How to Extract Data from PDF to Excel (4 Suitable Ways)

Consider a dataset of 10 residents. Their ID, home type, region, and the number of family members are in a PDF. We’ll extract the PDF to an Excel file.


Method 1 – Use Power Query to Extract Data from PDF

Steps:

  • In the Data tab, select Get Data and choose From File.
  • Select the From PDF option.

Use of Power Query to Extract Data from PDF

  • A box named Import Data will appear (you may get a “Connecting” notification box).
  • Choose the PDF file from which you want to extract the data and click Import. We chose a PDF file called Data.

  • A new dialog box called Navigator will appear.
  • Select the Table001 (Page 1) option to import the table into your worksheet.
  • You will see a preview of the dataset of that page in the Navigator dialog box.
  • Click on Load.

Use of Power Query to Extract Data from PDF

  • A new sheet will open, entitled Table001 (Page 1), and the data will be extracted into the Excel file as a table.

Use of Power Query to Extract Data from PDF

  • You will get the data in the Excel sheet.

Use of Power Query to Extract Data from PDF

Read More: How to Extract Data from Multiple PDF Files to Excel


Method 2 – Using the Copy Paste Features

Steps:

  • Open the PDF.
  • Press Ctrl + A.
  • Press Ctrl + C to copy the dataset.

Using Excel Copy Paste Features to Extract Data from PDF to Excel

  • Open Microsoft Excel and choose the Blank workbook option to open a blank spreadsheet.

  • Select any cell in that worksheet.
  • In the Home tab, select Paste and choose Paste Destination Formatting.

Using Excel Copy Paste Features to Extract Data from PDF to Excel

  • You can also press Ctrl + V to paste the dataset into the worksheet.

Using Excel Copy Paste Features to Extract Data from PDF to Excel

  • Write down a suitable title for your dataset and choose formatting from the Font, Alignment, and Style available in the ribbon to make your dataset look similar to the PDF.

  • You will get the dataset in your Excel workbook.

How to Extract Data from PDF to Excel

Read More: Convert PDF to Table in Excel


Method 3 – Using Microsoft Word

Steps:

  • Select the dataset in the PDF file.
  • Press Ctrl + C.

  • Launch Microsoft Word and select the Blank document option.

Through Microsoft Word Extract Data from PDF to Excel

  • Right-click and choose Keep source formatting (K) under Paste.

Through Microsoft Word Extract Data from PDF to Excel

  • If you can’t see the whole dataset, click on the move pointer icon on the top-left corner of the table (it will also help you to select the entire table) and choose a suitable alignment.

  • Click the move pointer icon and press Ctrl + C to copy the table.

Through Microsoft Word Extract Data from PDF to Excel

  • Open Excel.
  • In the worksheet, select any cell and press Ctrl + V to paste the dataset.

Through Microsoft Word Extract Data from PDF to Excel

  • Format the dataset however you like it.

How to Extract Data from PDF to Excel

Read More: How to Convert PDF to Excel without Software


Method 4 – Extract Data by Using the Adobe Acrobat Conversion Tool

Steps:

  • Open the PDF file in Adobe Acrobat.
  • Select the Export PDF option from the Tools option on the right panel.

Extract Data from Adobe Acrobat

  • If the tools option doesn’t display on the right side of your window, it will be on the right side of the Home tab.
  • Choose Spreadsheet and select Microsoft Excel Workbook.
  • Click the Export button.

Extract Data from Adobe Acrobat

  • A new window named Save As will appear.
  • Check on the option Open file after export.
  • Choose your desired location to save the Excel file. We chose the Desktop to save the file.

Extract Data from Adobe Acrobat

  • Another dialog box will appear.
  • Write down a suitable name for your Excel file and click Save. We wrote Data as our file name.

  • A small progress bar will be displayed in Adobe Acrobat to show the progress rate of your file exporting.
  • Microsoft Excel will open automatically. Apply your desired formatting to the resulting dataset.

Extract Data from Adobe Acrobat

  • You will get your data in an Excel spreadsheet.

Read More: How to Export PDF Comments into an Excel Spreadsheet


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Soumik Dutta
Soumik Dutta

Soumik Dutta, having earned a BSc in Naval Architecture & Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, plays a key role as an Excel & VBA Content Developer at ExcelDemy. Driven by a profound passion for research and innovation, he actively immerses himself in Excel. In his role, Soumik not only skillfully addresses complex challenges but also demonstrates enthusiasm and expertise in gracefully navigating tough situations, underscoring his unwavering commitment to consistently deliver exceptional, high-quality content that... Read Full Bio

2 Comments
  1. Reply
    Andre van Niekerk Mar 25, 2024 at 1:51 PM

    The copy and paste option works perfectly in Excel 2010, but it does not work in Excel 2013.
    Why would that be?

    • Reply Lutfor Rahman Shimanto
      Lutfor Rahman Shimanto Mar 28, 2024 at 12:59 PM

      Hello Andre Van Niekerk

      Thanks for sharing your problem. It is unusual for copying and pasting to stop working entirely in Excel 2013 if it worked perfectly in Excel 2010. Both versions rely on the same core Windows clipboard functionality.

      The PDF file copied from might have a complex layout or structure that Excel 2013 has difficulty handling during the copy-and-paste process. Also, if you’re trying to paste into merged cells in Excel 2013, it might cause problems. Try un-merging the cells before pasting.

      If you are still having trouble with the issue, we recommend you use the other approaches mentioned. Let us know if they lead you to the same result; good luck.

      Regards
      ExcelDemy

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