How to Split PDF — Separate Pages Online Free
Sometimes you only need a few pages from a large PDF, or you need to break a document into smaller parts. PDFScan Pro's free online PDF splitter lets you extract specific pages or divide a PDF into multiple files — directly in your browser, with no software to install.
Common Reasons to Split a PDF
- Extract specific pages — pull out only the pages you need from a large report or manual.
- Share partial documents — send just the relevant section of a contract to a client instead of the entire file.
- Reduce file size — splitting a 200-page PDF into chapters makes each file lighter and easier to handle.
- Remove sensitive pages — strip out confidential pages before sharing a document externally.
- Organize scanned documents — separate a batch scan into individual documents (invoices, forms, receipts).
How to Split a PDF in 4 Steps
Step 1: Open the Split PDF Tool
Visit the Split PDF tool on PDFScan Pro. It works on any device and browser.
Step 2: Upload Your PDF
Drag and drop your PDF into the upload area, or click to browse and select it. Once uploaded, you will see a preview of all pages in the document.
Step 3: Select Pages to Extract
Choose how you want to split the PDF. You can select individual pages by clicking on them, enter a page range (e.g., 1-5, 8, 12-15), or split into equal parts. The tool processes everything in your browser using pdf-lib, so your files stay private.
Step 4: Download the Split Files
Click "Split" and download the resulting PDF files. If you extracted a range, you get one file. If you split into multiple parts, you can download each one individually.
Split vs. Extract: What is the Difference?
Splitting divides the entire PDF into multiple smaller files. For example, a 20-page PDF split every 5 pages creates four separate documents.
Extracting pulls out specific pages into a new PDF. For example, extracting pages 3, 7, and 12 from a 20-page document gives you a 3-page PDF containing only those pages.
PDFScan Pro supports both operations in the same tool — choose whichever fits your needs.
Tips for Splitting PDFs
- Preview first — scroll through the page previews to identify exactly which pages you need.
- Combine with merge — after splitting, you can use the Merge PDF tool to combine extracted pages from different documents into one new file.
- Add page numbers — after splitting, use Page Numbers to add sequential numbering to your new document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is splitting a PDF free?
Yes. PDFScan Pro lets you split PDFs for free with our online tool. The entire process runs in your browser — no sign-up or payment required.
Does splitting affect the quality?
No. Splitting simply separates existing pages into new files. The text, images, and formatting remain exactly as they were in the original document. There is no quality loss.
Can I split a password-protected PDF?
You need to remove the password protection first. Use our Unlock PDF tool to remove the password, then split the document.