How to Split PDF Files: Extract Pages & Separate Documents
Need to extract pages from a PDF or split it into separate files? Learn the easiest free methods to split PDF documents on any device.
Splitting PDF files is essential when you need to extract specific pages, share only part of a document, or break a large PDF into manageable sections.
This guide shows you how to split PDF files for free using various methods.
Why Split a PDF?
Common reasons to split PDFs include:
- Extract specific pages: Pull out only the pages you need
- Remove unwanted pages: Get rid of cover pages or appendices
- Share partial documents: Send only relevant sections
- Organize large documents: Break into chapters or sections
- Reduce file size: Smaller PDFs are easier to share
- Create handouts: Extract pages for distribution
Method 1: Split PDF Online (Easiest)
How to Split PDF Files Online:
- Visit Percime PDF Splitter
- Upload your PDF file
- Choose split method:
- Extract specific pages (e.g., 1, 3, 5-10)
- Split into individual pages
- Split by page ranges
- Click Split
- Download your PDF files
Split Options Explained:
Extract Pages: Enter page numbers to extract only those pages
- Example: "1, 3, 5-10" extracts pages 1, 3, and 5 through 10
Split All: Creates separate PDFs for each page
- A 10-page PDF becomes 10 individual files
Split by Range: Define custom ranges
- Example: "1-5, 6-10" creates two PDFs
Method 2: Split PDF on Mac (Preview)
Mac users can use the built-in Preview app:
- Open the PDF in Preview
- View > Thumbnails (show sidebar)
- Select pages to extract (Cmd+click for multiple)
- Drag selected pages to Desktop
- This creates a new PDF with those pages
Tip: Hold Cmd while clicking to select non-consecutive pages.
Method 3: Split PDF on Windows
Using Microsoft Edge:
- Open PDF in Edge
- Print > Microsoft Print to PDF
- Select specific pages in print dialog
- Save as new PDF
Using Chrome:
- Open PDF in Chrome
- Print > Save as PDF
- Select pages to include
- Save
Method 4: Split PDF on Mobile
iPhone/iPad:
- Open PDF in Files app
- Use Markup to view pages
- Share specific pages via print dialog
Android:
Use an online splitter in Chrome — it works just like desktop.
Advanced Split Techniques
Split by Bookmarks
If your PDF has bookmarks (chapters), some tools can automatically split at each bookmark.
Split by File Size
Need to split a large PDF into smaller chunks for email? Some tools let you specify maximum file size per output.
Split Every N Pages
Split a PDF every 5 pages, every 10 pages, etc. Useful for creating batches.
Extracting Specific Pages
Common Scenarios:
Extract Single Page:
- Enter: "5" → Gets only page 5
Extract Multiple Single Pages:
- Enter: "1, 5, 10" → Gets pages 1, 5, and 10
Extract Page Range:
- Enter: "5-10" → Gets pages 5 through 10
Extract Mixed:
- Enter: "1, 3, 5-10, 15" → Gets pages 1, 3, 5-10, and 15
Removing Pages from PDF
To remove pages, extract the pages you want to keep:
Original: 10-page PDF Remove: Pages 3 and 7 Extract: "1-2, 4-6, 8-10" Result: 8-page PDF without pages 3 and 7
Tips for Splitting PDFs
1. Preview Before Splitting
Make sure you know which pages you need before specifying ranges.
2. Use Descriptive Names
Name your split files clearly: "Contract_Pages1-5.pdf"
3. Keep the Original
Always keep your original PDF file intact.
4. Combine with Other Tools
After splitting, you might want to:
- Merge with other PDFs
- Rotate pages
- Compress the result
Common Questions About Splitting PDFs
Can I split a password-protected PDF?
You'll need the password first. Unlock the PDF, then split it.
Will splitting reduce PDF quality?
No, splitting doesn't compress or reduce quality. Pages are extracted as-is.
Can I split scanned PDFs?
Yes, scanned PDFs split just like regular PDFs.
What's the difference between splitting and extracting?
They're essentially the same. "Extract" usually means pulling specific pages; "split" can mean dividing into multiple parts.
Split PDF vs. Delete Pages
| Action | Result |
|---|---|
| Split/Extract | Creates new PDF(s) with selected pages |
| Delete Pages | Modifies original PDF (or creates copy without those pages) |
Both achieve similar results — choose based on your workflow.
Free vs. Paid PDF Splitters
| Feature | Free Online | Adobe Acrobat |
|---|---|---|
| Basic splitting | ✅ | ✅ |
| Page extraction | ✅ | ✅ |
| Batch splitting | Some | ✅ |
| Split by bookmark | Rare | ✅ |
| Price | Free | $12.99/mo |
For most splitting needs, free tools work perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it free to split PDF files?
Yes, online tools like Percime Tools offer free PDF splitting with no watermarks.
Can I split a PDF into individual pages?
Yes, choose "Split All" or similar option to create separate PDFs for each page.
How do I split a PDF on my phone?
Use an online PDF splitter in your mobile browser — it works the same as on desktop.
Can I rejoin split PDFs?
Yes, use a PDF merger to combine split PDFs back together in any order.
Conclusion
Splitting PDFs is straightforward with the right tools. Online splitters offer the fastest, most convenient option — no software to install, works on any device.
Split your PDF files free — extract pages, split by ranges, or separate into individual files.
Related: Merge PDF Files | Rotate PDF Pages