1. Count the PDF pages, including the cover
The first page in a PDF is page 1, even if it is an unnumbered cover. A printed label such as “1” on the third physical page is still page 3 to the splitting tool. Open the thumbnail panel and identify each boundary before entering ranges.
2. Use custom ranges for separate sections
Suppose an eight-page PDF contains a two-page introduction, a three-page report and a three-page appendix. Enter 1-2, 3-5, 6- to make three PDFs. Each comma separates an output group. The open-ended final range, 6-, means page 6 through the end of the file.
3. Use equal groups for repeated packets
If each record occupies two consecutive pages, choose “Every” and enter 2. A ten-page document becomes five PDFs. An eleven-page document leaves a one-page final PDF, which is a useful sign to inspect the source for an extra cover or missing page.
4. Save every page separately when needed
Choose “One file per page” to create separate PDFs for all pages. This works well for a batch of individually scanned receipts. The files download together in a ZIP archive when more than one part is produced. Extract the archive before attaching individual PDFs elsewhere.
5. Extract instead when you want one selection
Splitting creates separate output groups. If your goal is one PDF containing pages 2, 5 and 8, use Extract pages from All tools instead. Extraction assembles the chosen pages into a new file. It is useful for a short reading packet or selected evidence from a longer report.
6. Decide whether to include edits
If you have added notes, signatures, form answers or OCR in the editor, select “Include my edits” in the split tool to carry supported edits into the result. Leave it off when you want to work from the opened PDF without those session changes. Review the downloaded files either way.
A final check prevents the common mistakes
Open the first and last page of every output. Check section boundaries, printed labels and any references to pages elsewhere in the original. Keep the original PDF until you are satisfied with the split files.