To extract pages from a PDF, open the file in a tool that lets you select pages, keep only the ones you need, and save the result as a new file. On a Mac you can do this in Preview, in many browsers you can use the print window's page range with Save as PDF, and online tools offer the same job in a few clicks. The best choice depends on what the PDF contains, so start with the table below.
Which method fits your situation?
| Your situation | Method to consider |
|---|---|
| You use a Mac and the file is private | Preview on your own computer |
| You need a few pages quickly and your browser offers Save as PDF | Browser print window with a page range |
| You have many pages to separate, or no Mac | An online or desktop PDF tool |
| The PDF holds sensitive data (IDs, bank, medical, contracts) | A method that keeps the file on your device |
What is the difference between extracting, splitting and deleting pages?
- Extract: copy chosen pages into a new PDF and leave the original as it is.
- Split: cut one PDF into two or more files, for example one file per chapter.
- Delete: remove pages from the file you are working on, so the original changes.
If you want to keep the original, always work on a copy or save the result under a new name.
Method 1: Extract pages with Preview on a Mac
These steps follow Apple's guide, Add, delete or move PDF pages in Preview on Mac.
To create a new PDF from some pages:
- Open the PDF in Preview.
- Choose View > Thumbnails (or View > Contact Sheet).
- Select the pages you want. Command-click to pick pages that are not next to each other.
- Drag the selected thumbnails from the sidebar to the desktop. Apple describes this as the way to create a new PDF from pages.
To remove pages instead:
- Choose View > Thumbnails or View > Contact Sheet.
- Select the page or pages.
- Press the Delete key, or choose Edit > Delete.
Two cautions from Apple's guides: deleting a page also removes the annotations on that page, and Preview saves changes automatically, so Apple advises making a copy with File > Duplicate before you edit. Work on the copy if the original matters.
Method 2: Use the print window and save only some pages
Many browsers let you print to a PDF file instead of a paper printer. In Chrome's print window, you choose Save as PDF as the destination, use the Pages option to enter a single page or a range such as 2-3, and then click Save. Whether the same print window appears for a PDF file depends on your browser and its version, so test it with a copy and check the saved file's page count before relying on it.
Method 3: Online tools — what to check first
Online PDF tools can separate pages without any software to install. Because a PDF can contain personal or confidential information, check a few things before you use any tool:
- Does the tool say whether your file is uploaded to a server or processed on your device?
- If it uploads, does it say how long files are kept and when they are deleted?
- Is the page you are using the official site of the tool, with a secure (https) address?
- Would you be comfortable if this particular file left your device? If not, use Method 1 or 2.
The tool's own privacy policy is the place to confirm these points. Do not assume, and do not upload documents you are not allowed to share.
Checklist before you share the new PDF
- Open the new file and confirm it has only the pages you wanted.
- Check the page order and that no page is missing.
- Keep the original untouched, or work from a copy.
- Rename the file so it is not confused with the original.
- Look for personal details on the pages you are about to send.
Frequently asked questions
Will extracting pages change my original PDF? Extracting creates a new file. Deleting pages changes the file you are working on, so use a copy.
How do I extract only some pages that are not next to each other? In Preview on a Mac, Command-click the thumbnails you want, then drag them out to create a new PDF.
What is the difference between extracting pages and splitting a PDF? Extracting takes chosen pages into a new file. Splitting divides the whole document into several files.
Is it safe to use an online tool for a private PDF? That depends on how the tool handles files, which only its own policy can tell you. For sensitive files, prefer a method that stays on your device.
Can I extract pages from a PDF on a phone? This guide covers a Mac and a browser. Options on phones depend on the apps installed, so check the app you use.
When you need a quicker route
If you do not have a Mac, or you would rather not work through a print window, the Split PDF tool on BytePriva is a free browser-based option for separating the pages of a PDF. As with any online tool, read how it handles your files before you use it on anything private.
Disclaimer
This guide is general information. Menu names and options can change between software versions, so follow the instructions shown in your own app. Always keep a copy of important documents before editing them. Written by the BytePriva Team. Last reviewed: 23 October 2026.