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Split a PDF by size or page count

Split a PDF locally into several files according to a maximum page count or an approximate maximum size in megabytes.

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Your files are processed locally in your browser and are never sent to our servers.

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Recommended size: up to 100 MB

A single page may exceed the target if it is already larger.

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How does this tool work?

Splitting a PDF by size or page count works out the cuts for you. In page mode, the document is cut into regular batches, for example 20 pages per file. In size mode, each output file stays below a limit in megabytes, such as those of government upload portals or email services that reject heavy attachments. Calculating and saving the parts happens in your browser.

In Maximum number of pages mode, the tool takes the pages in order and closes a file as soon as it reaches the chosen limit, between 1 and 1,000 pages. The last file holds the rest: a document of N pages gives ⌈N ÷ limit⌉ parts.

In Approximate maximum size mode, the tool actually builds trial PDFs and looks, for each part, for the largest group of consecutive pages whose file stays below the limit (from 0.1 to 100 MB). The size is therefore measured, not estimated. Maximum pages per file still applies on top: both limits combine.

A page that is heavier than the limit on its own cannot be cut; it then forms a part that exceeds the target. Pages are not recompressed: to really reduce the weight, compress the document before splitting it.

How to use this tool

  1. Import the PDF

    Choose the document to split; it stays on your device.

  2. Choose the mode and limit

    Enter a number of pages per file, or a maximum size in MB with a page cap if needed.

  3. Split and collect the parts

    The files are downloaded one after another, numbered in document order.

Use cases

Meet an upload limit

Prepare a file for a portal that rejects documents over 5 or 10 MB.

Create regular batches

Separate a register or catalogue into 50-page files for shared proofreading.

Email a large scan

Spread a scanned document over several messages that stay below the attachment limit.

Examples

45 pages in batches of 20

⌈45 ÷ 20⌉ = 3. Pages 1–20, 21–40 and 41–45 follow one another with no gap; put end to end, they rebuild the document.

Input

Maximum number of pages mode, limit 20, 45-page document

Result

3 files: 20 pages, 20 pages and 5 pages

Tips and best practices

  • Aim slightly below the imposed limit (4.5 MB for a 5 MB limit): some portals count megabytes differently.
  • If size mode produces many small parts, the document probably contains very heavy pages: compress it first.
  • To choose where to cut yourself, by chapter for instance, use Split a PDF.
  • Allow multiple downloads if the browser blocks the following parts.

Frequently asked questions

How is this different from Split a PDF?

Here the cuts are calculated from a rule (pages or size). Split a PDF lets you place each split by hand between the thumbnails.

Does size mode guarantee every file stays below the limit?

Yes for any part with several pages, because the size is measured on the file actually produced. Only a single page heavier than the limit can exceed it.

Why do my parts have different page counts in size mode?

Because pages do not weigh the same: a page of photos weighs far more than a page of text. The tool groups as many pages as the limit allows.

Are pages compressed to fit the limit?

No. They are copied unchanged. To save space, run the document through Compress PDF first.

How many bytes is a megabyte here?

The tool counts 1 MB = 1,048,576 bytes. A limit expressed in millions of bytes is therefore slightly lower, so keep a small margin.

Is my document sent anywhere during the calculation?

No. Trial files and final parts are built in memory in the browser, without uploading the PDF.

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