How to Split a PDF by Page Ranges (Step-by-Step)

Splitting a PDF into exact page ranges helps you send only the chapters or records that matter. pdfjuggler runs the entire workflow in your browser, so you can spin off targeted PDFs in minutes without uploading anything to a server.

This walkthrough is ideal for auditors preparing board packets, marketers trimming long playbooks, and students sharing highlighted readings. Each step mirrors the live interface, includes contextual calls to action, and links out to supportive guides so you always know the next best move.

Before you start: tools, files, and timing

Have the PDF you want to divide saved locally, open the Split PDF tool in a modern browser, and confirm the document is not locked. Keep the password nearby if protection is enabled so you can authorize the split.

• Tools and supplies. You only need the Split PDF web app, your browser, and optional cloud storage for backups. Practice first with the Advanced PDF Tools Checklist if you want to test the workflow.
• Estimated time. Plan for 7–10 minutes including review, or slightly longer if the file has hundreds of pages.
• Difficulty rating. This is an Easy task. The live preview and validation catch typos before you export.

Once those basics are ready, follow the steps below in order so each exported file lands in the correct folder.

Detailed steps with visuals

1. Launch the Split PDF tool. Visit the Split PDF workspace to load the offline-ready interface and bookmark it for future batches. Need higher limits? Reach out via the in-app chat before moving on.

   

2. Add the PDF to the workspace. Drag the file into the drop zone or click Browse for PDF and let the app display the total page count. Processing happens locally, so even sensitive contracts or health records stay on your device; try the checklist sample first if you want a dry run.

   

3. Type the exact page ranges. Enter values like 1-5,8,12-16, using hyphens for spans and commas for breaks. The tool validates each number instantly, so keep the source PDF open in another tab for quick cross-checks.

   

4. Confirm the preview. Scroll through the thumbnails and make sure every highlighted page matches your ranges. Adjust the text field if you spot a gap—the preview refreshes the moment you edit it.

   

5. Run the split. Click Split PDF and let the progress bar finish; the WebAssembly engine does the work offline, so slow Wi-Fi cannot derail it. Use the downtime to queue a second document or open the Remove Pages tool if you need to trim covers first.

   

6. Download the results. Save the ZIP archive with one PDF per range and sync it to your project folder or cloud drive. Need a lightweight package? Jump straight to the Compress PDF tool using the on-screen shortcut.

   

7. Organize the split files. Rename each PDF with clear labels before sharing and, if needed, combine related sections with the Merge PDF tool or tidy layouts via the Organize & Rotate guide. Power users can build local automation presets with their own tools to speed up future batches.

   

By following these steps, you produce range-specific PDFs in minutes without exposing private data or installing desktop software. Each step builds on the last, giving you confidence that the exported files match the plan you created up front.

Troubleshooting and smart alternatives

• The split button is disabled. Fix typos or overlapping values in the range field; the button reactivates once every number is valid. Roman numerals in the table of contents often mask the actual page index, so double-check the preview pane.
• The preview looks blurry. Give the thumbnails a second to render or switch to the single-page view for a crisp look. If the source scan is damaged, run through the Repair PDF guide before splitting.
• The resulting ZIP is too large for email. Use the prompt to compress PDFs or share the cloud link instead of the attachment.
• You need to extract text instead. Start with the Convert PDF to Word tutorial to create editable files, then split inside your editor.
• Prefer a single combined PDF. Merge the exported ranges with the Merge PDF tool to deliver a curated package without filler pages.

If none of these options solve your challenge, reach out through the in-app chat bubble or review the complete PDF toolkit guide for advanced walkthroughs.

Final checklist

• Confirm you have the right PDF and that it opens correctly in your browser.
• Launch the Split PDF tool and upload the document.
• Enter clean, comma-separated page ranges and verify them in the preview.
• Run the split, wait for the progress bar to finish, and download the ZIP archive.
• Rename, merge, or compress the exported PDFs before sharing them.
• Archive the original file plus the new range-specific PDFs for safekeeping.

Keep this checklist nearby whenever someone asks for only a slice of a large PDF. pdfjuggler keeps the workflow inside your browser, so you stay fast, secure, and organized.