How to Split PDF on Mac

If you’re using a Mac and need to break a hefty PDF into sections or extract specific pages, don’t stress—it’s manageable.

This guide covers 6 ways to split up PDF on Mac, including web-based solutions, dedicated desktop software, and even options you can execute directly from your browser. Let’s get into the details.

Method 1. PDF Candy

Applying a web platform is an efficient approach for handling PDF grabbing and page separation tasks. PDF Candy, which operates seamlessly on all mainstream browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge), provides robust functionality free of charge.

How to split a PDF on Mac with PDF Candy

1. Navigate to the online PDF splitter, then click "Add file" to upload the target document.
2. Configure your output according to project needs:
   • Into single-page files. Each sheet is saved as an individual archive.
   • Page ranges. Define custom intervals; each is exported as a distinct paper.
   • Merge selected pages. Chosen segments are combined into a new PDF.
   • Delete selected pages. Picked sections or intervals are excluded from the final output.
3. Hit "Split" and wait for the operation to finish.
4. Once processing is complete, download the resulting items individually or as a ZIP.

Advantages:

• Expanded functionality. The online PDF splitter for Mac centralizes a range of tools—file conversion, merging, compression, and editing—so there’s no need to switch between multiple programs. It streamlines your PDF workflow within a single platform.
• No installation required. Being a web-based solution, it operates smoothly on Safari, Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
• Flexible extraction modes. Various options allow selection of the most suitable approach, keeping only the sections you need.
• Secure and private. All uploaded materials are kept confidential—they’re never shared and are automatically deleted from the system two hours after processing. There’s no lingering data risk.
• Rapid operation. Leveraging cloud infrastructure, this system speeds up splitting and related tasks, often surpassing traditional desktop alternatives.

I think it would be especially handy for students, researchers, teachers, lawyers, accountants, or office professionals—basically those who handles reports, contracts, lesson plans, or large sets of documents regularly. For me, it just makes managing PDFs a lot smoother and less stressful.

So, for anyone seeking a straightforward method to separate content, PDF Candy delivers a convenient, efficient, and secure way to cut PDFs.

Method 2. Preview

If your Mac isn’t connected to the internet or you’d just rather not mess with online PDF divider, Apple's built-in Preview can handle sheet extraction right out of the box.

How to cut out certain pages from a PDF in Preview

1. Open the paper in Preview.
2. Navigate to the "File" in the menu bar, then select "Print". (This isn’t about sending folios to a physical device; it’s a PDF feature.)
3. Indicate which parts to split, by listing individual numbers or typing a range.
4. Choose "Save as PDF". You can also export directly to iCloud Drive or share via email if required.
5. Assign a filename, pick a location, and tap "Save" to complete the process.

Advantages:

• Ease of use. Pre-installed software makes splitting PDF simple without installing additional programs. No external installations are needed; Preview handles splitting PDF right away.
• Free. No purchase or third-party downloads are required.
• Multi-functionality. It provides other attributes like annotating, viewing, and merging PDFs.

Disadvantages:

• Limited features. Advanced operations (such as direct text modification in scanned files) isn’t supported—you’ll need specialized software for more complex tweaks.

Mastering page extraction with Preview improves workflow efficiency, maintains organization, and saves time while manipulating content locally.

Method 3. Automator 

Let’s break down Automator's capabilities for reviewing PDFs. It is a native macOS tool designed for those who want to streamline repetitive tasks. It’s like having a set of macros—only they’re baked right into your system.

For PDF splitting PDF pages, the app comes equipped to process individual documents or large groups of dossiers in one go, making it suitable for those with demanding workflows and technical requirements.

How to rapidly split your PDF with Automator

1. Open Automator, choose "Workflow," and press "Choose" to start a new project.
2. Enter "Split PDF" into the search bar. Double-click the relevant action to add it to the sequence.
3. Drag the PDF into the designated area, select a folder under "Save Output to". Assign a name in "Output File Name."
4. Hit "Run" to separate PDF pages. The resulting item will appear in the predefined location.

Advantages:

• Automation. It enables repetitive tasks to run without manual intervention, simplifying extraction.
• High efficiency. Multiple items can be processed at once, saving time when handling big batches.
• Versatility. The utility also supports other operations, such as compressing PDFs.

Disadvantages:

• Steep learning curve. The UI design can be challenging for individuals unfamiliar with scripting.

Overall, employing Automator to cut pages from PDF files on Mac provides a powerful, efficient solution for professionals organizing numerous PDFs. Its systematization and flexibility are ideal for complex workflows, though it may not be the best choice for individuals without cutting-edge skills.

