Splitting PDFs: Extract Pages, Divide Chapters, Share Selectively
You have a 200-page PDF but only need pages 45-60. Or you want to share chapter 3 without revealing the rest of the document. Or you need individual files for each section. PDF splitting solves all these scenarios—extract exactly what you need without editing the original.
Our pktools.tech PDF Splitter offers multiple splitting modes directly in your browser. No uploads, no subscriptions, no page limits.
Split Your PDF
Extract pages, divide by ranges, or create individual page files—all in your browser.
Launch PDF Splitter
Splitting Methods
Extract Page Range
The most common operation. Select a continuous range of pages:
Pages 1-10 → Creates: document_pages_1-10.pdf Pages 25-50 → Creates: document_pages_25-50.pdf Pages 100-end → Creates: document_pages_100-200.pdf
Extract Specific Pages
Pick non-consecutive pages:
Pages 1, 5, 9, 15, 20 → Creates: document_selected.pdf
Split Every N Pages
Divide into equal chunks:
100-page PDF split every 10 pages → part_1.pdf (pages 1-10) part_2.pdf (pages 11-20) part_3.pdf (pages 21-30) ...etc
Split Into Individual Pages
Create separate files for each page:
10-page PDF → page_01.pdf page_02.pdf ... page_10.pdf
Common Use Cases
Sharing Partial Documents
Send only relevant sections to stakeholders. A 500-page report might have a 20-page executive summary worth sharing separately.
Removing Sensitive Information
Extract the pages you can share, leaving confidential sections behind. Safer than redacting because the original content never leaves.
Breaking Large Files
Email attachments have size limits. Split large PDFs into parts that fit email constraints.
Creating Handouts
Extract specific slides or pages from longer documents for meeting handouts.
Archiving by Chapter
Organize large documents into chapter-based files for easier management.
How to Use the PKTools PDF Splitter
- Upload your PDF: Drag and drop or click to select.
- View page thumbnails: See previews of all pages.
- Select pages: Click pages or enter page ranges.
- Choose action: Extract selected, split at selections, or individual pages.
- Download: Get your split PDF(s).
Page Range Syntax
Most PDF splitters accept standard page range notation:
| Syntax | Result |
|---|---|
1-10 |
Pages 1 through 10 |
1,3,5,7 |
Only pages 1, 3, 5, and 7 |
1-5,10-15 |
Pages 1-5 and 10-15 |
5- |
Page 5 through end |
-10 |
First 10 pages |
Split vs. Extract: What's the Difference?
Extract
Creates one new PDF containing only the selected pages. The original remains unchanged.
Split
Divides the PDF at specified points, creating multiple output files. Each file contains a continuous section.
Best Practices
Before Splitting
- Note page numbers: Use your PDF reader to find exact page numbers needed.
- Consider table of contents: Chapter starts often align with splitting points.
- Check for linked content: Internal links may break if target pages are in different output files.
After Splitting
- Rename meaningfully: "Chapter_3_Methodology.pdf" beats "output_2.pdf"
- Verify page count: Confirm extracted files contain expected pages.
- Update page numbers: Consider adding new page numbers if the split PDF will be printed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does splitting affect quality?
No. Pages are extracted without reprocessing. Images and text remain at original quality.
Can I split encrypted PDFs?
Only if you know the password. Password-protected PDFs must be unlocked first.
What happens to bookmarks and links?
Bookmarks pointing to pages within the extracted range are preserved. Links to pages outside the range become invalid.
Is there a page limit?
Browser-based tools depend on device memory. Most modern devices handle PDFs with hundreds of pages.
The Bottom Line
PDF splitting transforms unwieldy documents into focused, sharable files. Whether you're extracting chapters, removing sensitive pages, or breaking up large files for email, effective splitting saves time and protects information.
Our pktools.tech PDF Splitter handles all splitting scenarios in your browser. Visual page selection makes it easy to extract exactly what you need—no cloud uploads, no account required.