How to split PDF to separate PDF files in Windows 11?

Using PowerShell with the PSWritePDF module is a powerful, script-based method to split PDF files, though it's worth knowing it isn't a built-in Windows feature. The module is based on iText 7 Community for NET, a well- known PDF library, and it provides standalone functions. Importantly, the module works on Windows, Linux, and macOS, so it's cross-platform.

Before you can perform a PDF to PDF split using PSWritePDF, you need to install the module. Here's how:

Step 1: Open PowerShell as Administrator

Step 2: Install the Module

Run the following command:

Install-Module -Name PSWritePDF -Force

You may be prompted to confirm the installation from an untrusted repository— type Y and press Enter.

Step 3: Verify Installation

Step 4: Import the Module into Your Session

How to Perform a PDF to PDF Split Using PSWritePDF

Once the module is installed and imported, you can use the Split-PDF function. Here is the basic syntax:

Split-PDF -Path "C: \Path\to\your\file, pdf" -OutputFolder "C:\Path\to\output\folder"

For example, if you have a 40-page document located at C:\Reports\combined, pdf and you want to split it into 40 separate one-page PDF files saved to C: \SplitOutput, you would run:

Split-PDF -Path "C:\Reports\combined, pdf" -OutputFolder "C:\ SplitOutput"

The module will automatically create individual PDF files for each page, typically naming them sequentially. This accomplishes a complete PDF to PDF split in a single command—no manual page selection required.