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Split a PDF into Separate Chapters

Choose chapter page ranges and download separate PDFs in a ZIP

Use Split PDF ToolSee Main Tool Page
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Why split a PDF into Separate Chapters?

Share a relevant chapter without sending an entire manual or report. Split PDF uses the page ranges you enter; it does not discover chapter headings. Check each chapter boundary in the PDF viewer and check the output sizes against your recipient's limits rather than assuming every chapter will be small enough.

How to split a PDF into Separate Chapters — Step by Step

Use 1-based PDF page positions, counting the cover as page 1. Printed page numbers, Roman numerals, and table-of-contents labels may not match these positions.

  1. 1

    Check the first and last PDF page positions for each chapter in your viewer.

  2. 2

    Upload the PDF and choose 'Custom ranges' under 'Split mode'.

  3. 3

    Separate chapter groups with semicolons: 1-3;4-6 creates two PDFs from a six-page source, one for pages 1–3 and one for pages 4–6.

  4. 4

    Click 'Split PDF', confirm email to download the ZIP, then extract and check each chapter PDF.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I separate chapters with commas or semicolons?
Use semicolons between output files: 1-3;4-6 produces two PDFs. Commas keep selections in the same output group: 1-3,4-6 produces one PDF containing pages 1–6. Enter valid positions within your document and include every chapter you want to keep.
Which numbers should I enter if the printed page labels differ?
Use PDF page positions, starting at 1 for the first page in the file. For example, if two front-matter pages precede printed page 1, printed pages 1–3 are PDF positions 3–5: enter 3-5 for that chapter.
Is this the same as splitting by bookmarks?
No. This workflow uses manually entered page ranges. Split by Bookmark is a separate free-account tool for existing PDF bookmarks, not printed headings or a contents page. Verify bookmark destinations and chapter coverage before relying on bookmark-based output.
What file will I download?
A ZIP archive containing a PDF for each range group, even if you request only one group. Extract the ZIP before opening or sharing the chapter PDFs. Email confirmation is required to download.
What size PDF can I split?
Anonymous use supports 25 MB per file and 25 MB combined per operation. Signed-in use supports up to 100 MB per file and 100 MB combined per operation, subject to tool and plan limits.
Will the original PDF stay intact?
Yes. Splitting creates new files — your original document is never modified.

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Ready to split a PDF into Separate Chapters?

Free to run, no card. Anonymous uploads are limited to 25 MB per file and 25 MB combined per operation. Confirm email to download; signed-in uploads support up to 100 MB per file and 100 MB combined per operation, subject to tool and plan limits.

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The free plan includes 3 contracts/month. Review the current plan terms before sending.