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How to Split a PDF by Pages, Ranges, or File Size

PDF splitting can export every page, split selected page ranges, or create smaller parts to satisfy upload size limits.

Published July 2, 2026 · 6 min read

Before splitting a PDF, decide whether you need every page as a file, several page ranges, or smaller parts for an upload limit.

Three Common Split Modes

ModeExampleBest for
Every pageExport pages 1, 2, 3 separatelySubmitting scanned pages one by one
Page ranges1-3, 4-8, 9-12Splitting by chapters or attachments
By size targetKeep each part below a limit5MB or 10MB upload limits

Exact automatic size-based splitting is hard because scanned pages, photos, and text pages vary widely. A practical workflow is to split by ranges, then check each output file size.

How to Write Page Ranges

A common syntax is 1-3,5,8-10, which means pages 1 through 3, page 5, and pages 8 through 10. Check whether PDF page numbers match the reader display before exporting.