Delete PDF Pages
Delete PDF Pages copies all pages not listed in the page field to a new file. The original is never overwritten. Selection uses physical one-based numbering, deduplicates entries, and ignores invalid numbers; if every page is removed, library save behavior may reject or create an unusable empty result.
Runs locally — files stay on your deviceDoes deletion securely erase the selected content from the original?
No. It creates a new derivative; the original and any backups still contain the pages.
Page deletion rebuilds the page tree without selected nodes
The copied output excludes those page objects, but related document data, attachments, metadata, and navigation require separate review.
How it works
Parsed selected indices become a removal Set. Every other page is copied into a fresh PDF and downloaded.
Key concepts
Hiding a page is not redaction of the original
Copies, caches, and source files remain.
Document-level references can break
Bookmarks and internal links may point to removed pages.
When to use it
- Remove cover or blank pages.
- Create a shorter distribution copy.
- Exclude a known page set locally.
When not to use it
- Do not use it as complete redaction.
- Do not assume attachments or metadata are removed.
- Do not delete all pages.
Worked examples
Remove cover
- Input
1- Expected output
All pages except physical page 1
A new PDF is created.
Remove range
- Input
3-5- Expected output
Pages 3,4,5 omitted
The selection expands.
Invalid page
- Input
999- Expected output
Original pages copied
Out-of-range selection is ignored if another default/valid path exists; a fully invalid parser can error.
Common mistakes
Calling it secure redaction
Other PDF objects and source copies can retain information. Correction: Use verified redaction tools and manage originals.
Ignoring links
Destinations can break. Correction: Test navigation.
Deleting every page
A zero-page document is not a useful output. Correction: Leave at least one page.
Best practices
- Save and inspect under a new filename.
- Check attachments, metadata, links, and forms.
- Use forensic redaction for sensitive content.
Related operations and differences
Crop PDF Pages
Choose Crop PDF Pages when you need to set a custom crop box on every PDF page.; use Delete PDF Pages specifically for delete pages.
Duplicate PDF Pages
Choose Duplicate PDF Pages when you need to insert a copy after every selected page.; use Delete PDF Pages specifically for delete pages.
Extract PDF Pages
Choose Extract PDF Pages when you need to create a new PDF from selected pages.; use Delete PDF Pages specifically for delete pages.
PDF Page Counter
Choose PDF Page Counter when you need to count the pages in a PDF instantly.; use Delete PDF Pages specifically for delete pages.
PDF Split
Choose PDF Split when you need to extract selected pages into a new PDF.; use Delete PDF Pages specifically for delete pages.
Reorder PDF Pages
Choose Reorder PDF Pages when you need to create a PDF in the exact page order you enter.; use Delete PDF Pages specifically for delete pages.
Limitations and privacy
- Page-tree removal only.
- No redaction, attachment cleanup, bookmark repair, or source deletion.
- 80 MB safety limit.
The PDF is read and processed locally in this browser.
Frequently asked questions
Is the original changed?
No.
Is this redaction?
No.
Are invalid page numbers removed?
They are ignored by selection.
Can links break?
Yes.