Method 4. Adobe Acrobat 

Adobe Acrobat remains an industry-standard for PDF management on macOS. If you’ve handled Acrobat before, you’ll find its PDF-splitting functionality robust and straightforward.

How to divide PDF pages on Mac in Acrobat

1. Launch Adobe Acrobat and open the desired attachment.
2. Go to the "Tools" menu and select "Organize Pages."
3. Locate the "Split" command at the top. Configure the method for dividing the material.
4. Execute by pressing the "Split" button—your revised PDF will be generated.

Advantages:

• Multiple parameters. PDF page separator gives you granular control over the splitting process, enabling selection by number of sheets, top-level bookmarks, or file size.
• Customization modes. The software supports additional settings, such as signing PDFs and adjusting preferences prior to operation.

Disadvantages:

• Subscription fees. Access is restricted to paid plans. This limitation may hinder casual or budget-conscious users.
• Complicated interface. The advanced, feature-dense interface can be overwhelming for beginners due to numerous options and complex layout.

Adobe Acrobat offers a dependable and highly versatile solution for PDF-splitting tasks on Mac. However, you might want to find a more simple or affordable app or tool if it does not fit your skill level or budget.

Method 5. Browser

Browsers like Safari and Google Chrome provide an efficient and accessible way to split PDFs on Mac—no need for third-party software installations.

How to separate all PDF pages in a browser

1. Open the PDF you need to cut in either Chrome or Safari.
2. Navigate to the "Print" function, either via the menu bar or by pressing Command-P.
3. Specify the desired page numbers or ranges, and select "Save as PDF".
4. When you've selected all the sheets you want, save it and give the new archive a name.

Advantages:

• Compatibility. The print option is available in most popular browsers (Safari, Google Chrome, etc.), enabling you to divide PDF pages without any issues.
• Versatility. This method can be utilized to remove a PDF password.

Disadvantages:

• Lack of master-level features. Unlike specialized PDF splitting tools, the browser does not have sophisticated instruments such as encryption, batch processing, or watermarking.

For direct PDF page extraction, the browser-based approach is both convenient and effective. If your workflow demands progressive organization or automation, consider exploring dedicated services.

Method 6. ABBYY FineReader 15

ABBYY FineReader delivers precise control over content division and note organization. The software maintains integrity of embedded elements—think images, hyperlinks, tables, annotations—so nothing breaks or vanishes when you retouch content. Precision is the point.

How to employ a page separator for Mac

1. Launch the program on your Mac.
2. In the main interface, opt for "Open PDF Document" and select your file.
3. In the view, pick the thumbnail(s) of the sheet(s) you want to extract. Right-click and choose Create PDF from Selected Pages.
4. Remove the ticked elements from the original form if redundancy isn’t needed.

Advantages:

• OCR capabilities. Recognizes text in scanned articles, enabling editable and searchable output.
• Secure handling. Supports encrypted files; follows ISO PDF standards for data protection.

Disadvantages:

• Resource intensive. Large piles may demand substantial RAM and hardware power.

For teams, FineReader supports collaborative review—several members can highlight, comment, and annotate the same draft simultaneously. Perfect for workflows that require shared feedback.

FAQ

Why would I need to split a PDF?

There are several technical uses for splitting PDFs. Maybe you only need a specific chapter from a lengthy eBook, or you have to pull out a segment for streamlined access. Also, it eases distribution—smaller chunks are faster to share and search.

Can the separated parts be recombined into one file?

Absolutely. Once the content has been divided, the resulting components can be merged into a unified document via PDF merging or compatible software.

Will the PDF separator compromise quality?

No, the resolution of images and clarity of text are preserved since the original content remains unchanged during the operation.

Is it possible to cut a password-protected paper?

Yes, but most utilities require the correct code before proceeding. Otherwise, you must remove the protection to enable manipulation of the secured units.

Final words on how to split PDF on Mac

In conclusion, you can separate PDF pages on Apple devices easily with a number of different methods.

One of the best options for most users is to apply an online PDF splitter, as it is free and straightforward. For those who need more advanced features, there are desktop applications that offer great utensils at an affordable cost.

If you just want to split up a PDF quickly and don't want to install any software, browsers might be your best choice.

Whichever way you choose, you can complete the project in no time at all!

More great online tools to edit PDF

• Remove PDF pages for free.
• Rearrange PDF sheets effortlessly.
• Add numbers to PDF to organize the document.