How to split a PDF by page ranges
Separate a contract appendix, a chapter or a set of application pages without recreating the document. ConvertLayer lets you preview pages and choose ranges, individual pages or fixed-size groups before splitting.
Updated October 7, 2026 · By ConvertLayer
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A three-state visual walkthrough showing PDF upload, ranges 1–2 and 3–4, and the ZIP of the two outputs.
18-second visual walkthrough · silent · English captions
Read transcript
- Choose your PDF.
- Set ranges 1–2 and 3–4 and check the output groups.
- Download the ZIP containing the PDFs.
Follow these steps
- Select a PDF and wait for its page thumbnails. Check the page count before defining output ranges.
- Choose Ranges for separate sections, Pages for individual outputs, or Fixed for groups of a set size. For a four-page file, ranges 1–2 and 3–4 create two PDFs unless you combine them.
- Check the output summary and select Split PDF. Download the result or ZIP, open it and verify the page order.
Example: split a four-page document into two PDFs
Download the practice PDF below. Its four pages are numbered 1 to 4 and contain invented project notes. Open Split PDF, upload the file and wait for all four thumbnails. Use the PDF page positions rather than any printed page numbering in your own document.
Choose Ranges. Add a group for pages 1–2 and another for pages 3–4. Keep the groups separate rather than combining them into one output. The output summary should describe two documents with two pages each. Run the split and download the ZIP.
Open both outputs. The first should start with Project brief and end with Schedule. The second should contain Budget and Review checklist. Splitting rearranges existing pages; it does not convert their contents into Word or recognize a scan.
Try it with a practice file
These small files contain synthetic training content. Download a file, then select it in the tool; downloading does not start a conversion or send text to AI.
Check your result
- Two output PDFs, each with two pages; four pages in total.
- Pages stay in the requested order and text remains selectable in this text-based sample.
- For your own document, confirm that annotations, links and orientation still meet your needs.
Common questions
How do I save only one PDF page?
Use Pages and select the page you need, or enter a one-page range. Review the output summary before downloading.
Why does the split result download as a ZIP?
Separate groups create multiple PDF files. The ZIP packages them together; extract it to open each PDF.
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Limits and next steps
Direct tools need no account or payment. The online server accepts up to 4 MB per request and returns individual outputs up to 4 MB. Optional AI has separate limits and requires provider consent.
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