How to split a large PDF into separate files
One 200-page PDF, several smaller ones. Pick the ranges and split — no signup.
Updated June 7, 2026
Do it now with Split PDF — free, no signup. Open →When splitting beats sending the whole file
A single oversized PDF is awkward to share: the recipient only needs chapter 3, the portal rejects anything over 5 MB, or the scan of 40 receipts should be 40 files. Splitting solves all three — you send exactly the pages that matter, smaller and clearer.
Split vs extract vs delete
Three related tools, three jobs:
- Split — cut one PDF into several files by range (1-10, 11-20, …). Best for “give me each section as its own file.”
- Extract pages — pull specific pages into one new file (pages 2, 5, 9 → a single 3-page PDF).
- Delete pages — keep the original as one file, minus the pages you drop.
Steps
- Open Split PDF and add your file.
- Enter the ranges you want as separate outputs.
- Split — each range becomes its own PDF.
- Download the files.
After splitting
If you split a file only to shrink it for an upload limit, run the piece you need through Compress next — fewer pages plus compression usually clears even a tight cap. Need the opposite later? Merge stitches files back into one.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I split a PDF by page range?
- Open Split PDF, type the ranges you want as separate files (like 1-5, 6-10), and run it. Each range comes out as its own PDF with the original pages unchanged.
- Can I extract just one page from a PDF?
- Yes — give a single page (e.g. 7) or a one-page range. To pull several specific pages into one file instead, use Extract pages.
- Does splitting reduce quality?
- No. Splitting copies pages byte-for-byte into new files; text stays selectable and images keep their resolution.
- Is there a page limit?
- Free covers everyday documents up to the 25 MB upload cap; Pro raises the cap to 200 MB for large scans.