How to Split PDF into Single Pages

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Knowing how to split your PDF into single pages can be incredibly useful. It allows you to easily organize, share, and edit your files. Splitting also makes it easier to review documents as you can break them up into smaller chunks.

Splitting PDFs is a great method to save time and effort when working on large files. In this article, you'll find 4 effective services to separate pages in your PDF document.

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How we picked PDF splitters

When selecting tools to break a PDF into pages, we considered several criteria:

  • Splitting methods. The PDF separator should have multiple splitting presets so you can choose which pages to extract.
  • Ease of use. The interface should be intuitive and simple for users to navigate and perform splitting tasks.
  • Compatibility. The PDF divider must be compatible with your operating system. We included software for Windows and macOS and online services for flexibility.

By carefully evaluating PDF splitters based on these factors, we selected the ones that will best align with your specific requirements and preferences.

Method 1. Icecream PDF Split & Merge

Utilizing Icecream PDF Split & Merge to divide PDFs is an excellent way of organizing your files quickly and smoothly. This program helps you to split big documents into smaller files and provides other options to work on the PDF.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you split the PDF into separate pages:

  1. Download and install the free PDF splitter for your PC.
  2. Open the application and pick "Split" from the main menu.
  3. Click "Add file" and upload the desired PDF.
  4. Select "Into single-page files" from the list.
  5. Choose the output folder and press "Split" to begin the process.
Free PDF splitter

Pros:

  • Several splitting methods. Split PDF by groups and ranges of pages. You can also delete certain pages.
  • Advanced settings. Permit or forbid editing, printing, and copying of your document.
  • Password protection. Set a PDF password for extra security.
  • User-friendly interface. You don't need any technical experience with this kind of software to separate PDF pages into individual files.
  • Versatility. Merge multiple PDF files back into one document using the same program.
  • Access. The PDF separator is available for both Mac and Windows operating systems, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

Employing Icecream PDF Split & Merge is an outstanding method for splitting a PDF document into distinct pages.

Method 2. Preview

Splitting PDF pages is an easy and no-cost choice for MacOS users. Preview is a built-in app that allows you to split a PDF file into single pages.

Here's a comprehensive guide:

  1. Open the PDF you intend to separate in Preview.
  2. Select "Print" option from the "File" drop-down menu.
  3. Choose the page you want to extract.
  4. Press "Save as PDF". Give your new PDF a name and pick an output folder and click "Save".
  5. Repeat the steps for each page you need to extract from the main document.
Preview

Pros:

  • Simple interface. The user-friendly interface makes the free PDF splitter can be used by with minimal technical knowledge.
  • Versatility. The service allows you to quickly view and edit PDF documents, images, and other types of files, without opening multiple applications.
  • Free to use. You don't have to pay anything to split PDF files into separate pages.
  • Integration. The application is pre-installed on Mac devices, so there is no need to download or install any additional software.

Cons:

  • Limited capabilities. It is primarily designed as a basic image and PDF viewer, so it may lack advanced features that you can find in dedicated PDF editing tools.
  • Limited platform availability. This software is only available on macOS, which means it cannot be used on Windows or other operating systems.

Splitting PDFs into single pages using Preview is an excellent option for Mac users. You can fragment important documents into different sections without investing in pricey applications.

Method 3. PDF Candy

The online tool PDF Candy is the perfect solution if you are looking for an easy way to split PDF files.

Here's what you should do:

  1. Go to theonline PDF splitter and import the PDF file.
  2. Choose the splitting mode:
    • Split into single-page files. All the selected pages will be extracted into separate PDF documents.
    • Split by page ranges. Each page interval will be exported as a stand-alone PDF.
    • Merge selected pages. The chosen pages will be combined into one PDF.
    • Delete selected pages. The pages and page ranges will be removed from the original PDF.
  3. Click the "Split PDF" button and wait for your file to be processed.
  4. Once it's done, download your new PDFs, upload them to Google Docs or Dropbox, and create a shareable link or QR code!
Online PDF splitter

Pros:

  • Easy to use. The service has an intuitive interface that makes it simple to separate PDF pages even for novice users.
  • Wide range of tools. Use other tools such as compressing files, adding a PDF password, merging documents, and much more.
  • Secure. All files are processed securely and automatically deleted from the servers.
  • Free to use. All features of the online PDF splitter are available for free. This allows you to try out the platform and decide if it meets your needs.
  • Online access. It is a web service, meaning you can use it from any device with an internet connection. There's no need for any software installation.

