How to split a PDF and save only the pages you need

3 min read · Updated October 2026

Sometimes you only need part of a PDF: one page of a contract, a chapter of a report, or the pages a form asks for. Here's how to pull them out into a new file.

Extract pages online (any device)

  1. Open Split PDF and choose your file.
  2. Look at the page previews to find the pages you want.
  3. Type them, using commas and ranges: for example 1-3, 5, 8-10.
  4. Click Extract and download your new PDF.

Your original file isn't changed, and nothing is uploaded.

Reorder while extracting

Pages are saved in the order you type them, so 5, 1, 2 puts page 5 first.

Remove pages instead

If it's easier to say which pages you don't want, use Delete pages, for example to remove blank pages or a cover.

On a Mac

In Preview, show thumbnails (View, then Thumbnails), select the pages you want, and drag them to your desktop to create a new PDF.

Splitting into several files

Run the extract step once for each part you need, such as pages 1–10, then 11–20. Name each file clearly before sending.

Frequently asked questions

Does splitting change my original file?

No. A new PDF is created with only the pages you chose; the original stays exactly as it was.

Can I extract pages from a password-protected PDF?

Not until the password is removed. If you have permission, open it in a PDF reader that supports saving without the password, then split it.

Will the text still be searchable?

Yes. Pages are copied as they are, including text, images and links on the page.

How do I split every page into its own file?

Extract each page with its number (1, then 2, and so on). For long documents, consider whether a few larger parts would serve the reader better.

Install DocNova

The app is free, opens like a normal app, and works offline for tools you've used.