How to split a PDF into separate files
Sometimes one PDF should really be several: a batch of invoices scanned together, a report whose chapters go to different people, or a long contract when the other side only needs the signed page. Splitting takes a few taps, and you choose exactly where the cuts go.
Updated October 23, 2026 · 2 min read
Four ways to split
- Only the selected pages: one new PDF with just the pages you ticked. Ideal for sending only the page that matters.
- One file per page: every page becomes its own PDF.
- Every few pages: a new file every 2, 3 or however many pages you choose, for example every 2 pages for double-sided forms.
- At the selected pages: a new file starts at each page you ticked, which is the way to cut a document into chapters.
Split a PDF
- 1Open Organize pages and choose your PDF.
- 2For the two options based on a selection, tick the pages first in the thumbnails. The toolbar shows how many pages are selected.
- 3Open More (the three dots at the top right) and choose Split into files.
- 4Pick one of the four ways. For Every few pages, set the number of Pages per file.
- 5Tap Split. Your files download straight away.
What you get
Only the selected pages gives you a single PDF, named after your document with “selected-pages” added. The other three options produce several PDFs, so they are saved together in one ZIP file, named after your document with “split” added. Inside, the files are numbered in order: report-1.pdf, report-2.pdf and so on.
On a computer, double-click the ZIP to open it. On Android, the Files app can extract it. On an iPhone, open it in the Files app and tap it once to unpack it into a folder.
Examples
- You scanned ten receipts in one go: choose One file per page to get ten separate PDFs for your expense claim.
- You filled in a form where each person uses two pages: Every few pages with 2 pages per file gives one form per person.
- A report has three chapters: tick the first page of chapters two and three, then choose At the selected pages to get three files.
- The other side only needs the signature page: tick it and choose Only the selected pages.
Pick the pages quickly
In a long document, scroll through the pages in the middle to find the ones you need: the matching thumbnail is highlighted as you read, so you can tick it straight away. To keep every page except a few, use Select all, then untick the ones to leave out. If you change your mind, Clear removes the whole selection.
Your original stays as it was
Splitting creates new files and leaves the document open in PDF Tools untouched, so you can split it again a different way or keep editing. The file on your device is never changed. And as with every tool here, the PDF is processed in your browser and never uploaded.
Questions
Why did I get a ZIP file?
When a split produces several PDFs, they are saved together in one ZIP so your browser downloads a single file. Open it to find each PDF.
Why can’t I choose Only the selected pages?
That option, and At the selected pages, need at least one page ticked. Close the window, tick pages in the thumbnails and open Split into files again.
Can I split a password-protected PDF?
Yes. PDF Tools asks for the password when you open the file, then you can split it like any other.
Does splitting change my original file?
No. The new files are separate downloads, and your original file is left exactly as it was.
Try it now
Free, in your browser, and your files stay on your device.