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How to split a PDF into smaller files
Break a long document into parts, or keep only what matters
Three ways to take a PDF apart
FirePDF has three related tools. Split PDF cuts a document into several files at once. Extract pages pulls chosen pages into one new file. Remove pages deletes pages and keeps everything else. Pick the one that matches what you want to end up with.
Writing page ranges
All three tools use the same simple notation. Separate items with commas, and use a dash for a run of pages.
1-3, 4-6, 7in Split PDF creates three files: pages 1 to 3, pages 4 to 6 and page 7.2, 5-8in Extract pages creates one file containing page 2 and pages 5 to 8.1, 12in Remove pages deletes the cover and the last page and keeps the rest.
If you type a page number that does not exist, the tool tells you which entries it ignored so nothing is silently dropped.
Practical examples
- A scanned contract: extract only the signature page to send to a colleague.
- A textbook chapter: split by chapter so each file is small enough to share on messaging apps.
- A bank statement: remove the marketing pages at the end before forwarding it.
- A batch scan: split into one file per document when a scanner produced a single long PDF.
Good to know
When Split PDF produces more than one file, the results are delivered together as a zip. Your original file is never changed; you always download new copies. If a PDF is password protected you will need to unlock it first.
Everything described here runs inside your browser tab. Your files are not uploaded to a server, which you can confirm by turning off your internet connection after the page has loaded and running the tool again.
More help: all FirePDF guides.