Find out how to split a PDF using Adobe Acrobat DC. We’ll also show you a free alternative method.
Adobe Reader DC is an excellent option for splitting PDF files if you have an Adobe Acrobat DC subscription. However, the subscription cost can be a drawback for some users.
Luckily, there’s a free alternative with simpler steps. Keep reading to discover the solution.
Unfortunately, splitting PDF files isn’t free in Adobe Reader DC. To use this feature, you’ll need to subscribe to Adobe Acrobat, starting at $14.99/month.
However, PDFgear, a top-rated FREE PDF editor, provides a great alternative. Download it and check out the detailed splitting process in Part 3 below.
If you have an Adobe Acrobat DC subscription, here’s a guide to splitting PDF files using Adobe Acrobat Standard DC and Pro DC.
This method works with Acrobat DC, Acrobat 2020, and Acrobat 2017 on both Windows and Mac.
Step 1. Open Adobe Acrobat Pro. Go to the “File” menu and select “Open” to choose the PDF you want to split.
Step 2. Click on the “Tools” tab in the top left. Under the “Pages” section, choose “Split Document.”
Step 3. In the “Split Document” dialog box, select how to split the PDF. You can split by number of pages, file size, or top-level bookmarks.
Step 4. If you choose “Number of pages,” enter the number of pages for each new PDF.
Step 5. Click “OK” to begin the splitting process and save the split files in your preferred location.
While Adobe Acrobat DC is highly effective for splitting PDFs, it might not be the best choice for users looking for a free option or those with limited device storage.
Fortunately, there’s a free alternative that lets you split PDFs with ease — no subscription or registration required.
For those who prefer not to pay, PDFgear is the best free alternative to Acrobat DC.
PDFgear offers a free PDF splitter that lets you divide a single PDF into multiple documents by page, with no limits on the number of documents. The service also allows you to customize the pages of each document with ease.
Here are 3 simple steps to split a PDF using PDFgear.
Step 1. Download PDFgear on your device, whether it’s Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android. It’s compatible with all systems.
Step 2. Open PDFgear. Go to the Merge & Split toolbar and select Split PDF. Add your PDF files to PDFgear. To choose multiple PDFs at once, hold down “Ctrl” while selecting the files.
Step 3. Adjust the split settings. Choose between Custom Range or Fixed Range, set the output path, and click Split. Once done, a pop-up will appear, allowing you to view the saved split PDFs.
PDFgear also provides an online PDF splitting tool for those who prefer not to install the software. Follow these steps:
Step 1. Go to the PDFgear online PDF splitter tool. Drag and drop your PDF document into the splitter interface to open it.
Step 2. Click the scissors icon to split, or set the number of pages each PDF should contain before splitting.
When you’re ready, click the Split button to start the process.
Step 3. The documents will be split in just a few seconds. Once done, click the Download button to save the zipped split PDFs.
One limitation of the online PDFgear splitter is that it cannot handle multiple documents simultaneously and has a file size limit of 100MB. Additionally, a stable internet connection is needed for smooth operation.
However, these limitations are removed when downloading PDFgear on Windows, Mac, iPhone (iPad), or Android. With the desktop or mobile version, you can batch-split multiple files without restrictions on size or quantity.
You can also customize splitting rules for different files, and it works offline. Plus, there’s no need for account registration or a subscription fee.
PDFgear allows you to split all types of PDFs. Users can enjoy batch splitting, unlimited splitting, and fully customizable options—all free of charge.
Since the PDF splitting feature in Adobe Acrobat is only available in the paid versions of Acrobat DC and Acrobat Pro DC, splitting PDF documents in Adobe Reader DC for free isn’t an option.
However, with the recommended free online tool PDFgear, you can split PDF documents at no cost.
Splitting PDF documents with PDFgear is easy. Simply launch PDFgear, click “Split PDF” in the Merge & Split toolbar, select your PDFs, customize the split settings, and hit Split. For detailed steps, see Method 3.
Yes, PDFgear is a cross-platform service that works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS devices. On your mobile phone, simply visit pdfgear.com to convert, compress, edit, split, merge, and sign your PDF documents effortlessly!
The PDFgear online splitter is a cross-platform tool that allows you to split PDF files on Windows 10, Windows 11, Mac, Linux, Chromebooks, laptops, and mobile devices.
The PDFgear app is compatible with Windows 10/11, Mac, iOS, and Android.
PDFgear is an all-in-one document converter that supports a wide range of input and output file formats, including PDF, Word, Excel, PPT, JPG, HEIC, and more.
Is PDFgear safe? This is a common concern for many users. Rest assured, PDFgear is completely safe and secure.
With TLS encryption, your data is protected, and no files are stored on the server. All uploaded files are permanently deleted as soon as you close your browser.
In conclusion, splitting PDF files in Adobe Reader DC for free isn’t possible — you’ll need a paid subscription.
However, with PDFgear, the best free alternative to Acrobat, you can easily split PDF documents just like in Acrobat Pro DC, but without any costs or limitations.
Give PDFgear a try, and you’ll see for yourself!