Split PDF
Select pages to save each as a separate PDF, downloaded in a ZIP file.
Split PDF Online
In the digital world, we often deal with "PDF Bloat." You scan a stack of invoices, and they arrive as one massive 50-page file. You download an eBook, but you only need Chapter 3. You receive a contract, but you need to send just the signature page to your lawyer. Sending the entire, bulky document is unprofessional, slow, and often confusing for the recipient. ToolCompanion offers the ultimate Split PDF tool to solve this problem instantly.
Our tool allows you to deconstruct any PDF document. You can explode a large file into individual pages, creating a separate file for every single page, or select specific pages to isolate. Whether you are organizing digital records, separating chapters, or protecting sensitive info by removing pages, our split pdf online tool puts you in control. Best of all, it works entirely in your browser using secure client-side technology, ensuring your sensitive documents never leave your device.
What Does "Splitting a PDF" Actually Mean?
To understand why this tool is essential, we must define the process. Splitting is the act of taking a single multi-page document and breaking it down into smaller, independent units.
Think of a physical notebook.
- Without Splitting: You have to hand someone the entire notebook just so they can read one page.
- With Splitting: You tear out the specific pages you need and hand them over individually.
Our pdf splitter automates this digital "tearing" process. It analyzes the code of your document and creates new file headers for every page you select, turning "Report.pdf" (10 pages) into "Page_1.pdf", "Page_2.pdf", and so on.
Split vs. Extract: Which Tool Do You Need?
This is the #1 source of confusion for users. We offer two similar tools, and choosing the wrong one can be frustrating. Here is the definitive guide:
1. The Split Tool (This Tool)
- Action: Breaks a file into many pieces.
- Goal: "I want to turn this 10-page file into ten separate 1-page files."
- Output: You get a ZIP archive containing multiple PDF files.
- Best For: Separating invoices, breaking down scanned chapters, or processing bulk data.
2. The Extract Tool
- Action: Pulls specific pages into one new file.
- Goal: "I want to take pages 2, 5, and 7 from this big report and save them as one new 3-page summary."
- Output: You get a single PDF file.
- Best For: Creating summaries, removing unwanted pages, or curating a portfolio.
If you need to create a single new file from a selection, please use our Extract PDF Pages tool instead. If you want to explode a document into separate files, stay right here.
Why Use an Online PDF Splitter?
The Problem: "Unwieldy Documents"
Large PDFs are difficult to manage.
- Email Limits: A 50MB scanned contract is too big to email. Splitting it into parts makes it sendable.
- Confidentiality: You cannot send a 100-page financial report to a client if Page 50 contains your internal profit margins. You must split that page out.
- Organization: Searching for a specific receipt inside a 300-page "2023_Receipts.pdf" takes forever. Having them as separate files is efficient.
The Solution: Precision and Speed
- Visual Selection: You don't need to know page numbers. Our tool displays thumbnail previews for each page. Just click the ones you want.
- Bulk Processing: You can split a 200-page document into 200 separate files in seconds. Doing this manually would take hours.
- Zero Quality Loss: We do not "re-print" your pages; we mathematically separate them. The text, fonts, and images remain 100% crisp and original.
How to Split a PDF (Step-by-Step)
We have designed our interface to be the fastest way to separate pdf pages.
Upload Your File
Visual Selection
Once uploaded, you will see a grid of page thumbnails.
- Select Specific Pages: Click individual pages (e.g., Page 1, Page 5) to mark them for splitting.
- Select All: Use the "Select All" button if your goal is to turn every page into its own file.
Split
Download
Privacy Focus: 100% Client-Side Processing
Security is critical when handling legal contracts, medical records, or financial statements. Most online splitters require you to upload your file to a cloud server.
No Server Uploads
Our split pdf engine uses WebAssembly to process your document locally in your browser.
Data Isolation
Your PDF never leaves your computer. We cannot see it, store it, or leak it.
GDPR Compliance
Since we never touch your data, you remain fully compliant with data privacy regulations while using our tool.
Practical Use Cases for Splitting PDFs
Who actually needs to split pdf pages? Almost everyone. Here are the most common scenarios where this tool saves the day.
The Accountant (Invoice Separation)
- Scenario: You scan 50 invoices into a single batch file to save time at the scanner.
- Problem: Your accounting software requires each invoice to be uploaded separately.
- Solution: Upload the batch scan, click "Select All," and split. You instantly have 50 individual invoice files ready for import.
The HR Manager (Employee Onboarding)
- Scenario: A new hire sends one PDF containing their Passport, Tax Forms, Diploma, and Signed Offer Letter.
- Problem: You need to file the Passport in the "ID" folder and the Tax Form in the "Payroll" folder.
- Solution: Split the document. Rename "Page 1.pdf" to "Passport.pdf" and file it correctly.
The Real Estate Agent (Closing Packets)
- Scenario: You receive a 100-page closing packet from the title company.
- Problem: You need to email just the "Termite Inspection Report" (Pages 40-45) to the buyer.
- Solution: Select pages 40-45 and split them out. Now you can email just the relevant report without overwhelming the client.
The Student (Workbook Sharing)
- Scenario: You have a massive PDF textbook.
