Split PDF Files Online — by range, every page, fixed chunks, or odd/even
Pull out a chapter, break a scanned book into one file per page, or divide a long report into equal chunks — pick the mode that matches how the document is actually structured.
Split your PDF
Upload a PDF, choose how to split it, and download the files you need.
Drop your PDF here
or browse files (PDF processing stays in your browser)
Your split files are ready
Splitting makes copies — it doesn't cut the original
Every output file is a fresh document built from copied pages. Your original PDF is read for processing, never modified, and remains unchanged on your device.
Turn one PDF into separate files
A merged annual report needs to go back out to separate departments. A scanned batch of receipts needs one file per receipt. A 300-page textbook needs to become ten manageable chapter files. Each of these is the same underlying operation — copy a group of pages into a new file — just triggered differently.
Pick a split mode: define page ranges by hand, extract every page as its own file, cut the document into fixed-size chunks, or separate odd and even pages in one pass. pdf-lib copies the selected pages into new documents; nothing about your source file changes.
What each mode is actually for
By page range
Type "1-3, 5, 8-10" and get three files — you decide exactly where each one starts and ends.
Every page, on its own
One click turns a 50-page PDF into 50 separate files — no ranges to type when every page is its own document.
Fixed-size chunks
Enter a number and a 100-page file becomes consecutive chunks of that many pages — useful for batch processing or consistent document sizes.
Odd and even
One click separates the document into two files — useful for cleaning up duplex-scanned pages.
Rename before you download
Edit each output file's name directly in the list, then download them one at a time or all sequentially.
Upload once, choose how to split it
The page previews help you plan the split before you commit to it.
Upload your PDF
Drag it onto the upload area, or click Select PDF. Previews of every page appear as the document renders.
Pick a split mode
Choose the mode that matches the document's structure:
Split and rename
Click Split PDF, then rename each output file directly in the list before downloading.
Download the files
Download files individually, or click Download All to save every file sequentially.
One file becomes several, cleanly
Whatever mode you choose, each output is built directly from the pages you select.
Invoices, chapters, or reports all bundled into one bulky document.
Separate files, each ready to email, upload, or print on its own.
Common reasons to split a PDF
Cases where one PDF was really just a convenient way to hold multiple separate things.
| Situation | What to split | Typical user |
|---|---|---|
| Batch invoices | Split a monthly invoice file into individual invoice PDFs per client. | Accountants & freelancers |
| Textbooks & e-books | Extract specific chapters for focused study or sharing with students. | Students & educators |
| Contract management | Separate a multi-contract document into individual agreement files. | Lawyers & HR teams |
| Research papers | Split journal volumes into individual articles for citation and archiving. | Researchers & academics |
| Scanned documents | Divide a large scanned book into chapter-sized PDFs for easier reading. | Libraries & archivists |
| Travel itineraries | Extract flight tickets, hotel bookings, and car rentals from one itinerary. | Travelers & travel agents |
| Photo albums | Split a scanned photo album into yearly or event-based PDFs. | Personal users |
| Report distribution | Split a large annual report into departmental sections for targeted sharing. | Corporate teams |
Four splitting strategies, one tool
Different documents need different splitting logic — here's when to reach for each.
Split by page range
Type ranges like 1-3, 5, 8-10 and each becomes its own PDF. Best when you know exactly which pages you need — chapters 3 and 5 from a textbook, or the first ten pages of a report for a client.
Extract all pages
One click converts every page into its own PDF. Right for batch invoice files where each page is a separate invoice, scanned photo albums, or multi-receipt documents.
Split by fixed chunks
Enter a number like 5 and a 100-page file becomes 20 files of 5 pages each. Useful when you need consecutive chunks of that many pages for batch processing or consistent document sizes.
Odd / even pages
Creates two PDFs — one with all odd pages, one with all even. Useful for duplex-scan cleanup, preparing front and back sides for printing, or recombining separately scanned book pages in order.
When the split doesn't come out right
Identify the problem, then use the matching fix.
Split button produces no files
The page range input is empty or invalid.
Enter at least one valid range like "1-5" or "1,3,5" within the total page count before clicking Split PDF.
