How to split PDF pages with the best methods and tools

I’ve used PDFs my entire life — at school, work, and personally. It’s undoubtedly been my favorite format because it keeps things neat, tidy, and cohesive across all devices, but it's still one of the most unyielding file formats. Especially when you’re dealing with lengthy PDFs but only need a couple of pages from them, what do you do?

Luckily, many tools allow you to tweak PDFs on Mac. In this article, I’ll show you exactly how to split a PDF and save specific PDF pages separately. I’ll also help you find the most affordable PDF editor to cover all your use cases so you’ll be ready to handle all your PDF needs. Could I say PDF any more times?

How to split PDF into multiple files on Mac 

There are many potential reasons why you want to split a PDF in the first place. Perhaps you’re trying to extract specific pages of a textbook, share certain sections of a document, or save information for your own personal use. It’s a great way to only take what you need and place it in a separate document. I’ll be showing you a couple of ways you can do this so you can find a method that works for you:

To explore more tools and methods for working with PDFs, check out this comprehensive guide on how to combine PDFs on Mac.

Splitting a PDF with Nitro PDF Pro

Nitro PDF Pro is a tool for separating PDFs into new files and generally doing everything you expect from a modern PDF editor: annotate, sign, combine, password-protect, and more.

Let’s say I wanted to save a couple of pages from this educational PDF for new dog owners. 

Here’s how to split PDF pages with Nitro PDF Pro: 

1. Open your PDF with Nitro PDF Pro.
2. Select a specific page or multiple pages by holding down the Command key and clicking on each page. 
3. Right-click on the selection > New From Selection.
4. Name the new PDF and save it to your Mac.

Split PDF pages with Preview

Another tool that can help separate PDF pages on Mac is Preview. As it’s native to the macOS, you won’t have to install it. For those who don’t work with PDFs regularly, Preview is a good option for a one-time PDF split.

Here’s how to separate pages in a PDF with Preview: 

1. Open your PDF with Preview.
2. Press and hold Command and select the thumbnails of one or multiple PDF pages.
3. Drag and drop the selection onto a folder or desktop.

The new PDF will be generated automatically. If, for some reason, Preview isn’t cooperating, check out this guide on what to do if Preview won’t let you edit PDFs on Mac.

Split PDF into individual pages with Automator 

Another split-PDF-pages method to explore on Mac is Automator. This utility is included in macOS, allowing advanced users to build custom automation to solve repetitive tasks. It sounds complicated, I know, but let’s try it. 

Here’s how you can split PDF into multiple files with Automator: 

1. Open Finder > Applications > Automator.
2. Choose Workflow.
3. In Library, click Files and Folders > Choose Ask for Finder Items and drag it to the right pane.
4. Return to Library > PDFs > choose Split PDF, and drag it to the right pane under Ask for Finder Items.
5. Click Run in the top-right corner. Then, upload the file you want to split.

Once Automator is done splitting your PDF, you’ll see a green checkmark next to Results. Click it, and you’ll find all your individual PDF pages. 

Split PDF files online 

If you decide to use a free PDF splitter available on the web, you should follow these security recommendations: 

• Look for reputable services that provide limited functionality via an online service and offer some kind of paid upgrade. These are usually safe. By the way, Adobe Acrobat offers a free web splitter that can split a PDF into up to 20 new PDFs. 
• Avoid splitting PDFs that contain sensitive information online. 
• Install AdLock to avoid clicking on adware. This ad-blocking tool will minimize your interactions with potential threats online. 

If you’re going for this option, what’s the method on how to split PDF pages online? In most cases, a web service will have an upload button that lets you add your PDF file and then either move the slider to specify how you want to cut your PDF or define the page range.

How to separate PDF pages in Adobe Acrobat 

Adobe Acrobat has an online PDF split tool that can help you separate PDFs. Similar to Nitro PDF Pro, it offers more flexibility in terms of output options: you can split PDF by page numbers or bookmarks. 

Here’s how to split a PDF with Adobe Acrobat: 

1. Open the Adobe online split tool.
2. Log in to your Adobe account.
3. Drag and drop your PDF.
4. Choose Organize Pages >  Click Split.
5. Split the file the way you like, then click Output Options. 
6. Click OK > Split to finish the process. Then, save your file as new.

Split PDF for free using Safari or Google Chrome

Most modern browsers have the Print feature baked in. This is your key to splitting PDFs online! Whether you use Safari or Google Chrome, follow these instructions:

1. Drag and drop your PDF file onto a new tab. 
2. Choose File > Print in your browser’s menu. 
3. Select the range of pages you want to extract from a PDF in the new pop-up window or enter your own custom range or selection (separated by a comma or with a dash).
4. Click Open PDF in Preview and save it to your Mac.

Of course, you’re limited by page range and can’t split your PDF as flexibly as you’d do with Nitro PDF Pro or other professional tools. But for some users, it will do. 

Tackle your PDFs like a pro

So, what’s the most effective and affordable PDF editor? Let me put it this way: unless you edit PDFs very rarely, you need a secure tool that will help you manage and manipulate your PDF, from annotating to splitting. Adobe Acrobat is one of the best you can get, but it’s expensive and mostly used for professional purposes. 

Nitro PDF Pro is another advanced tool you can use alongside apps such as Permute, PDF Squeezer, and PDF Search if you sign up for Setapp, an app subscription that gives you access to 250+ apps for macOS and iOS. Full access is free with a 7-day trial. Once that comes to an end, it’ll simply cost you $9.99/month.