# Split or extract? Choose the PDF result you actually need
Use splitting when one long document needs to become multiple files. Use extraction when a selected set of pages should remain together in one new file. FileStation’s page instructions distinguish cut-point exports, separate-page exports and extraction. FileStation: Split PDF
Illustrative task
Imagine a 12-page practice PDF with three sections. You need pages 1–4 in the first file, 5–8 in the second and 9–12 in the third. Review the thumbnail order, mark the boundaries and use the grouped split option. An output of twelve one-page PDFs would be a different result.
When only pages 2, 5 and 8 are needed together, select those pages and extract them into one file instead. Check the order after saving.
Before sharing a split pack
Open every resulting file. Check that the start and end pages match your plan, give each result a clear name, and confirm that its contents match the intended recipient. Using separate filenames does not itself ensure the right information has gone into each file.
Use synthetic practice documents for screenshots. A real client pack should not be used as demonstration material without suitable authorisation.