How to Link a PDF Form to an Excel Database - 5 Steps

This is an overview:

Step 1 – Create a PDF Form

Open Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader.
Click Tools.
In the search box, enter ‘Prepare’ to the Prepare Form
In Prepare Form, select Create Form.

Select Create New.
Click Start.

Notes: Only Adobe Acrobat Pro DC users will be able to use this feature. Editing, Exporting, Importing, and more functions are accessible with the Pro DC version.

Step 2 – Edit and Prepare PDF Form

Click Add Text and enter your text.

This is the output.

To add a text field, click Add a Text field.

A text field box will be displayed.

To add an image, click Add an Image Field and select an image.

The company logo was added.

The PDF form will be displayed as shown below.

Step 3 – Enter Data in the PDF Form to Link it to the Excel Database

Share the Form through email or any other medium.
The image below shows a sample filled-up Form.

Step 4 – Export Data in the Excel Database

In Tools, search Merge Data Files into Spreadsheet
Select Merge Data Files Into….

Click Add Files to export the Form.

Select Prepare Form.
Click Open.

After adding the Form, click Export.

Name your Form.
Make sure the Format is CSV (.csv).
Save the file.

Click View File Now to see the result in the Excel database.

You will see the pdf form linked to the Excel database.

Step 5 – Use the Power Query to Link the PDF Form to the Excel Database

To create a dynamic updating Excel Database, link the PDF Form using the Power Query.
Click the Data.
Click Get Data.
Select From.
Select Text/CSV.

Select your saved file.
Click Import.

There is a Preview in the Power Query.
Click Load to import the data into the Excel database.

This is the output.

Download Practice Workbook

Download the practice workbook.

Link PDF to Excel.xlsx

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2 Comments

Prashant May 23, 2022 at 12:59 PM

How can I make a Dynamic form in excel include attachments(file or photo) and a send button by which file convert into pdf then save as attachment in Email(Gmail or outlook).
- Reply
  Rafiul Haq Aug 14, 2022 at 12:31 PM
  
  You can do that by following these three steps:
  1. You can insert any files using the Insert > Object command.
  
  2. Save as PDF and Email Attachment.
  
  3. Apply this code on a VBA Button.

How to Link a PDF Form to an Excel Database – 5 Steps