- Problem: You want to study just "Chapter 4" on your tablet without scrolling through 500 pages.
- Solution: Split the chapter pages into a separate file. It loads faster and keeps you focused.
The Graphic Designer (Proof Variations)
- Scenario: You export a PDF with 5 different logo concepts on 5 pages.
- Problem: You want to send Concept A to Client A and Concept B to Client B.
- Solution: Split the PDF into individual concept files so each client only sees the version meant for them.
The Legal Professional (Discovery)
- Scenario: You have a "dump" of scanned emails for evidence.
- Problem: Some emails are privileged (confidential) and cannot be shared with the opposing counsel.
- Solution: Split the document into individual pages. Delete the confidential pages. Then use our Merge PDF tool to re-combine the remaining pages into a "Clean" document.
The Sales Team (Catalog Management)
- Scenario: Your company has a Master Catalog PDF including wholesale pricing.
- Problem: You want to send the catalog to a retail customer, but without the wholesale price sheet at the end.
- Solution: Split the PDF. Send only the product pages, keeping the pricing page private.
The Archivist (Digital Cleanup)
- Scenario: You are digitizing old family records. You scanned Grandma's recipes, deeds, and letters into one long strip.
- Problem: It’s a mess.
- Solution: Split the scan into individual files. Rename them by date or category for a searchable family archive.
How to Split PDFs Manually (Without Tools)
While our tool is the fastest way to split files in bulk, you can sometimes achieve basic results using built-in software. Here is how to do it on major platforms.
Method 1: The "Print to PDF" Hack (Chrome/Edge)
This works on any computer with a web browser.
- Open your PDF in Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.
- Press Ctrl+P (Command+P on Mac) to open the Print menu.
- Important Step: Set the Destination or Printer option to Save as PDF (or Microsoft Print to PDF).
- Under "Pages," switch from "All" to "Custom".
- Type the page number you want to extract (e.g., 5 or 1-5).
- Click Save.
- Limitation: You can only save one file at a time. If you need to split 50 pages into 50 files, you have to repeat this process 50 times. Our tool does it in 1 click.
Method 2: Mac Preview (macOS)
Mac users have a built-in tool.
- Open the PDF in Preview.
- Open the thumbnail sidebar (View > Thumbnails).
- Select the page thumbnail you want to split.
- Drag and drop that thumbnail from the sidebar onto your Desktop.
- It instantly creates a new PDF file for that page.
- Limitation: Great for one-off pages, but tedious for splitting entire documents.
Method 3: Windows (No Native Tool)
Windows does not have a native "Split" tool in File Explorer. You are forced to use the "Print to PDF" hack mentioned in Method 1, or use an online pdf splitter like ToolCompanion.
Troubleshooting Common Splitting Issues
1. "Why did I get a ZIP file?"
If you split a file into multiple parts, your browser cannot download 50 separate files at once without crashing or triggering spam blockers.
The Fix: We bundle them into a ZIP archive. Simply double-click the ZIP to open it (or use our ZIP Extractor tool) to see your files.
2. "The split pages are blank"
This happens with XFA Forms or encrypted files.
The Fix: If the PDF is a fillable form, "Flatten" it first by printing it to PDF, then split the flattened version.
3. "File is Password Protected"
You cannot split a locked file.
The Fix: Use our Unlock PDF tool to remove the password first. Once unlocked, upload it here to split it.
4. "The file size is huge"
Splitting a 500MB file takes memory. If your browser crashes, it ran out of RAM.
The Fix: Try closing other tabs. If that fails, compress the file first using Compress PDF to make it lighter, then split it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
FAQ 1: How do I split a PDF into multiple files?
Upload your document to our tool. You will see a preview of all pages. Click "Select All" (or select specific pages), click "Split PDF," and download the resulting ZIP file. Inside, you will find a separate PDF file for every page you selected.
FAQ 2: What is the difference between "Split" and "Extract"?
Split creates many new files (e.g., separating every page of a book). Extract creates one new file containing a specific selection (e.g., saving just Chapter 1). Use our Extract PDF Pages tool for the latter.
FAQ 3: I split my file. How do I put some pages back together?
Often, splitting is just the first step. After you unzip your new files, you can grab the specific ones you need and use our Merge PDF tool to stitch them back together into a new, custom document.
FAQ 4: Is it safe to split confidential PDFs?
Yes. Our tool is 100% client-side. Your file is processed by your own computer's processor within the browser window. It is never uploaded to our cloud, making it safe for legal and financial data.
FAQ 5: Can I split a password-protected PDF?
No. The encryption prevents the tool from reading the page breaks. You must remove the password first using our Unlock PDF tool.
FAQ 6: Why is the split taking so long?
Because the processing happens on your device (Client-Side), the speed depends on your computer's CPU. Splitting a 500-page high-resolution scan takes significant processing power. Please be patient and keep the tab open.
Summary and Final Notes
The ToolCompanion Split PDF tool gives you granular control over your documents. It frees your pages from the "PDF Prison" of massive, merged files.
Whether you are an accountant organizing invoices or a student separating chapters, use this secure, private, and free tool to simplify your digital life.