Need only pages 1 to 3 and page 5 from a long PDF? The PDF Split by Page Range tool pulls the pages you list into one new PDF. You type the range, and the tool builds the file.
It suits students, office workers, and anyone who must send part of a document. It makes a single combined file, not several files.
Table of Contents
- What the Tool Does
- How to Use It, Step by Step
- How It Works
- A Usage Walkthrough
- What Counts as a Valid Range
- Planning Your Range
- Related Tools
- File Handling and Privacy
- Limitations and Assumptions
- FAQs About the PDF Split by Page Range
What the Tool Does
The tool copies chosen pages from your PDF into a fresh PDF. Your original file is not changed.
- Drop area: reads Drag & drop PDF to extract page ranges. You can drop a file on it or click to choose one.
- Page Ranges to Extract (e.g. 1-4, 7, 10-12): a text box that starts as 1-3.
- Extract Pages & Download: the only button. The output is named pdf-extracted-range.pdf.
How to Use It, Step by Step
- Drop your PDF on the dashed area, or click it and choose a file.
- Wait for the status line to read PDF loaded: your file name. Ready to extract pages.
- Type your pages in the range box. Use commas between items and a hyphen for spans, such as 1-3, 5, 8-10.
- Click Extract Pages & Download.
- Read the status line, then open pdf-extracted-range.pdf and confirm the pages.
If you click before choosing a file, a red message says Please choose a PDF file first.
How It Works
The tool counts the pages in your file. It then reads your range text and builds a list of page numbers. Pages past the end are set aside and reported, and a repeated page is kept once.
Upload PDF→Type page ranges→Copy chosen pages→Download pdf-extracted-range.pdf
The tool copies the pages into a new, empty document. Page content comes across, but bookmarks, form fields, and document info are not carried over. The page says so under its title.
A Usage Walkthrough
Linda Chen has a 12 page contract. She needs the cover, the signature page, and the appendix. She loads the file and types 1-3, 5, 8-10.
After she clicks Extract Pages & Download, her browser saves a 7 page file. The status line reads Done. Extracted 7 pages (1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 10) into one file and your download has started.
She types 5, 1-2 in a second run. The new file starts with page 5, then pages 1 and 2. The tool keeps the order you type and does not sort it.
What Counts as a Valid Range
- Single page: 7 adds page 7.
- Span: 8-10 adds pages 8, 9, and 10.
- Too high: 10-20 on a 12 page file adds pages 10 to 12. The status line adds Ignored pages beyond the end of this 12-page PDF: 13 to 20.
- Backward span: 5-3 is rejected, and the message suggests writing 3-5.
- Open span: 3- or -3 is rejected, because both numbers are needed.
Page 0, text, a doubled comma, and a range like 1-2-3 are rejected with a message. No file downloads in those cases. An empty box shows Enter the pages to extract, for example 1-3, 5, 8-10.
If every page you list is past the end, the message reads None of those pages exist. and gives the page count.
Planning Your Range
Open the PDF in a viewer first and note the page numbers you need. Use the numbers the viewer shows, counting from the first page of the file.
Printed page numbers may differ from file numbers. A book with a cover and roman numeral pages is a common cause.
Spaces around commas and hyphens do not matter. Every run saves under the same file name, so rename each result before the next run.
Related Tools
To cut a file into equal parts, try the Split PDF tool. To split by file size, use PDF Split by Size.
If you want to join chosen pages from several files, see PDF Merge Selected Pages. To drop pages instead of keeping them, use Delete PDF Pages. To change the order, use Reorder PDF Pages.
More options are in the PDF tools hub.
File Handling and Privacy
The tool runs in your browser. It reads the file locally and edits it with the pdf-lib script, which loads from a public CDN.
The page code has no upload request, so the tool does not send your PDF anywhere. The tool keeps no copy, and you must load the file again for each run.
Limitations and Assumptions
- The tool makes one output file. It does not create a separate file for each range.
- Bookmarks, form fields, and document info are lost in the new file.
- Encrypted files show This PDF is encrypted or password protected. Remove the password first, then try again.
- Damaged files show a message that the PDF could not be processed.
- Large files may be slow, because the whole PDF loads into memory.
FAQs About the PDF Split by Page Range
How do I enter a page range?
Type page numbers and spans separated by commas, such as 1-4, 7, 10-12. Page numbers start at 1.
Does the tool create one file per range?
No. It joins all chosen pages into one file named pdf-extracted-range.pdf.
Will the pages stay in my typed order?
Yes. The new file follows the order you type, and a page you list twice is copied once.
What happens if I type a page that does not exist?
The tool skips it and lists it in the status line. Your other valid pages still download.
Does the tool change my original PDF?
No. It builds a new file and leaves the original alone.
Is my PDF uploaded?
No upload request exists in the page code. The file is processed in your browser.
This tool runs in your web browser and may not handle every PDF file, font, or browser the same way. Keep a backup of your original file. Reviewed for general accuracy by Prof. Dr. Khalil Mudassar, PhD.