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Split a PDF by Bookmarks

Extract chapters to separate documents based on the bookmarks in the table of contents.

Drop your file here

Turn each chapter or section of a bookmarked PDF into its own file. The tool reads the PDF's bookmarks (table of contents) and splits at the page each one points to.

How to use Split PDF by Bookmarks

  1. Choose a PDF that has bookmarks.
  2. Pick Chapters (top-level bookmarks) or Sections (top level and the level below).
  3. Check the preview list of documents and their page ranges.
  4. Click Split by bookmarks and download the files, one by one or as a ZIP.

What it does

  • Splits at the page each bookmark points to.
  • Choose top-level chapters only, or chapters plus sections one level down.
  • Shows a preview of every part with its title and page range before you split.
  • Each file is numbered and named after its bookmark title, for example 01 Introduction.pdf.
  • Pages before the first bookmark are kept in a separate Front matter file.

Good to know

  • The PDF must contain bookmarks that point to pages. PDFs without bookmarks cannot be split this way.
  • Bookmarks that point to the same page are combined into one part.
  • Only two bookmark levels are available.

Your files and privacy

The bookmarks are read and the PDF is split in your browser; the file is not uploaded to Docshar's server. If you are signed in, Docshar counts your operations (tool, number of files, sizes and page counts), never the file contents. See the Privacy Policy.

Questions

What if my PDF has no bookmarks?

The tool tells you it cannot split the file by bookmarks. Use Split PDF with page ranges instead.

What happens to pages before the first chapter?

They are saved as a separate file called Front matter, so no pages are lost.

Can I see the result before splitting?

Yes. After you choose the file, a list shows how many documents will be created, their titles and their page ranges.