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Quick answer
To split a PDF, open Zappy Split PDF, add your file, then either enter page ranges (for example 1–3 and 4–9) or choose Split every page. Click Split PDF and download the new files, bundled in one ZIP. It is free, needs no account, and the split runs in your browser, so nothing is uploaded.
How to split a PDF in 3 steps
The steps are the same on a Windows PC, a Mac, a Chromebook or a phone.
Add your PDF
Open Split PDF and drop your file in. PDFs up to 500 MB work, including long scanned documents.
Choose how to split it
Pick Custom page ranges to decide which pages go into each new file, or Split every page to turn each page into its own PDF.
Split and download
Click Split PDF. All the new files download together in one ZIP.
How to split a PDF into multiple files by page range
Page ranges are the right choice when a long document needs to become a few smaller ones. A 40-page report might become an introduction, a main section and an appendix.
- Add one range for each file you want, such as 1–5, 6–30 and 31–40.
- Ranges can overlap if two files need the same page, such as a cover sheet.
- All the ranges are processed in one pass.
How to split a PDF into single pages
Choose Split every page and each page becomes its own PDF. This is handy for scanned stacks of receipts, forms or invoices that ended up in one file.
Because a 50-page PDF gives you 50 files, they arrive together in one ZIP so your downloads folder stays tidy.
How to split a PDF on a Mac
Preview can pull pages out of a PDF without extra software:
- Open the PDF in Preview and choose View > Thumbnails.
- Select the pages you want to keep together.
- Drag them from the sidebar onto your desktop. Preview saves them as a new PDF.
This is fine for one or two sections. For several ranges at once, Split PDF is faster.
How to split a PDF on Windows or iPhone
Windows has no built-in way to split a PDF. A common workaround is to print the pages you want to Microsoft Print to PDF, but that re-creates the pages, which can lose links and make text harder to select.
On an iPhone, the easiest route is to open Split PDF in Safari, pick the file from the Files app and choose your ranges. Nothing needs to be installed.
Splitting a PDF without Adobe Acrobat
The free Adobe Acrobat Reader cannot split PDFs. That feature needs a paid Acrobat subscription.
Swipe to compare →
| Zappy Split PDF | Mac Preview | Adobe Acrobat Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free (Mac only) | Paid subscription |
| Several ranges at once | Yes | One selection at a time | Yes |
| Every page as its own file | Yes, as one ZIP | Page by page | Yes |
| Works on Windows and phones | Yes | No | Needs the app |
| Files uploaded | No, split in your browser | No | Depends on the version |
Tips before you split
- Check the page numbers. Use the page count the tool shows, not the numbers printed on the pages, which often start after a cover.
- Remove pages instead? If you only want to drop a few pages, Delete PDF pages is quicker.
- Put it back together later. To rejoin files in a new order, see how to merge PDF files.
- Still too big to email? Run the parts through Compress PDF.
Frequently asked questions
How do I split a PDF into multiple files for free?
Open Zappy Split PDF, add your file, enter a page range for each new file and click Split PDF. The files download together as a ZIP. There is no account and no watermark.
How do I split a PDF into single pages?
Choose Split every page. Each page becomes its own PDF, and all of them download in one ZIP.
Can I split a PDF without Adobe Acrobat?
Yes. The free Acrobat Reader cannot split files, but Zappy Split PDF can, in any browser. On a Mac, Preview can also pull pages out.
How do I extract one page from a PDF?
Add a single range with the same start and end page, for example 7 to 7. That page downloads as its own PDF.
How do I split a PDF on a Mac?
Open it in Preview, show thumbnails, select the pages you want and drag them to the desktop. For several ranges at once, use Split PDF in Safari or Chrome.
Is there a size limit?
You can split PDFs up to 500 MB. Because it runs in your browser, very large files depend on your device's memory.
Are my files uploaded?
No. Zappy splits PDFs inside your browser, so your document stays on your device.