How to split a PDF into separate files

Splitting sounds simple until you need a specific outcome: one file per chapter, every part under 500 KB, or just pages 3 to 7. Here is which mode to use.

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Pick the mode that matches your goal

By ranges — you know the page numbers. Enter "1-3, 5-8" and each range becomes its own file.

Single pages — you want one file per page. Useful for scanning workflows or submitting pages individually.

Every N pages — you want even chunks. Good for printing signatures (8 or 16 pages at a time).

By size — a portal or email limit forces the split. The tool measures each page and packs parts under your limit.

Extracting pages instead of splitting

If you need pages 4–6 as one new document and do not care about the rest, use Extract Pages. It produces a single file rather than a set.

Split is for "I need all of this, divided". Extract is for "I need this part, only".

Splitting at content boundaries

For invoices, statements or reports that repeat a heading, Split by Text starts a new part at every page containing your marker phrase — no page counting required.

If the document has bookmarks, Split by Bookmarks gives you one file per chapter, named after the bookmark.

Questions

Does splitting reduce quality?

No. Pages are copied as-is; there is no re-encoding.

Can I split a password-protected PDF?

Remove the password first, then split.

Open Split PDF →

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