Wrong pages got split out
The range syntax didn't match what you intended.
Use hyphens for ranges (1-5) and commas for individual pages (1,3,5) — combine them freely: "1-3, 5, 8-10".
Fixed chunk mode doesn't split
The "X pages" input is empty or set to zero.
Enter a positive number — for example, "2" splits into two-page files.
Output file won't open
The source PDF may use encryption or contain unsupported elements.
Unlock the PDF first or save a fresh copy before splitting.
Download All doesn't start
The browser blocked multiple sequential downloads.
Allow multiple downloads in your browser settings, or download files one by one.
Splitting takes a while
The PDF has hundreds of pages or complex content on each one.
Let it finish processing — for very large files, Fixed Chunks mode produces manageable smaller output files.
Page previews don't show
The PDF is still rendering, or the format isn't fully supported.
Wait a moment for pages to render — if still blank, re-upload the file.
.pdf extension lost
The .pdf part was deleted while editing the name.
The tool re-appends .pdf automatically if it's missing — but leaving it in place keeps the filename readable while you type.
No files produced
Why: Empty or invalid range.
Fix: Enter a valid range like "1-5".
Wrong pages split
Why: Range syntax mismatch.
Fix: Use "1-3" for ranges, "1,3,5" for individuals.
Fixed chunks doesn't split
Why: The X value is empty or zero.
Fix: Enter a positive number.
Output won't open
Why: The source PDF may be encrypted or use unsupported features.
Fix: Unlock first, then split.
Download All blocked
Why: Browser blocks sequential downloads.
Fix: Allow in settings, or download individually.
Splitting is slow
Why: The PDF has many pages or complex page content.
Fix: Wait, or use Fixed Chunks.
Previews missing
Why: The file is still rendering.
Fix: Wait, or re-upload the file.
.pdf extension lost
Why: Deleted while renaming.
Fix: The tool re-adds it automatically.
Split with confidence the first time
A few simple checks can help you avoid incorrect ranges, failed outputs, and unnecessary rework.
Keep a copy of the original PDF
Splitting creates new files without touching the source — keep the original so you can re-split with different ranges if needed.
Check the page previews first
Scan the thumbnails to confirm which pages belong to which section before typing a range — prevents cutting a chapter or invoice at the wrong spot.
Hyphens for ranges, commas for individuals
"1-3, 5, 8-10" creates three PDFs: pages 1-3, page 5 alone, and pages 8-10. Spaces around commas don't matter.
Rename files before downloading
Default names include page ranges, but a name like "invoice_clientA_march.pdf" makes file management far easier later on.
Unlock encrypted PDFs first
Password-protected files may not be split by the in-browser engine — run the file through Unlock PDF before splitting.
Merge back if the order needs work
After splitting and reordering pieces, use Merge PDF to recombine them into a new, better-organized document.
Split PDF questions
Answers about privacy, page ranges, output quality, and downloads.
Does this Split PDF tool upload my PDF?
For this tool, the PDF is processed in your browser with pdf.js and pdf-lib. The tool does not upload the PDF to our server for splitting.
How do I extract specific pages that aren't in sequence, like 1, 5, 8?
Use Split by Page Range and type the page numbers separated by commas — "1, 5, 8" creates three separate PDF files, one for each page.
Will splitting a PDF reduce its quality?
Splitting does not intentionally recompress the selected pages. The tool copies the selected PDF pages into new PDF files, although the output file structure may differ from the original.
What's the difference between Split by Range and Extract All Pages?
Split by Range lets you define which pages or groups of pages become their own files. Extract All Pages is a one-click mode that creates a separate PDF for every single page.
Can I download all the split files at once?
Yes. Click Download All to start downloading the generated PDFs sequentially. Your browser may ask you to allow multiple downloads.
The write-up on how this was built
Because all four split modes run client-side, I wrote up the implementation — parsing range syntax, copying page subsets with pdf-lib, and generating multiple downloadable files without a server round-trip.
How to Split PDF Files Using JavaScript
Covers browser-based PDF splitting, page extraction techniques, and client-side document processing using modern browser APIs.