How to split PDFs
Splitting a PDF means creating a new PDF with only the pages you choose, using single numbers and ranges (for example 2, 4-6). On BestPDFInTheWorld it takes four steps: drag the file into the window, enter the pages you want to keep (e.g. 1-3, 5, 8), press extract and download the result. The original file is not changed, and all the processing runs in your browser, the file never leaves your computer. This tool is part of the Premium subscription, EUR 1.99 a month, which removes the limits on every tool and adds OCR. Sign PDF opens on the free plan, with one signature a day.
Verified 2026-08-12
- Four steps, nothing to install: choose the file, enter the pages, extract, download.
- Single numbers and ranges: "1-3, 5, 8" means pages 1, 2, 3, 5 and 8, in the document's original order.
- The original is not changed: the result is a new, independent PDF, containing just the selection.
- No uploads: all processing runs in the browser, and the tool keeps working offline once the page has loaded.
- This tool is part of the Premium subscription, EUR 1.99 a month, which removes the limits on every tool and adds OCR. Sign PDF opens on the free plan, with one signature a day.
How to split a PDF, step by step
Splitting a PDF takes under a minute, with nothing to install:
- Open the Split and extract PDF tool.
- Choose the file: drag the PDF you want to split into the window, or click to pick it.
- Enter the pages: type the numbers and ranges you want to keep, for example 1-3, 5, 8.
- Press extract. The processing runs on your computer, never on a server.
- Download the new PDF, with only the pages you chose.
Nothing to install, no account and no upload wait. The result appears instantly, and the original file stays untouched on your computer.
How to specify the pages you want to extract
In the pages field, type single numbers and ranges separated by commas. For example, "1-3, 5, 8" means pages 1, 2, 3, 5 and 8.
The result is a single new PDF with all the chosen pages inside it, the tool does not split each page into its own file. And the pages always come out in the document's original order, even if you type them in a different order: typing "5, 1-3" always produces a PDF with pages 1, 2, 3 and 5, never with page 5 first.
Page numbers beyond the document's total are silently ignored. You only get an error if, after ignoring the invalid ones, no valid page is left to extract, for example typing "20" on a 10 page document.
Tips for splitting PDFs
- Make sure the file opens in another reader before loading it. A password-protected PDF will not open in this tool (it cannot read encrypted files), and a corrupted file also errors when opening. Check that the PDF opens normally in another reader before loading it here to split.
- The result is a new PDF. The original file is not changed: it stays untouched on your computer, and you get a new, independent file with only the pages you specified.
- It works on your phone. The tool was built mobile first, and the pages field works by touch.
- It works offline. Once the page has loaded once, you can split PDFs with the network off, the work is all done by your processor.
- Combine with other tools. Need to merge the result with another file? Use Merge PDF. Want to remove pages for good or straighten sideways ones? See Delete pages and Rotate pages.
Is splitting PDFs free? What are the limits?
This tool is part of the Premium subscription, EUR 1.99 a month, which removes the limits on every tool and adds OCR. Sign PDF opens on the free plan, with one signature a day.
| Plan | What it allows |
|---|---|
| Free plan | Only Sign PDF opens without paying, with one signature a day and files up to 10 MB. |
| Premium (EUR 1.99/month) | This tool is part of the subscription: no limits anywhere, plus OCR and larger batches. |
Questions about splitting PDF.
Does splitting a PDF create several files or just one?
It creates a single new PDF, with all the chosen pages inside it. This tool does not split each page into its own file: it gathers the selection into one document.
Does the original file get changed?
No. The original PDF stays untouched on your computer. The result is a new, independent file, with only the pages you specified.
How do I specify the pages I want to extract?
In the pages field, type single numbers and ranges separated by commas, for example 1-3, 5, 8. The tool reads that as pages 1, 2, 3, 5 and 8.
I asked for a page that does not exist in the document, does it error?
Not directly. Page numbers beyond the document's total are silently ignored, with no warning. You only get an error if, after ignoring the invalid ones, no valid page is left to extract, for example typing "20" on a 10 page document.
Does the final file follow the page order I typed in the field?
No. Pages always come out in the document's original order, even if you type them in a different order. Typing "5, 1-3" always produces a PDF with pages 1, 2, 3 and 5, never with page 5 first.
Is splitting PDFs free?
No. This tool is part of the Premium subscription, EUR 1.99 a month, which removes the limits on every tool and adds OCR. Sign PDF opens on the free plan, with one signature a day.
Why does opening the PDF in this tool give an error?
Most likely because the file is password protected (this tool cannot open encrypted PDFs) or corrupted and not a valid PDF. Check that the file opens normally in another reader before loading it here to split.
Keep reading
How to rotate PDF pages
Step by step to rotate PDF pages 90, 180 or 270 degrees, all or only the ones you specify, with the rotation written into the file and nothing sent to a server.
How to delete PDF pages
Step by step to remove pages from a PDF, by numbers or ranges, without changing the order of the rest and without uploading anything.
How to reorder PDF pages
Step by step to change the page order by dragging thumbnails or typing the order, without losing quality and without uploading anything.
Only need a few pages?
Extract them now.
Open the tool and try it. Nothing to install, nothing sent anywhere.
Open Split and extract PDF