Split a PDF so each person signs only what's theirs

Three ways to split

There's no split command in the web editor itself, so for separate files, start with the tool.

Split with the free tool

1. 1

   Open the tool

   Go to Split PDF. It runs in your browser, so the file never leaves your computer or phone.

2. 2

   Type the ranges

   Enter ranges such as 1-3, 5 for one new file per range, or choose every page separately.

3. 3

   Download the pieces

   Each range gets its own download button. Name the files clearly, like Bid form p12-14.

4. 4

   Send the part that needs signing

   Upload that piece to a new envelope. If several people each sign their own piece, upload them all to one envelope and give each person fields only in theirs.

Or drop pages in the draft

If you only want to leave out a few pages, skip the extra files. Upload the whole PDF to a draft, open the page menu on each page you don't need and choose Delete page. The editor also rotates pages and moves them earlier or later, and it can insert pages from another file. Deleting happens in the draft only; your original file on your computer is untouched.

Don't cut away the terms

Sending only the signature page is the classic mistake. The signer agrees to terms they never saw in that envelope, and if there's a dispute later, that's the first thing their side will point out. Keep the pages that define what they're agreeing to: the price, the scope, the exhibits the contract mentions by name. Trim cover sheets, blank pages and sections meant for someone else.

• Trim: cover letters, tables of contents, pages addressed to other parties, duplicate copies.
• Keep: every page the signature page refers to, and anything with a number the signer is agreeing to.
• When in doubt, send the whole document and place fields only where signatures belong. The signer can read the rest, and the guide skips straight to their fields.

Splitting after it's signed

The signed PDF is one file, with every document followed by the certificate of completion, and its fingerprint covers the whole file. Splitting it creates new files that no longer match. Keep the complete signed PDF as your record, and if someone needs only one part, send them a split copy and say it's an extract.