PDF Split
PDF Split creates a new document from a comma/range selection such as 1,3-5. Valid page numbers are deduplicated and emitted in first-seen order; invalid out-of-range numbers are ignored, and the default is page 1. Pages are copied rather than rasterized, but bookmarks, document-level structure, signatures, forms, and advanced features may not survive as expected.
Runs locally — files stay on your deviceDoes splitting preserve digital signatures?
Creating a new PDF generally changes the signed document and should not be assumed to preserve signature validity.
Splitting copies page objects into a new document
A PDF page can reference fonts, images, annotations, forms, and shared resources. A page-copy library brings required page resources but not every document-level relationship.
How it works
Select one PDF and enter pages. The parser expands ascending ranges, keeps valid unique page numbers, copies those pages with pdf-lib, and downloads split.pdf.
Key concepts
Page labels and page numbers can differ
The input uses physical one-based order, not printed Roman numerals or custom labels.
Selection is deduplicated
Entering 2,2 yields one copied page.
When to use it
- Create a smaller handoff from selected pages.
- Extract a chapter by page number.
- Make a local review copy.
When not to use it
- Do not expect bookmarks and signatures to remain equivalent.
- Do not use it to redact omitted content from the original file.
- Do not expect duplicate page numbers to create duplicates.
Worked examples
Range
- Input
1,3-5- Expected output
Pages 1,3,4,5
Ranges expand upward.
Repeated page
- Input
2,2- Expected output
One copy of page 2
A Set removes duplicates.
Invalid page
- Input
999 in a 10-page PDF- Expected output
Ignored; error if nothing valid remains
Only in-range pages are copied.
Common mistakes
Using printed labels
A page labelled iii may be physical page 3 or another position. Correction: Count from the first PDF page.
Expecting duplicates
Repeated numbers are deduplicated. Correction: Use Duplicate PDF Pages afterward.
Assuming omitted pages are securely erased everywhere
The original remains on disk and copies may exist. Correction: Manage source files and backups separately.
Best practices
- Verify output page order.
- Test forms, links, and annotations.
- Keep the source and avoid signed-document assumptions.
Related operations and differences
Extract PDF Pages
Choose Extract PDF Pages when you need to create a new PDF from selected pages.; use PDF Split specifically for pdf.
Crop PDF Pages
Choose Crop PDF Pages when you need to set a custom crop box on every PDF page.; use PDF Split specifically for pdf.
Delete PDF Pages
Choose Delete PDF Pages when you need to remove selected pages from a PDF.; use PDF Split specifically for pdf.
Duplicate PDF Pages
Choose Duplicate PDF Pages when you need to insert a copy after every selected page.; use PDF Split specifically for pdf.
PDF Page Counter
Choose PDF Page Counter when you need to count the pages in a PDF instantly.; use PDF Split specifically for pdf.
PDF Text Extraction
Choose PDF Text Extraction when you need to extract readable text from a PDF in your browser.; use PDF Split specifically for pdf.
Limitations and privacy
- One PDF and selected pages only.
- No preview, page labels, descending ranges, duplicate selection, password workflow, bookmark rebuild, or signature preservation guarantee.
- 50 MB registry limit applies to the basic tool.
The PDF is read and processed locally in this browser.
Frequently asked questions
Are page numbers one-based?
Yes.
Can I repeat a page?
Not in this selection parser.
Are invalid pages ignored?
Yes, unless none are valid.
Are signatures preserved?
Do not assume so.