The 3 split modes explained
PDFKing's Split tool offers three different ways to define how your PDF gets divided. The page grid updates in real time as you type so you always see what the output will look like before you commit.
Each page becomes its own separate PDF. A 12-page document produces 12 individual files. The page grid shows every page with a unique Part N badge. Best for separating scanned documents that were combined.
Split every N pages. Enter a number — e.g. 3 — and PDFKing groups pages 1–3 as Part 1, 4–6 as Part 2, and so on. The last chunk may be smaller if pages don't divide evenly. The grid updates as you type the number.
Define exact page ranges using comma-separated values — e.g. 1-3, 5, 7-9. Each range becomes a separate output file. Pages not included in any range remain faded/greyed out in the grid. You can also click pages directly in the grid to select them — the text input updates automatically.
Step-by-step: Split a PDF with PDFKing
Upload your PDF
Go to pdfking.net/split.html and upload your PDF. The tool renders a thumbnail of every page at a small scale so you can visually identify which pages you're working with.
Choose your split mode
Select Every Page, Fixed Size, or Custom Range from the dropdown. The input field changes its placeholder to guide you.
Watch the live preview update
As you type your range or fixed number, the page grid updates in real time. Pages included in an output file get a green Part 1 badge. Pages not selected are faded. A counter above the grid shows "Will output N file(s)".
Click Split PDF and download
If you're extracting a single range, the PDF downloads directly. If you have multiple output files, PDFKing automatically zips them into PDFKing_Split.zip — each file named split_part_1.pdf, split_part_2.pdf, etc.
Extracting pages vs splitting — what's the difference?
In Custom Range mode with a single range entered (e.g. just 3-7), PDFKing produces one output file and names it extracted_pages.pdf — recognising you're extracting rather than splitting. Enter multiple ranges separated by commas and it switches to numbered split files automatically.
Frequently asked questions
Can I click pages in the grid instead of typing ranges?
Yes — in Custom Range mode, clicking a page thumbnail toggles its selection. The text input updates automatically to reflect your selection as a formatted range (e.g. 1-3, 5). You can mix clicking and typing freely.
What if a page isn't included in any range?
Unselected pages appear faded in the grid and are simply not included in any output file. They aren't deleted from the original — you're just choosing what to extract.
Does splitting reduce PDF quality?
No. Pages are copied at the binary level with no re-rendering. Quality is identical to the original.
Can I split every page into its own file?
Yes — select Every Page mode. No input needed. The grid immediately shows Part 1, Part 2, Part 3... on every page.