Cons:

  • Limitations. The free version only allows two operations per hour and files up to 50 MB. If you often deal with PDF documents, consider buying a paid subscription to remove any restrictions.

With PDF Candy, you can not only split PDF files online, but also merge multiple PDFs into one document, convert them to different formats, edit their content, and more. Give it a try now!

Method 4. Adobe Acrobat

Segmenting PDF into separate pages is a frequent task and Adobe Acrobat offers the ideal solution to complete it.

Below you will find a detailed guide demonstrating how to split a PDF into single pages:

  1. Open the PDF file in Adobe Acrobat.
  2. Go to the "Organize Pages" option in the "Tools" menu.
  3. Click on the page preview and select "Extract" from the list.
  4. Press the blue "Extract" button to begin the process.
Adobe Acrobat

Pros:

  • Robust. It provides a reliable way of managing, viewing, editing, and creating PDFs.
  • Compatible. It works with different platforms like Windows, Mac, and Linux. There's no need to worry about compatibility issues when working on your documents.
  • Page manipulation. The software offers additional tools for organizing the content, such as deleting, reordering, and rotating PDF pages.

Cons:

  • Price. It is paid software and might be expensive for some users.
  • Installation. The installation of this PDF splitter takes a long time and can be time-consuming.
  • Rating. Adobe has terrible reviews on Trustpilot. 90% of the users gave it one star, mostly for terrible technical support and cancellation fees.

Splitting a PDF into individual pages using Adobe Acrobat is a convenient and time-saving solution for document management. Whether you are looking for a way to extract specific sections or add PDF pages, the service has an efficient and reliable tool to meet your needs.

Method 5. Browser

Breaking PDFs down into single pages can be accomplished using the "Print" feature accessible in most browsers. This method is preferable as it does not necessitate any supplementary applications or extensions, and it is very straightforward.

Here is a detailed guide on breaking up PDFs in your browser:

  1. Open the required PDF in your browser.
  2. Select "Print" or click Ctrl + P (for Windows) or Command + P (for Mac).
  3. In the Printer section, pick "Save as PDF".
  4. Choose the pages you need to extract and tap "Save".
Browser

Pros:

  • No installations. You can separate PDF pages with no extra software or add-ons.
  • Simple use. This option is easy to operate with minimal steps required to complete the task successfully.

Cons:

  • Lack of settings. Limited control over settings that can be applied to customize the output files.
  • No automation. It is impossible to automatically separate pages in your PDF into single-page documents.

Overall, this is an easy method for splitting PDF files into single pages. No need to install anything makes it an ideal solution for those who want to do it without fuss or hassle. However, there are some disadvantages to keep in mind.

FAQ

Can I split a PDF protected with a password?
It depends on the tool and whether you have the password. For example, Icecream PDF Split & Merge can divide password-protected PDFs.
Will splitting a PDF affect the quality of the content?
When done using reputable tools, splitting PDF pages should not affect the content quality. PDF separators simply break your PDF file into single pages without altering its content.
Can I reassemble the split pages back into the original PDF?
Yes, you can use PDF merging tools to combine the split pages into a single PDF if needed.

Final words about PDF splitters

In conclusion, dividing PDFs into single pages can become a beneficial tool for managing documents and sharing information. With this article, you have the information and resources necessary to successfully split your PDF.

Whether you are a student, professional, or ordinary user, this guide will aid you in achieving the desired results. Now, all that's left is to get started!

Tamal Das

Expert Tech Writer

Tamal is a tech writer at Icecream Apps. After completing his MS in Science, he joined reputed IT consultancy companies to acquire hands-on knowledge of IT technologies. Now, he’s a professional content writer of B2B and B2C software products and also a meticulous software reviewer whose reviews on applications and web apps have been published in reputed technology websites. He has already been published on such reputable sites like MakeUseOf, Geekflare, AddictiveTips. When he’s not writing, he researches the internet and technology journals to stay updated about the latest happenings in the SaaS industry.
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