Workflow · 6 min read

PDF Page Range Syntax: Pages, Ranges and Order Examples

Use expressions such as 1,3-5,9 correctly when extracting, deleting, splitting or reordering pages.

Written by Pageivo Editorial TeamReviewed August 31, 2026

Individual pages

A comma-separated list such as 1,4,9 selects those individual PDF positions. The numbers normally refer to the viewer's page positions, not a printed page number inside the document.

Check whether a cover sheet causes the printed number and PDF position to differ.

Inclusive ranges

A hyphen represents an inclusive range. The expression 3-6 means pages 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Ranges can be mixed with individual pages, for example 1,3-6,10. Keep the expression simple enough to audit visually before running the operation.

Order can be meaningful

In extraction and reordering workflows, a sequence such as 5,1-3 can create an output beginning with page 5 followed by pages 1, 2 and 3. Repeating a number may duplicate that page if the tool permits it.

For deletion workflows, the order is generally irrelevant because the listed pages are removed rather than copied into a new sequence.

Use the related Pageivo tool

Save selected pages as a new PDF. The operation runs in your browser and does not require an account.

Extract PDF Pages

This guide provides general technical and workflow information. For regulated records, legal filings, security-sensitive data or organizational compliance, follow the rules that apply to your specific situation.