PDF to Excel
Unlock your data. Convert tables to spreadsheets.
Data trapped in a PDF is useless. To analyze it, calculate it, or sort it, you need it in Excel.
This guide shows you how to convert PDF tables into editable Excel spreadsheets (`.xlsx`) accurately, preserving columns and rows.
The Challenge with PDF Tables
PDFs draw lines and text, but they don't understand "cells". A simple copy-paste often results in all data landing in a single column (A1), requiring hours of cleanup.
Conversion Methods
- Excel's "Get Data" Feature: Modern versions of Excel (2016+) can import PDFs directly via the Data > Get Data > From File > From PDF menu.
- Dedicated Converters: Tools built for PDF-to-Excel use spatial analysis to detect the grid structure and place data in the correct cells.
- Copy-Paste with Word: Sometimes pasting into Word first, then copying to Excel, preserves structure better than direct pasting.
Article Authored By
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The PDFCanada.ca Engineering Team
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