Skip to main content
PPDF123

Pull Out the Even-Numbered Pages of a PDF

Extract Even Pages saves pages 2, 4, 6, 8 and every other even-numbered page of a PDF as a new file. The page field is preset to the pattern 2n, where n counts from 1.

Drag and drop a file here, or click to choose

Accepts PDF · up to 500.0 MB per file

You can also paste a file with Ctrl/Cmd+V, or from the clipboard menu.

On a double-sided scan the even pages are the backs of each sheet. Pulling them out is the first step when the two sides were scanned in separate passes or when you want to print the backs on their own.

The page field understands patterns, so you do not type every number. 2n produces 2, 4, 6, 8 up to the last page of the file. The new PDF holds those pages in order, and your original is left as it was.

For the front sides use 2n-1, or the odd-pages page. If a back-side scan came out in reverse order, the reverse-order page turns it around afterwards.

Features

  • Pattern 2n preset: pages 2, 4, 6, 8 and so on
  • Works for any page count; no list to type
  • Pages are copied in order, with selectable text
  • The original file is not changed

When to use this tool

  • Printing the backs of a double-sided document separately
  • Separating the back sides of a duplex scan
  • Reviewing every second page of a long file

How do I extract only the even pages of a PDF?

  1. Upload the PDF
  2. Keep 2n in the page field
  3. Click Process and download the PDF with the even pages

Limits and edge cases

  • The pattern counts pages by their position in the file, not by printed numbers
  • A one-page file has no even pages and is rejected with a message about the missing page
  • Pages stay in file order; reverse them with the reverse-order page if needed

Test results and conditions

  • Test file: a 10-page PDF generated for this project's test suite, one line of text per page.
  • The pattern 2n returned a 5-page PDF; its first page was Page 2 of 10.

Privacy for this tool

Files are uploaded over HTTPS, processed in memory or a short-lived temporary directory on our servers, and deleted when your result is ready. We do not keep copies for later browsing, training, or advertising profiles. See the Privacy Policy for retention details and AdSense cookie disclosures.

Frequently asked questions

What does 2n mean?
n counts 1, 2, 3 and so on, so 2n gives 2, 4, 6. It is a short way to list every even page.
How do I get the odd pages instead?
Type 2n-1 in the field, or use the odd-pages page.
What if the PDF has an odd number of pages?
The pattern stops at the last even page, so a 9-page file gives pages 2, 4, 6 and 8.
Can I combine the even pages with the odd pages again?
Merge the two files and use Rearrange Pages in duplex mode, or reverse the backs first if they were scanned in reverse.

Last updated:

Call this from code

Every tool on this site is a plain REST endpoint - no account or API key needed for anonymous use. Built for AI agents and developers as much as for browsers.

curl -X POST "https://pdf123.xyz/api/v1/general/rearrange-pages" \
  -F "[email protected]" \
  -F "pageNumbers=1" \
  -o output.pdf

Also available as an MCP tool for agent clients that speak Model Context Protocol (JSON-RPC 2.0 over POST /mcp). Full API reference

Use it from an AI agent

Skill

Claude Code, Codex, Cursor and other AI agents can run Extract Pages for you with this skill: /skills/pdf123-extract-pages.md

All agent skills

Files are used only for this processing job and deleted automatically afterward.