PDF Create From Pages

Use this step to create a new PDF by selective pages.

Last published at: September 9th, 2025

pdfCreateFromPages Step

Description:

The PDF Create From Pages step enables a FlowWright workflow to create a new PDF document by extracting one or more selected pages from an existing PDF file.

Rather than processing or distributing an entire document, this step allows workflows to generate smaller, focused PDF documents containing only the required pages. The extracted PDF can then be used in downstream workflow activities such as document approval, email distribution, customer communication, archival, or integration with external systems.

The workflow specifies the source PDF file, identifies the pages to extract, defines the output file location, and optionally specifies the virtual path of the generated PDF for use within FlowWright.

Typical uses include:

  • Extracting signature pages from contracts
  • Creating invoice summary documents
  • Distributing selected report pages
  • Preparing customer-specific document packages
  • Creating compliance evidence documents
  • Archiving important document sections
  • Generating approval attachments
  • Producing simplified document extracts

This step helps automate document management by creating targeted PDF files without requiring manual editing.

 

Inputs

  • Input File Path - Specifies the full path of the source PDF document from which pages will be extracted.
  • List of Page Numbers - Specifies the page numbers to include in the new PDF document. Multiple page numbers can be provided using the configured keyword list format. 
  • Output File Path – Specifies the location where the newly created PDF document will be saved.
  • PDF Virtual File Path – Specifies the FlowWright virtual file path associated with the generated PDF document for subsequent workflow processing or document access.
 

 

Returns

  • True – The specified pages were successfully extracted, and the new PDF document was created. Workflow execution continues through the success path.
  • False – The PDF could not be created because of an invalid input file, incorrect page selection, inaccessible output location, or another execution error. Workflow execution follows the alternate path. 
 

 

Usage:

The PDF Create From Pages step is typically used after a PDF document has been generated, received, scanned, or downloaded and only specific pages need to be retained or distributed.

During execution:

  1. Read the configured input PDF file.
  2. Parse the configured list of page numbers.
  3. Extract the selected pages from the source document.
  4. Create a new PDF containing only the specified pages.
  5. Save the generated PDF to the configured output location.
  6. Associate the document with the configured PDF virtual file path.
  7. Continue workflow execution through either the True or False return path.

A typical workflow might look like this:

 

Typical workflow scenarios include:

  • Extracting approval pages from contracts
  • Creating customer-specific document packages
  • Sending selected report pages to stakeholders
  • Producing invoice-only PDF files
  • Separating appendices from technical documentation
  • Generating supporting evidence for audits
  • Creating simplified document packages for downstream processing

 

Example:

Let’s build and execute the “pdfCreateFromPagesDef” example.                             

  • Create a new process definition named “pdfCreateFromPagesDef” and open it in designer mode. 
  • Drag the “pdfCreateFromPages” step to the canvas.
  • Connect the dots between the “Start” step and “pdfCreateFromPages” steps, as shown above. 
  • Define a variable or a global variable to store the file path.
  • Click the "pdfCreateFromPages" step to configure its "Required" properties. Provide a name for the step. Provide the source file path on the application server. Click the button to select the page numbers. Provide a variable or global reference to store the Output and Virtual PDF file paths. Click the Save button. Note: Click the "AI Predict" button to have Copilot add new process steps that match your process description. 

 

  • Click the button to select the page numbers. A pop-up window appears for configuration. Click the Add Row (+) button to insert an empty row. Enter a unique page number for each row. The page numbers can be in any order. Click the Save button. You may add multiple page numbers using the Add Row button. Use the “arrow keys” to reorder the row positions. Click the “copy” icon to duplicate the row contents into a new row. 

 

  • The “Logging” configuration is necessary for documentation and also measures workflow progress and percent complete. This is achieved by configuring the step state and percent fields individually, as shown in the images below. Configure the “Logging” using the following properties.

 

  • Save the process definition, create a new instance, and execute it. Render the process instance. Click the “pdfCreateFromPages” process step to view its properties. This step creates a copy of the PDF from the specified pages. Copy and paste the “pdfVirtualPath” variable value into a browser window to view the resulting PDF. 

 

Tips:

  • Verify that the source PDF exists before attempting page extraction.
  • Ensure that all specified page numbers are valid within the source document.
  • Store generated PDFs in dedicated workflow output folders for easier maintenance.
  • Use descriptive file names for extracted documents to simplify identification.
  • Configure the PDF virtual file path when downstream FlowWright components need to reference the generated document.
  • Route the False path to logging or notification activities for easier troubleshooting.
  • Combine this step with Remove Blank Pages, Merge PDF Files, Split PDF, Send Email, or Upload Document steps to build complete document-processing workflows.

 

Notes:

  • A valid input PDF file is required.
  • At least one page number must be specified for extraction.
  • The output file path must reference a writable location.
  • The generated PDF contains only the pages specified in the List of Page Numbers property.
  • The configured PDF virtual file path can be used by subsequent FlowWright workflow activities.
  • Both the True and False return paths should be implemented to provide complete workflow handling.
  • Execution details and PDF generation activities are recorded in the FlowWright workflow execution log.

 

PDF Create From Pages vs. Remove Blank Pages:

Both workflow steps process PDF documents, but they perform different document manipulation tasks.

PDF Create From Pages Remove Blank Pages
Creates a new PDF by extracting selected pages from an existing document. Removes blank pages from an existing PDF document.
Requires a list of page numbers to identify the pages to include. Automatically detects and removes blank pages.
Produces a new PDF containing only the selected pages. Produces a cleaned version of the original document.
Ideal for creating document subsets or customized document packages. Ideal for preparing scanned or generated documents before distribution or archival.

As a general guideline:

  • Use PDF Create From Pages when workflows need to generate a new PDF containing only selected pages from a larger document.
  • Use Remove Blank Pages when workflows need to clean scanned or generated PDF documents by eliminating unnecessary blank pages.

 

Definition Sample:

You may download the sample workflow definition from the link provided and import it into your FlowWright environment.

Note: Verify and complete any missing configuration after importing the sample, including:

  • Input PDF file path
  • List of page numbers
  • Output PDF file path
  • PDF virtual file path
  • Success and failure workflow branches
  • Required file system permissions

After verifying the configuration, save and publish the workflow before execution.

Click here to download the sample file.