PDF files are a great way of sharing documents, but extracting data can be a daunting task, especially when dealing with large amounts of information. This step-by-step guide will show you how to extract tabular data from PDF files. By using dedicated tools or specialized frameworks, you can automate the process and save time.
Easy Conversion with Online Converters
If you’re looking for a fast and simple way to convert PDF files, online file converters can be your best bet. Free online tools like Smallpdf and Cometdocs can extract tabular data from PDF and convert it to Excel. Let’s make use of Smallpdf to extract tables from PDF files, here’s how:
- Visit the Smallpdf website
- Select the conversion you want to perform
- Drag the PDF file to the PDF converter
- After the file finishes uploading, click Convert to Excel
- Download the converted file to your device and launch it with Excel to ensure the table has been accurately converted
Extract Tables with Microsoft Power BI
Microsoft Power BI’s Power Query feature makes it easy for users to import PDF files and extract table data. Follow these steps to extract tabular data:
- Download, install, and launch Microsoft Power BI
- Select Get Data from the Home section of the application desktop
- Select PDF and click file
- Find and select the location of the PDF file on your computer.
- Choose the Table Number to load once the file is imported into Power BI
- Select the Upload button to create the table in Power BI
Please keep in mind that this option is only available for users with an Office 365 subscription. Alternatively, Power BI can be purchased as a separate package, and the Power Query feature is available in the free trial.
Extract Tables with Microsoft Excel
Like Power BI, Microsoft Excel has the Power Query feature that can be used to load PDF files and extract tabular data. Follow these steps to extract tabular data:
- Open Microsoft Excel
- Select the Data tab on the ribbon
- Select Get Data and choose From File and From PDF from the dropdown
- Find and select the PDF file location on your computer
- Choose the Table Number to load
- Select the Upload button to create the table in Excel.
Please keep in mind that this option is only available in newer versions of Excel (2016 or later).
FAQs
1. Why is extracting data from PDF files difficult?
Extracting data from a PDF file can be difficult because PDFs were designed to be unchangeable, making it a challenge to extract information without specialized tools or frameworks.
2. Can I use free online tools to extract tables from PDF files?
Yes, several free online tools like Cometdocs and Smallpdf can extract tabular data from PDF files.
3. Do I need a subscription to use Microsoft Power BI?
Yes, you need an Office 365 subscription to use Microsoft Power BI. Alternatively, you can purchase a separate Power BI package.
4. Is the Power Query feature available in older versions of Microsoft Excel?
No, the Power Query feature is only available in newer versions of Excel, specifically 2016 or later.
Concluding Thoughts
We hope this article was helpful in understanding the process of extracting tabular data from PDF files. In case you have any related queries, feel free to reach out to us through the contact forum. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family to support us.
