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PDFHive

Split PDF

Split a PDF into single pages, break it into smaller files by page range, or extract only the pages you need. Everything happens in your browser, so your file stays on your device.

Your files are processed in your browser and never leave your device.

How to use Split PDF

  1. Click "Select PDF file", or drag a PDF into the box.
  2. Choose "Every page" for one PDF per page, "Split into parts" and tap the scissors between pages where the PDF should be cut, or "Custom ranges" and tap or type the pages you want, for example 1-3, 5, 8-.
  3. To pull the chosen pages into a single file instead, tick "Save all selected pages as one PDF".
  4. Click "Split PDF", then download your new PDF, or a ZIP file if there are several.

How to extract pages from a PDF

Extracting pages makes a new, smaller PDF that contains only the pages you choose, which is handy when a form or email only needs part of a document. Your original file is not changed.

  1. Select your PDF and choose "Custom ranges".
  2. Tap the pages you want to keep in the previews, or type them, for example 2-4, 7.
  3. Tick "Save all selected pages as one PDF".
  4. Click "Split PDF" and download your new file.

How to split a PDF into two or more parts

To cut a long PDF into pieces, for example in half or into chapters, choose "Split into parts". A scissors button sits between every two pages: tap it after the last page of each part. Each page shows which file it will go into, so you can check the parts before splitting, and tapping the scissors again removes a cut.

Click "Split PDF" and you get a ZIP file with one PDF per part, named after your file and the pages it holds.

Common problems when splitting a PDF

If the result isn't what you expected, one of these usually explains it.

  1. You got a ZIP file instead of a PDF: that happens whenever the split makes more than one PDF. Open the ZIP (double-click it on a computer, or tap it in the Files app on a phone) to see each file. Tick "Save all selected pages as one PDF" if you wanted a single file.
  2. "Page 9 doesn't exist": the PDF has fewer pages than you typed. The page count is shown next to the file name.
  3. The PDF is password-protected or blocks editing: unlock it first with Unlock PDF.
  4. The part you need is still too big for an upload: make it smaller with Compress PDF.

Frequently asked questions

Are my files uploaded to a server?

No. PDFHive splits your PDF inside your web browser, on your own computer or phone. The file is never sent to us or anyone else.

Is Split PDF free?

Yes. It is free to use, with no sign-up and no watermark added to your pages.

How do I choose which pages to split?

Every page is shown as a small picture, labelled with the file it will go into. Choose "Custom ranges" and tap pages, or type page numbers separated by commas. For example, 1-3, 5, 8- makes three PDFs: pages 1 to 3, page 5, and page 8 to the last page. To cut the PDF into consecutive parts, "Split into parts" with the scissors is quicker.

How do I save just one page of a PDF?

Choose "Custom ranges" and type that page number, for example 3. You get one PDF containing only that page, named after your file, such as report-page-3.pdf. To put several chosen pages into one PDF instead, tick "Save all selected pages as one PDF".

Why did I get a ZIP file?

When a split creates more than one PDF, they are packed into one ZIP file so you only need a single download. On Windows and Mac, double-click it to open. On iPhone and iPad, tap it in the Files app. On Android, open it in your Files app and choose Extract.

Will splitting reduce the quality?

No. Pages are copied exactly as they are. Text, images and fonts are not compressed or changed.

Can I split a password-protected PDF?

Not while they are protected. Files that need a password to open, or that block editing, cannot be split. If you know the password, or the document is yours and only blocks editing, remove the protection with Unlock PDF first, then use the unlocked copy. Open Unlock PDF

Does it work on my phone?

Yes. It works in modern browsers on iPhone, iPad and Android. Very large PDFs can be slow on older phones, and the tool warns you when a file is unusually big.

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