How to Split PDF File into Multiple Files or PDFs in Minutes

author Written By Rohit Singh
author Approved By Sonika Rawat
Updated on 18th Sep 2025
Reading Time 8 minutes

Summary

Sometimes, users work with large PDF files when they need only specific pages from them. In such cases, it is best to split PDF into multiple files to extract only the specific pages. This blog illustrates different methods to split a large PDF file into multiple small PDFs. To easily split them, we recommend a professional Cigati PDF Splitter Software to split PDFs with no data loss. Additionally, there are also manual methods that work well but do not ensure data integrity. Let’s begin learning this approach both manually and automatically.

Common Situations Where You Need to Split PDF into Separate Pages

Smaller PDF files reduce the chances of conversion errors when converted to Word or Excel. The following are the situations where users might need to split their PDF files:

  • Extract only the Pages you need: Split your PDF and create a new PDF file with the pages you want to share.
  • Optimizing the PDF File Size: Generate multiple smaller PDF files to meet size restrictions for online submissions.
  • Create Separate Files for Each Section: Turn a lengthy PDF into a well-organized and easy-to-navigate PDF file.
  • Protect Sensitive Sections with Selective PDF Sharing: Extract and share only the relevant sections of a document.
  • Print Only the Selected Pages: With PDF splitting, print only the necessary sections.

Different Methods to Split PDF into Multiple Files

By splitting a PDF file, users can have better organization of their documents. Therefore, let’s see how one can easily and efficiently split a large PDF file into smaller and more manageable ones.

Method 01: Split Large PDF into Multiple Files in a Web Browser (Windows)

This is the simplest manual method to split a large PDF file in any web browser, like Google Chrome. Through this method, users can extract the specific chapters, topics, pages, etc.

Follow these steps to begin splitting a PDF file:

  • First, open a web browser (Google Chrome).
  • After that, open the print dialog by clicking Ctrl+P (Windows) or Cmd+P (Mac).
  • Next, select Save as PDF and in the Pages section, choose Custom.
  • Now, select the pages that you want in a separate file.
  • Then, press Save and pick a location to save the resultant file.

Limitations: There is no automation or an option to split PDFs in bulk. Also, it takes a considerable amount of time to split large PDFs.

Method 02: Break PDF into Multiple Files on Mac

By using the Preview app on macOS, users can easily split a PDF file. The Preview application allows users to view and manage PDFs.

Take a look at the steps to begin the process:

  • Start by opening the desired PDF in Preview on Mac.
  • Then, switch to the Thumbnails view to view all the pages of your PDF file.
  • Now, hold the Command button to select the preferred pages you want to split.
  • After that, drag and drop these selected pages into a local folder. It will automatically be saved as separate PDF files.
  • Or, you can go to File > Export as PDF and save the selected pages.

Method 03: Best Automated Tool to Split PDF into Multiple Files

The Cigati PDF File Splitter Tool is a secure solution that splits large PDF files into smaller ones with no data loss. It provides multiple split options such as split by range, pages, or size. Additionally, it can process PDF files of any size effortlessly. Also, the tool can decrypt the PDF file and encrypt the newly created PDF files. Users can also view and edit the PDF document properties for each split document.

Simple steps to divide PDF into multiple files:

  • To begin with, download and run the tool as an administrator.
  • Then, tap the Select PDF option to browse and select the desired PDF file.
  • Next, verify the PDF File Information displayed and click Next.
  • After that, select PDF Split Options as per your requirement.
  • Now, you can modify the file properties, apply the password, and choose the destination to save the file.
  • Finally, click on the Split button to complete the process.

Conclusion

A small-sized PDF file is more manageable than a large PDF file. The manual PDF splitting methods can split a PDF into multiple files. But they are error-prone and time-intensive. Whereas the automated Cigati PDF Splitter Tool offers a fast and more precise solution to split PDF files. One of its key features is that it preserves all the original PDF data. That is why the automated tool is the preferred choice over the manual methods among business users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ans. Yes. It is possible to split a password-protected PDF provided that you know the current password. After opening a password-protected PDF, one can easily split the PDF file. They can do it either manually or by using a professional tool.

Ans. For splitting text-based PDFs, you can consider the manual methods. But when your PDF is loaded with images, manual processes may cause quality issues.