How to Save One Page of a PDF

Yes, you can save single pages from a PDF

By
Jennifer Allen
Jennifer Allen
Jennifer Allen
Writer
  • Swansea University, Staffordshire University
Jennifer Allen has been writing about technology since 2010. Her work has appeared in Mashable, TechRadar, and many more publications.
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Updated on April 23, 2022
Reviewed by
Jon Fisher
Jon Fisher headshot
Reviewed by Jon Fisher
  • Wichita Technical Institute
Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek.
lifewire's editorial guidelines

What to Know

  • Open file> slect File > Print > choose page > PDF > Save as PDF > Save.
  • Save a single page of a PDF using Microsoft Word, Chrome, Preview (Mac), and free PDF editors like Smallpdf.
  • The methods below won't work on a read-only PDF, nor can they circumvent a password-protected document.

This article explains how to save a PDF page using Preview on Mac and Smallpdf. Instructions for Microsoft Word and Chrome are similar to Preview.

How To Save a Single Page of a PDF

There are multiple methods for saving one page of a PDF, but we're focusing on the most general options so that you can do it with minimal hassle, regardless of the device you're using. 

This method requires a PDF editing program. If you use a Mac, you already have one in the form of Preview. Microsoft Word will also work, as well as Google Chrome. Alternatively, there are many free PDF editors available.

  1. Open the PDF file in your PDF editor.

    We're using MacOS's Preview in our screenshots but the steps are very similar in other apps.

  2. Click File > Print.

    MacOS Preview with File>Print highlighted

  3. Choose the page you want to save from the PDF file. 

    MacOS Preview with pages selected for printing

  4. Click PDF > Save As PDF.

    MacOS Preview with Save as PDF highlighted via the print dialog

    Some apps may require you to choose from the list of available printers and pick PDF instead of a physical device. 

  5. Choose where to save the file.

  6. Click Save.

    MacOS Preview with Save dialog open

  7. Your one page PDF is now saved in a new location. 

Other Options for PDF Single Page Extractions

Wondering how to save a single page of a PDF without having to install software? Fortunately, you can easily save one page of a PDF via an online app like Smallpdf.

This method only allows you to extract two pages per day for free, but it's a good short term solution.

  1. Go to the Split PDF tool on the Smallpdf site.

  2. Click Choose Files.

    SmallPDF website with Choose Files highlighted

  3. Find the file you need and click Choose.

    SmallPDF website with Choose Files dialog open

  4. Click Extract pages.

    SmallPDF website with Extract Pages option highlighted

  5. Click Extract.

  6. Click the page you want to save from your original PDF.

    SmallPDF website with a choice of pages available when splitting a PDF document

  7. Click Extract.

    SmallPDF website with PDF page splitting the focus and Extract button highlighted

  8. Click Download to save the file to your computer.

    SmallPDF website with Download split PDF button highlighted

Limitations to Saving One Page of a PDF

Splitting up a PDF can involve a few restrictions. Here's what you need to know:

  • These methods won't work on a read-only PDF. If your PDF file has been set to Read-Only, you can't edit it. That means you also can't divide it up into individual pages. You'll need to either edit it yourself or ask the creator of the file to change it for you.
  • Splitting up a PDF won't circumvent password protection. Got a password protected PDF? You'll need to know the password to be able to edit the file and split it up appropriately. 
  • Get permission from the owner of the PDF. PDFs tend to be important documents and it's a good idea to gain permission from the creator of the PDF before splitting it up. It's not essential in all cases, but it's simply good manners.
FAQ
  • How do I save a Word document as a PDF?

    To convert a Word document to PDF, go to File > Save As. Name the file, select the File Format drop-down, and choose PDF > Save.

  • How do I save a web page as a PDF?

    To save a web page as a PDF in Chrome, select Menu (three dots) > Print. In the Destination section, select Change and choose Save as PDF. In Firefox, select Menu (three lines) > Print. Select the PDF drop-down and choose Save as PDF.

  • How do I save an email as a PDF?

    To save email as a PDF, use your email client's print function. After selecting Print, change your printer to a PDF printing option. Depending on your email client, it may say Save as PDF, Microsoft Print to PDF, or something similar.

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