How to split a PDF into separate files
Splitting a PDF is useful when you only need a chapter, want to separate scanned documents, or need to send one section without the rest.
Split by range
- Open Split PDF.
- Drop in your file.
- Enter ranges like
1-3,5,8-10— each becomes its own PDF. - Leave the box blank to split every page into a separate file.
Just need a few pages?
If you only want to keep certain pages in one file, Extract Pages is simpler. To delete unwanted pages instead, use Remove Pages. For a visual drag-and-drop approach, try Organize PDF.
How page ranges work
The range box is where you tell Slate exactly where to divide the file. Page numbers are counted from one, so the first sheet is page 1 even if it is a cover. A hyphen means a continuous stretch, so 1-3 keeps pages one through three together, while commas separate independent pieces, so 1-3,5,8-10 produces three files. Leaving the box empty is the shortcut for exploding every page into its own separate PDF.
Common problems and how to fix them
- The wrong pages came out: remember numbering starts at 1 and a cover page counts, so check the number shown in the viewer rather than the printed page label.
- You got one file when you wanted many: enter separate ranges divided by commas, or clear the box entirely to split every page.
- A split piece is still large: it carries the full resolution of its pages, so run it through Compress PDF afterwards if size matters.
- You only need a handful of pages: splitting is heavier than necessary, so use Extract Pages to pull just those into one file.
What to do next
Splitting pairs naturally with the other organizing tools. If you split a document and later want some pieces back together, Merge PDF rejoins them in whatever order you choose. To rearrange or drop pages visually before or after splitting, Organize PDF gives you a thumbnail view of the whole file. Everything runs in your browser, so you can move between these steps without any file ever being uploaded.