Splitting a PDF is one of those tasks you only notice when it becomes urgent:
- send only page 3 of a contract
- remove a confidential page before sharing
- split a 100-page scan into smaller chapters
- extract invoices from a combined PDF
If you’re searching for:
- split pdf online
- extract pages from pdf
- split pdf into separate files
- split pdf free
- smallpdf split pdf alternative
- ilovepdf split pdf alternative
- ihatepdf split pdf alternative
…this guide will help you do it fast and safely.
Quick solution: split a PDF with PDFhero
Open the tool: Split PDF
How to split a PDF (step-by-step)
Step 1: Open the Split PDF tool
Go to: PDFhero Split PDF
Step 2: Upload your PDF
Step 3: Choose a split method
Most split tools support one or more of these:
- Extract page range (example: pages 2-5)
- Extract specific pages (example: pages 1, 3, 9)
- Split every N pages (example: every 10 pages)
- Split by bookmarks (if supported)
Step 4: Download results
You’ll typically get:
- multiple PDFs
- or a ZIP with all split files
Common reasons PDFs won’t split cleanly
The PDF is corrupted
If splitting fails:
- try repairing the PDF first
- then split again
The PDF is password-protected
You may need to unlock it (if you have permission) before splitting.
The PDF is a scan with huge pages
Large scans can be slow. Consider compressing after you split.
Best practices (avoid mistakes)
Double-check page numbering
Some PDFs have cover pages or roman numerals. Always preview the page before extracting.
Keep originals
Save the original PDF as a backup. Splitting generates new files.
Split first, then compress
If you compress first, you may reduce quality across all pages. Split first so you only compress what you need.
PDFhero vs Smallpdf / iLovePDF / iHatePDF-style split tools
Privacy
Many online PDF sites upload your document to a server. If your file contains sensitive data (IDs, salaries, invoices), this matters.
PDFhero is designed for private, in-browser processing for typical workflows.
Speed
Uploads are often the slowest step. Local processing avoids upload waiting time.
Limits and paywalls
A lot of “free” split tools add limits after a few tasks. Choose tools that are consistent.
FAQ: Split PDF
Can I split a PDF on mobile?
Yes. The workflow is the same. Large scans may take longer on mobile.
Can I extract just one page?
Yes. Select a single page and export it as a new PDF.
Will splitting reduce quality?
Splitting alone usually doesn’t reduce quality. Quality loss typically comes from compression.
Try it now
Open: Split PDF with PDFhero
If you want, I can write the next SEO post about JPG to PDF, Add Watermark, Rotate PDF, or PDF to PNG.
