500-page PDF can become 500 separate files if you extract all pages.
What happens to bookmarks?
Bookmarks typically stay with the pages they reference. Bookmarks to pages not in a specific split file won't appear in that file.
Divide and conquer your documents. Split your PDF now — free.