Split a PDF into pages or ranges
The split PDF tool takes one PDF and writes several. In the default mode it produces one file per page. In ranges mode you type the pages you want, such as "1-3,7", and get one file per range. pdf-lib does the work inside the browser tab, so the document is never uploaded.
Every page
Mode defaults to every. A 12-page PDF becomes 12 single-page PDFs named with the page number, so "scan.pdf" produces "scan-p1.pdf" through "scan-p12.pdf". Each one is a complete PDF that opens on its own.
This is the mode for separating a batch scan into individual documents, for pulling one page to send on, or for feeding pages into a tool that wants one page at a time.
Ranges
Switch mode to ranges and fill in the ranges field. The syntax is page numbers and dashes separated by commas. Pages are counted from 1.
- "5" produces one file containing page 5.
- "1-3" produces one file containing pages 1 to 3.
- "1-3,7" produces two files: pages 1 to 3, and page 7.
- "2-4,9-12,15" produces three files.
Each comma-separated part becomes its own output, named after the input with the range added, so "report.pdf" with "1-3,7" gives "report-p1-3.pdf" and "report-p7.pdf". Pages inside a range stay in order. A range that runs past the last page is cut at the last page, and a range that falls entirely outside the document is skipped. A range written backwards, like "7-3", is read as 3 to 7.
The ranges field is required in this mode. If the text does not match the pattern, the tool shows the hint "Page ranges look like 1-3,7" and does not start. Spaces around the numbers are fine.
To pull a single section out of a long document and discard the rest, ranges mode with one range is all you need. "40-52" gives one file with those pages and nothing else.
What ends up in each file
Each output is a new PDF containing copies of the chosen pages, at their original size and orientation. Text remains selectable, images keep their resolution, and nothing is re-rendered, so the pieces look exactly like the pages did in the source.
Bookmarks, form fields, and document-level metadata belong to the original file and are not carried into the pieces. A password-protected PDF cannot be opened for splitting; remove the password first.
Every output is a separate download. For a long document split into every page, that is a lot of files, so use ranges mode if you only need part of it.
Related tools
To put pieces back together, or to combine pages from several documents, use merge PDF. The two tools together cover reordering: split into pages, then merge the pages in the sequence you want.
If what you need is the page content rather than a PDF, PDF to images renders each page as a PNG or JPG, and PDF to text extracts the text layer. Both of those produce output per page already, so you do not need to split first unless you want to limit which pages they handle.
Frequently asked questions
How do I write page ranges?
Page numbers and dashes separated by commas, counted from 1. '1-3,7' gives two files: pages 1 to 3, and page 7.
What happens if I pick every page?
Each page becomes its own single-page PDF, named with the page number, so a 12-page file produces 12 files.
Can I pull out just one section?
Yes. Switch to ranges mode and type one range, such as '40-52'. You get one file with those pages.
What if a range goes past the last page?
It is cut at the last page. A range that lies entirely outside the document is skipped.
Are the pieces full PDFs?
Yes. Each output opens on its own, with text still selectable and images at their original resolution.
What are the files called?
The input name with the page or range added, so 'report.pdf' split at '1-3,7' gives 'report-p1-3.pdf' and 'report-p7.pdf'.