How to Split a PDF into Multiple Files
Splitting a PDF means extracting a subset of pages into a separate document. You might want to pull out a single invoice from a multi-page statement, separate chapters from a report, or divide a large scan into smaller parts for email. CalmPDF lets you do this in your browser — no upload, no account, free.
Need to split a PDF now? Use CalmPDF's free Split PDF tool.
When would you split a PDF?
Common reasons to split a PDF include:
- Extracting a single invoice from a combined monthly statement.
- Separating chapters from a long report or ebook.
- Dividing a scanned batch into individual documents.
- Removing pages you don't want to share before sending a file.
- Creating handouts from specific pages of a presentation.
How to split a PDF using CalmPDF
Step 1: Open the split tool
Go to calmpdf.com/split-pdf in any browser. The tool works on Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android — no app to install.
Step 2: Drop your PDF
Drag the PDF into the upload area, or click to browse. The file loads in your browser and is never sent to a server.
Step 3: Choose a page range
Enter the pages you want to extract. For example, if you want pages 3 through 7, enter 3 in the "From" field and 7 in the "To" field. To extract a single page, enter the same number in both fields (e.g., 5 to 5).
CalmPDF currently supports extracting one page range per run. To export multiple sections, repeat the split with a new From/To range each time.
Step 4: Download the result
Click Split to download the extracted page range as a new PDF. Your original file is not modified.
Splitting a PDF on Mac without a tool
Mac users can split PDFs using Preview without any additional software:
- Open the PDF in Preview.
- Go to View → Thumbnails.
- Select the pages you want to keep (hold Shift or Cmd to select multiple pages).
- Drag the selected pages to the desktop or a Finder window to create a new PDF from those pages.
Splitting a PDF on Windows
Windows doesn't have a built-in PDF splitter. Options include:
- CalmPDF — works in any browser, no install needed.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader — splitting requires the paid Acrobat Pro version.
- PDF24 — free desktop app for Windows with a split feature.
Need to split a PDF now? Use CalmPDF's free Split PDF tool.
Frequently asked questions
Does splitting a PDF affect quality?
No. Splitting extracts pages without re-encoding them. Images, fonts, and text remain exactly as they were in the original document.
Can I split a PDF into equal parts?
CalmPDF currently splits by page range. To create equal parts from a 20-page PDF, run the split operation multiple times (pages 1–5, 6–10, etc.).
Can I split password-protected PDFs?
Password-protected PDFs need to be unlocked first. Open the PDF in Preview (Mac) or Adobe Acrobat, remove the password protection, save, then split.
Will bookmarks and links be preserved?
Internal links within the extracted page range are preserved. Links pointing to pages outside the extracted range may break, since those pages no longer exist in the new file.