How to Split a PDF Online for Free
Sometimes you only need a few pages from a large PDF — the signature page from a contract, a single invoice from a bundled statement, or one chapter from a report. Splitting a PDF shouldn't require a subscription or a desktop app. This guide shows you how to do it in seconds, entirely in your browser.
Two ways to split a PDF
Most splitting tasks fall into one of two categories:
- Extract a page range — pull out specific pages (e.g. pages 3–7) into a new PDF
- Split all pages — separate every page into its own individual PDF file, downloaded as a ZIP
The right method depends on your goal. Extracting a range is best when you need a specific section. Splitting all pages is useful when you need to work with individual pages separately — for scanning, archiving, or redistribution.
How to split a PDF in your browser
Most PDF splitters upload your file to a remote server. For sensitive documents — legal papers, financial statements, medical records — that's an unnecessary risk. Browser-based processing keeps your file on your device.
Split PDF free — files never leave your device
Open Split Tool →- Go to the Split PDF tool
- Drag your PDF onto the drop zone, or click to browse
- Choose your split mode:
- Extract page range — enter the pages you want (e.g. "1-3, 5")
- Split all pages — creates one PDF per page, bundled as a ZIP
- Click Split PDF
- Download your extracted PDF or ZIP archive instantly
Page range format explained
The page range input accepts a simple format:
| Input | Pages extracted |
|---|---|
| 3 | Page 3 only |
| 1-5 | Pages 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |
| 1-3, 7 | Pages 1, 2, 3, and 7 |
| 2, 5-8, 10 | Pages 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10 |
Separate page numbers with commas. Use a dash for consecutive ranges. You can combine both in one entry.
Does splitting affect quality?
No. The split tool copies pages directly from the source PDF without re-encoding them. Image quality, text sharpness, vector graphics, and embedded fonts are preserved exactly as in the original document.
The only caveat: if your PDF is password-protected, it must be unlocked before splitting. Remove the password first in Adobe Acrobat or Preview (Mac), then proceed.
Tips for best results
- Compress after splitting — if the extracted pages are still large (common with scanned documents), run the output through the Compress PDF tool to reduce size.
- Merge to reorder — if you need a specific page order, split out the sections you need, then use the Merge PDF tool to combine them in the right order.
- Large documents — splitting a 200-page PDF in "split all pages" mode generates 200 separate files. This works fine in modern browsers but may take 30–60 seconds on older devices.
Frequently asked questions
Can I split a PDF for free without signing up?
Yes. PeakPDFs requires no account, no email, and is completely free. There are no file count limits or watermarks on the output.
Will the extracted pages look the same as the original?
Yes. Pages are copied directly from the source document — no re-encoding happens, so quality is identical to the original.
How many pages can I split at once?
As many as your browser can handle. "Split all pages" mode creates one file per page and bundles them into a ZIP. For very large documents (200+ pages), this may take a minute on slower devices.
Can I split a password-protected PDF?
No. The browser cannot read locked files. Remove the password first in Acrobat or Preview (Mac), then split.
What's the difference between "Extract page range" and "Split all pages"?
Extract page range creates a single PDF containing only the pages you specified. Split all pages creates a separate PDF for each page, bundled together in a ZIP download.