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How to split a PDF on iPhone without uploading it

"Splitting" can mean two things: turning one PDF into several files, or keeping just a few pages as a new PDF. Both can be done on your iPhone without sending the file to a website.

We make PDF Tools Pro (method 3). Methods 1 and 2 use apps that come with your iPhone.

Method 1: Preview (free, built in on iOS 26)

Preview can't cut a PDF into several files in one step, but you can make a copy and delete the pages you don't want. Following Apple's Preview guide:

  1. Open the PDF in Preview.
  2. Tap next to the file name, then tap Duplicate, so the original stays untouched.
  3. In the copy, tap the page count to show thumbnails.
  4. Touch and hold a page you don't need, then tap Delete Page. Repeat.
  5. Rename the copy (tap next to the file name > Rename).

Repeat with another duplicate for each part you need.

Method 2: Print to a new PDF (free, built in)

Many iPhone users save a page range through the print screen: open the PDF, tap Share > Print, choose a Range, then use Share in the print preview to Save to Files. Menu names vary by iOS version, so check the result before deleting the original.

Method 3: PDF Tools Pro (one file per page, or a page range)

If you split PDFs often, a dedicated tool saves the repetition:

  • One file per page: In Tools, tap Split PDF and choose your PDF. You get a separate PDF for every page (page-1.pdf, page-2.pdf, ...).
  • Just some pages: In Tools, tap Extract Pages and type the pages, for example 1-3,5,8-10. You get one new PDF with only those pages.

The PDF is processed on your iPhone or iPad and isn't uploaded. Core tools are free; Split and Extract are advanced tools, with three successful advanced outputs to try on each device. After that, Lifetime Pro is a one-time purchase, with no subscription.

Download on the App Store

Core tools are free. Split, Extract and Protect/Unlock are advanced tools: three successful advanced outputs to try on each device, then Lifetime Pro is a one-time purchase. No subscription.

Tips

  • Keep the original until you've checked the new files.
  • If you only need to send two pages of a long statement, extracting them is quicker than splitting the whole file.
  • Splitting a password-protected PDF? Remove the password you know first (see our guide), then split.

FAQ

Can I split a PDF on iPhone for free?
Yes. In Preview, duplicate the PDF and delete the pages you don't need. PDF Tools Pro also gives three free advanced outputs per device (shared across tools).
Can I split a PDF into one file per page on iPhone?
Yes. PDF Tools Pro's Split PDF tool saves every page as its own PDF.
Does splitting a PDF upload it anywhere?
No, not with the methods on this page. They all run on your iPhone.
Can I choose which pages to keep?
Yes. Use Extract Pages in PDF Tools Pro and type a range such as 1-3,5, or delete pages from a duplicate in Preview.
Does PDF Tools Pro need a subscription or an account?
No. Lifetime Pro is a one-time purchase, and no account is required.
How to Split a PDF on iPhone (Built-in & Offline Ways)