How to Split a PDF with ModernPDF
Upload your PDF
Drag your file into the split tool or click to browse. Your file stays in your browser — nothing is uploaded.
Choose how to split
Extract specific pages (e.g. 1, 3, 7), define ranges (1-5, 6-10), or split every N pages. You see a live preview of each page before splitting.
Download your files
Click split and download each resulting file individually, or grab them all at once.
When to Split a PDF
Splitting is useful whenever you need to share part of a document without exposing the whole thing. Common scenarios include extracting a signature page from a contract, pulling a single chapter from a report, separating individual invoices from a batch, or breaking a large file into email-friendly chunks.
Split Methods Explained
Extract specific pages
Best for grabbing individual pages like a cover sheet, a specific table, or a single form. Enter comma-separated page numbers and each one becomes its own PDF.
Split by range
Ideal for dividing a document into logical sections. Enter ranges like 1-10, 11-20, 21-30 to create separate files for each section of a long report or manual.
Split every N pages
Useful for batch processing. If you have a 100-page PDF of individual forms (one per page), splitting every 1 page gives you 100 separate files instantly.
Alternative Methods
Adobe Acrobat Pro
Acrobat's "Organize Pages" feature lets you extract and split pages, but it requires a paid subscription starting at $12.99/month. The interface is powerful but heavier than a browser-based tool.
macOS Preview
You can drag pages from Preview's sidebar to the desktop to create separate PDFs. It works for quick extractions but becomes tedious with more than a few pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I extract specific pages from a PDF?
Yes. ModernPDF lets you specify exact page numbers or ranges like 1-3, 5, 8-12. Each range becomes its own PDF file, ready to download immediately.
Will splitting a PDF reduce quality?
No. Splitting simply separates existing pages into new files without any recompression or quality loss. Text, images, and vector graphics remain identical to the original.
Is it safe to split sensitive documents?
With ModernPDF, splitting happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your PDF is never uploaded to any server, making it safe for contracts, financial statements, medical records, and any other confidential documents.
Can I split a password-protected PDF?
If the PDF requires a password to open, you'll need to enter it first. ModernPDF can split the unlocked document normally once you provide the password. The resulting files will not carry the password protection.