Write the output plan first
Use one-based physical page positions. A PDF viewer may display printed labels such as i, ii, 1, 2 while the converter still counts the cover as physical page 1.
Semicolons separate output PDFs. Commas combine selections inside one output. The plan 1-3; 4,7-9; 10 creates outputs with 3, 4 and 1 pages.
Handle gaps and overlaps intentionally
A page omitted from every group is not exported. Overlapping ranges deliberately copy a page into more than one output. Write down expected page counts and compare them with the downloads.
Worked example: agenda and appendices
For a 22-page board pack, use 1-2; 3-14; 15-18; 19-22 to create agenda, report and two appendix files. Use extraction instead if all selected pages should remain in one file.
Limitations
Range splitting does not understand bookmarks or printed page labels, repair signatures or decrypt protected PDFs. Structural changes generally invalidate digital signatures.
Use the relevant tools
These guides are general information, not legal, security or records-management advice. Follow your organisation’s policies for sensitive files.