How to split a PDF into separate files

Updated on October 20, 2026

One PDF, while you need several: a scanned stack of invoices that should go into separate folders, a file with forty payslips that each belong to someone else, a course pack you want per chapter, or a document too large to send in one go. Splitting turns one PDF into several new files.

Three ways to split

The tool has one field, Split after pages (optional). What you type there decides what you get. Say your PDF has 10 pages:

• Leave it empty: every page becomes its own PDF. You get 10 files of one page.
• Type cut points, like 3, 7: the PDF is cut after page 3 and after page 7. You get three files: pages 1–3, 4–7 and 8–10.
• Type ranges, like 1-3, 4-10: you get exactly those parts. As soon as you type a dash, every entry becomes its own file: 1-2, 5, 8- gives pages 1–2, page 5 and pages 8 to the end.

How to split a PDF

1. Open Split PDF.
2. Drag your PDF into the box or click to choose it. You can add several PDFs; each one is split the same way.
3. Type where to split. Under Split after pages (optional), type cut points (3, 7) or ranges (1-3, 4-10), or leave the field empty to put every page in its own file.
4. Click Split and download the result. One part comes as a PDF; several parts come together in one zip.
5. Check the parts. The file names say which pages each part holds, for example report-pages-1-3.pdf.

Split, extract or delete?

• Split when you want several files that together usually cover the whole document.
• Extract pages when you only need a few pages, in one new PDF or as separate files.
• Delete pages when only a page or two has to go.

More on the last two is in Extract or delete pages from a PDF.

Watch the page number

The numbers you type are the pages of the PDF file itself, not the numbers printed at the bottom of the page. With a cover and a table of contents, “page 12” in the document is often page 14 in the PDF. Check which number your PDF reader shows before you type.

Why in your browser?

Files you split are often exactly the ones you’d rather keep to yourself: payslips, invoices, medical reports. Many online tools upload your file to their server to cut it up. With PDFCommunity, the pages are copied in your own browser. Your files are processed on your own device and not uploaded. Check it yourself in your browser’s network tab; Verify that no PDF is uploaded shows you how.

Good to know

• Your original stays as it is. You always get new files.
• Pages you leave out are named. With ranges such as 1-3, 8-10, pages 4 to 7 are in none of the parts; the result says so, so nothing disappears unnoticed.
• A password-protected PDF needs its password. Split it on its own and type the password when the tool asks for it; it stays in your browser.
• A digital signature (with a certificate) is no longer valid in the parts. The tool tells you when that applies.
• Too large to email? First try Compress PDF, then split what is still too large. PDF too large to email? explains how.
• Large files: up to about 50 MB works well on most devices. For larger files, a computer is more reliable than a phone.

Frequently asked questions