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Split PDF by Page Range

Last reviewed: 2026-07-10

Quick Answer

Enter the needed page range, preview the source order, and download only the extracted pages.

Page ranges are useful when a long PDF contains one section you need to send separately. The main thing to check is page numbering, because cover pages and inserts can make printed numbers different from PDF order.

Try the free tool

Use Split PDF for this task. Processed entirely in your browser. The selected file is not uploaded to FileLume. No sign-up required.

Open Split PDF

Quick Facts

File handling
Processed entirely in your browser. The selected file is not uploaded to FileLume.
Specific example
Saving pages 2–5 from a long policy document.
Important constraint
Viewer page labels can differ from the PDF’s actual page positions.
Exact tool state
/pdf/split-pdf
Structured data
HowTo
File handling
Processed entirely in your browser. The selected file is not uploaded to FileLume.

How to do this

  1. Open Split PDF.
  2. Upload the PDF you want to separate.
  3. Enter the page range, such as 1-3, 5, or 8-10, based on the PDF viewer order.
  4. Download the extracted PDF and check that the correct pages were included.

Ready to try it?

Start with Split PDF, then review the output before uploading, emailing, or submitting the file elsewhere.

Use Split PDF

Best for

Saving a section from a report, pulling selected forms from a packet, or sending only required pages.

Not ideal for

Splitting by chapter titles, OCR text, bookmarks, or printed page labels without checking actual page order.

Best for

  • Extracting pages 2-4 from an application packet
  • Sending only a signed section from a contract
  • Separating one report chapter before email

Tips

  • Count the cover page as page 1 if the PDF viewer does.
  • Open the source PDF beside FileLume when page numbers are confusing.
  • Use commas for separate pages and hyphens for ranges when the tool accepts them.

Not ideal for / limitations

  • Viewer page labels can differ from the PDF’s actual page positions.
  • Printed page numbers may not match the PDF's actual page index.
  • Damaged or protected PDFs can fail to split.
  • Split output keeps the selected pages; it does not rewrite their visible page numbers.

Common Errors & Fixes

Problem: The wrong pages were extracted.
Fix: Recount using the PDF viewer's page order, including cover pages and blank pages.
Problem: The range format is rejected.
Fix: Use simple ranges such as 1-3, 5, 8-10 and avoid words or spaces that the tool does not expect.
Problem: The file is still too big after splitting.
Fix: Run Compress PDF on the extracted result.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I write a PDF page range?

Use the actual page numbers shown by the PDF viewer, such as 1-3 for a range or 2, 5 for separate pages.

Can I split multiple ranges at once?

Use the range format supported by the tool, then review the output to confirm the right pages were included.

Does splitting delete pages from the original?

No. It creates a new output file while the original PDF remains unchanged.

What if the PDF has cover pages?

Count cover pages in the PDF order even if the printed page number starts later.

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