If you're a Mac user and need to separate a large PDF file into multiple files, or extract specific pages, dividing PDF may seem a tricky task.

In this article, we'll show you 5 ways to split up PDF on Mac using online services, desktop programs, and a browser.

Method 1. How to split PDF on Mac online

Using an online tool to cut pages from a PDF is an easy and secure way to do the job quickly and efficiently. PDF Candy is a free service available on all modern devices and in most popular browsers (Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, etc.).

Follow these simple steps to use an online service to divide PDF files:

1. Open the online PDF splitter for Mac in your browser and click "Add file" to select the desired PDF.
2. Adjust the settings as needed:
   • Into single-page files. Pages will be extracted into individual PDF documents.
   • By page ranges. Each page interval will be saved as a single file.
   • Merge selected pages. All the selected pages will be merged into a separate PDF.
   • Delete selected pages. Selected pages and page ranges will be removed from the output file.
3. Click "Split" and wait for your files to be processed.
4. Once the files are ready, download them one by one or get a ZIP archive.

Advantages

• Additional tools. Online PDF splitter offers a range of other PDF tools, such as converting, merging, compressing, and editing PDF files, all in one place. This eliminates the need to use multiple services for different tasks.
• No installation. Since it is an online tool, you can divide PDFs directly from Safari or other browsers.
• Splitting options. The service has various splitting modes, allowing you to choose the best method for your specific needs and save only important pages.
• Secure and private. The online PDF page separator takes doesn't share your documents with any third party and deletes them from the servers 2 hours after you've finished working on the files.
• Fast. Cloud-based servers will split up your PDF faster than many other PDF dividers.

If you are looking for an easy tool for splitting documents, PDF Candy is the perfect solution for you as it provides a convenient and hassle-free way to split PDFs. Try it today and see for yourself!

Method 2. How to cut pages from PDF with Preview

If you have no internet access or don't want to use an online PDF separator, you can try a built-in desktop program Preview. The application allows you to easily divide PDF files on Mac.

Take advantage of Preview and split your PDF on macOS with just a few easy steps:

1. Open the PDF in Preview.
2. Click the "File" tab in the top left corner of the window, then press the "Print" button.
3. Select the pages you want to split manually or by determining the range.
4. Choose "Save as PDF". You can also upload the document to iCloud Drive or send it by email.
5. Name your new file and select where you want to download it. Click "Save" to separate PDF pages and you're done!

Advantages

• Ease of use. A pre-installed app makes splitting PDFs on Mac easy without the need for additional software.
• Free.There's no need to purchase or download third-party PDF editing tools.
• Multi-functionality. The program provides other features like annotating, viewing, and merging PDFs.

Disadvantages

• Limited features. This application has limited features compared to dedicated PDF editing software. For example, you can't use it to edit PDF text in a scanned document.

By mastering the art of splitting PDFs with Preview, you can save time, stay organized, and enhance your productivity. So why wait? Give it a try now!

Method 3. How to split PDF with Automator 

This program is a great way to organize your documents quickly. Automator provides a wide range of tools to help you manage your PDFs, including the ability to split them. You can cut pages from PDF documents one by one or split up multiple PDFs at once.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to divide PDFs:

1. Open Automator, select "Workflow" from the options and hit "Choose" to begin.
2. Type "Split PDF" in the search bar. Double-click the option in the list.
3. Drag and drop the PDF into the program's window. Select the output folder (the "Save Output to") and type the new document's title in the "Output File Name".
4. Click the "Run" button to separate PDF pages. Now, access the file in the location you have chosen for it to be saved in.

Advantages

• Automation. The program allows you to perform repetitive tasks with ease. You can create a workflow to split PDF on Mac automatically and save effort.
• Efficiency. PDF divider allows you to work on multiple PDF files simultaneously. This can save a significant amount of time, especially if you deal with a large number of files.
• Versatility. This service can also be used as a PDF compressor.

Disadvantages

• Complexity. The interface is not as intuitive as in other PDF editing tools. You need to have special skills and technical knowledge to use Automator effectively for specific tasks.

Overall, using Automator to cut pages from PDF files on Mac offers is an efficient and flexible method. It is a valuable tool for professionals and people constantly dealing with splitting PDF documents. However, it may not be the most suitable option for average users.

Method 4. How to split PDF pages on Mac with Acrobat 

Adobe Acrobat is a great option for splitting a PDF on Mac. It also has several additional features for managing PDF files.

Follow these steps to split up a PDF:

1. Open your PDF in Adobe Acrobat.
2. Go to "Tools" menu and click "Organize Pages".
3. Select "Split" at the top of the screen and decide how you'd like to divide PDF.
4. Press the "Split" button to export the file.

Advantages

• Multiple splitting options. PDF page separator gives you control over the splitting process, allowing you to extract desired pages from the original file.
• Customization modes. The program offers various customization options, such as signing PDF and adjusting settings before splitting a PDF file.

Disadvantages

• Cost.The software requires a subscription to use it. This might be a disadvantage for average users and small businesses looking for a free or more affordable solution.
• Complicated interface. PDF divider can be confusing for beginners due to its advanced features and complex interface.

Adobe Acrobat provides an efficient solution for splitting PDFs on Mac, offering a range of options to work on your documents. However, you might want to find a more simple tool if you have no experience with this software.

Method 5. How to separate PDF pages in the browser

Both Safari and Google Chrome are great options to split PDFs on Mac. These browsers not only provide a straightforward experience but also don't require any extra software.

Here's how to do it:

1. Open the PDF file you need to split in either Google Chrome or Safari.
2. Click "Print" on the menu bar (or press Command-P).
3. Choose the pages or page range to be split from PDF file and select "Save as PDF".
4. When you've selected all the pages you want, save it and give the new file a name.

Advantages

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

Disadvantages

• Lack of advanced features. Unlike specialized PDF splitting tools, the browser may not offer advanced features such as encryption, batch processing, or watermarking.

Utilizing an online PDF page separator provides an efficient and user-friendly method for dividing your documents. If you need more features or regularly deal with large PDF documents it is worth exploring dedicated services.

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 use an online PDF splitter, as it is free and easy to use. For those who need more advanced features, there are desktop applications that offer great tools 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!

Use other tools to work on your PDF:

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