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ToolNimbly

Split PDF Files

Extract, split, divide or delete pages — with a preview of exactly what each mode will produce.

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What this tool does

Four ways to break up a PDF: pull selected pages into one new document, split every page into its own file, cut the document into several files by range, or delete pages and keep the rest. Page ranges use the familiar comma and hyphen syntax, and the preview shows precisely which files you will get before anything is generated. Pages are copied rather than re-rendered, so text and page dimensions come through intact.

How to use this tool

  1. Step 1: Add a PDF

    One file, up to 100 MB and 500 pages. Page thumbnails load lazily so a long document does not stall the page.

  2. Step 2: Choose what you want to do

    Extract selected pages, split every page separately, split by ranges into several files, or remove pages and keep the remainder.

  3. Step 3: Enter your page selection

    Write it as 1-3, 5, 8-10. Invalid tokens are explained rather than silently ignored, and a page number outside the document is rejected with the valid range shown.

  4. Step 4: Check the preview and download

    The preview lists the files that will be created and their page counts. A single output downloads as a PDF; several come back as a ZIP.

Worked example

Pulling one chapter out of a 240-page report

Chapter four runs from page 88 to page 113 and needs to go to a colleague on its own.

Mode
Extract selected pages
Selection
88-113
Result
One 26-page PDF
Preserved
Selectable text, page size, rotation and any embedded fonts

Sending 26 relevant pages instead of 240 is both more considerate and, for a confidential report, more careful.

How page selection is parsed

The selection string is normalised, split on commas, and each token is interpreted as either a single page or an inclusive range. Pages are then copied into new documents in the order the modes define.

1-3, 5      →  pages 1, 2, 3, 5
5-3         →  interpreted as 3, 4, 5
2, 2, 4     →  pages 2 and 4, duplicates collapsed
1-3, 2-5    →  pages 1 to 5, overlapping ranges merged
  • Page numbers are one-based, matching what your PDF viewer displays. There is no off-by-one between what you type and what you get.
  • Whitespace is ignored, so "1-3,5" and "1 - 3 , 5" are equivalent.
  • A reversed range is read in ascending order rather than rejected, because the intent is unambiguous.
  • Every output is re-parsed after generation to confirm the page count and that the file opens.

Sources and methodology

ToolNimbly performs this work locally in your browser using the method shown above. Read how ToolNimbly tests calculations and generated documents.

Why an extracted PDF may still be large

Splitting copies selected pages into a new document without re-rendering them. Text stays selectable, vectors remain sharp and original page dimensions are retained. A one-page output may nevertheless contain shared fonts, colour profiles or resources needed by that page, so its size is not guaranteed to be the original size divided by the number of pages.

Ranges should be checked against the displayed one-based page numbers, especially when the document itself prints different page labels such as roman numerals. Removing pages can also break bookmarks or links that point to material no longer present. Forms, attachments and digital signatures are document-level features and may not survive extraction as expected. Open the result before deleting the source, and use a specialist workflow when signatures or archival fidelity matter.

Limitations and privacy

What this tool does not do

  • Password-protected PDFs are refused. This tool does not remove encryption.
  • Bookmarks, form field values, digital signatures and some annotations may not survive extraction. Page content always does.
  • Splitting a large document into many single-page files produces a large ZIP and uses a fair amount of memory.
  • There is no way to split part of a page or to extract a region — page boundaries are the smallest unit.
  • Maximum 100 MB and 500 pages per document.

The document is parsed and split in your browser. No file bytes are transmitted, so extracting pages from a confidential document does not involve sending it to anyone.

Frequently asked questions

How do I write a page range?

Use commas between items and hyphens for ranges: 1-3, 5, 8-10 gives pages 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 9 and 10. Spaces are ignored, and the preview always confirms what your selection resolves to before you generate anything.

What is the difference between extracting and splitting?

Extracting produces one new PDF containing the pages you chose. Splitting produces several files — either one per page, or one per range you specify. Choose extract when you want a single subset, split when you want the document divided up.

Will the extracted pages keep their formatting?

Yes. Pages are copied rather than re-rendered, so text stays selectable, page dimensions and rotation are preserved exactly, and embedded fonts come across with the content.

How do I delete pages from a PDF?

Use the remove-pages mode and enter the pages you want gone. The output contains everything else in its original order, which is easier than listing all the pages you want to keep.

Can I split a password-protected PDF?

No. Encrypted documents are detected and refused with an explanation. Remove the password using a PDF editor you are authorised to use, then split the unprotected file.

Read more about this

Related tools

Other tools people use alongside the split pdf files.

  • Merge PDF Files

    Combine up to ten PDFs into one document in any order you like. Pages are copied, not re-rendered, so text stays selectable and page sizes stay exact.

  • PDF to JPG Converter

    Render any page of a PDF to a JPG image at your chosen resolution. Pick pages or ranges, preview thumbnails and download single files or a ZIP.

  • PDF Compressor

    Make a PDF smaller in your browser. Optimise its structure without touching the pages, or rasterise them for a bigger saving, with the trade-offs spelled out.

  • Image to PDF Converter

    Turn JPG, PNG and WebP images into a single PDF. Reorder pages, pick A4 or Letter, set margins and keep every aspect ratio intact.

Part of PDF Tools. Last reviewed .