Split Odd / Even Pages

What is Split Odd / Even Pages?

Split Odd / Even Pages separates a PDF into two files: one containing all odd-numbered pages (1, 3, 5, ...) and one containing all even-numbered pages (2, 4, 6, ...). Both files are packaged into a single zip for download.

The tool uses pdf-lib to iterate through the source document, classify each page by its position (odd or even index), copy the pages into two separate PDFs, and package them into a zip archive. Page 1 (the first page) is classified as odd.

The output files are named odd-pages.pdf and even-pages.pdf. Each contains only the pages from its classification, preserving the original page content and formatting.

How to Use Split Odd / Even Pages

1. Drop a PDF file onto the upload zone, or click to browse and select it. The tool reads the document and determines the total page count.
2. Click Split Odd / Even. The tool iterates through every page, copies odd-indexed pages (1, 3, 5, ...) into one PDF and even-indexed pages (2, 4, 6, ...) into another, then packages both into a zip.
3. A download button appears with a zip file containing odd-pages.pdf and even-pages.pdf. Extract the zip to access the two separate files.

Why Use Split Odd / Even Pages?

Double-sided scans capture front and back of each sheet as consecutive pages. Splitting odd and even separates the two sides into distinct files, making it easy to reassemble, review, or print one side at a time.

Duplex printing workflows use this to send only one side of a document to the printer, or to print odd and even pages on separate paper stocks for specialized binding. This is common in bookbinding and professional printing.

Review workflows benefit when different reviewers need to see different sides of a document — for example, a teacher reviewing student work on one side and answer keys on the other.

Privacy & Security

Your files never leave your browser. Every step — reading, sorting, and writing the output — happens on your own device. Nothing is uploaded to Racira's servers, no copies are stored in the cloud, and no file data is transmitted at any point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is page 1 considered odd or even?

Page 1 is the first page (index 0 in the document) and is classified as odd. The odd file starts with page 1, the even file starts with page 2. This matches the standard convention for duplex printing.

What if my document has an odd number of pages?

The odd file will have one more page than the even file. A 7-page document produces an odd file with 4 pages (1, 3, 5, 7) and an even file with 3 pages (2, 4, 6). Both files are included in the zip regardless of size difference.

Can I split by page range instead of odd/even?

For custom page ranges, use the Extract Pages tool instead. It lets you specify exactly which pages to keep (e.g. "1-5, 10-15") rather than the fixed odd/even classification.

Will the split files preserve bookmarks and annotations?

Page content, images, and formatting are preserved in both output files. Bookmarks and annotations may not transfer correctly since they can reference pages in the other file.

How do I reassemble the odd and even files?

Use the Merge tool to combine them back into a single document. For standard duplex reassembly, merge the odd file first, then the even file — this interleaves the pages back into their original order. You can also use the Multi-Tool for visual drag-and-drop reassembly if you need to verify the page order.

Can I print only one side after splitting?

Yes. Open odd-pages.pdf or even-pages.pdf directly in your reader and print. Each file contains only one side, so you can print just fronts or just backs without wasting paper.