Summary: A business owner downloads the bank statements as PDFs each month. As we know, PDFs are great for viewing only, not for analyzing. Therefore, they decide to convert PDF to Excel for categorizing transactions. In this guide, we will show you manual methods for PDF to Excel conversion. However, while working with complex PDFs, an automated solution, PDF Converter Tool, is more efficient. Continue to read the blog till the end to look at the different methods for a better understanding of the conversion process.
Need to Convert PDF File to Excel
The PDF to Excel conversion allows users to combine multiple PDF reports into a single Excel sheet. Given below are some of the needs of doing this conversion:
- PDF to Excel conversion helps users transform static data into interactive dashboards and summaries.
- By converting PDF to Excel, users can quickly edit, update, or correct data without breaking the format.
- Excel enables faster bulk calculations and batch updates that are impossible to do in a PDF.
- Convert PDF bank statements to Excel to categorize transactions and track expenses more efficiently.
- Excel allows users to quickly arrange data by date, amount, or category for better insights.
Multiple Ways to Convert PDF to Excel Format
Method 01: Copy-Paste to Change PDF to Excel
The simplest way to convert PDF data into Excel is by using the “Copy-Paste” method. This is suitable when the PDF contains just a few rows of data that you need to convert.
The following are the steps to start the process:
- First, launch the desired PDF in any web browser.
- Then, hover the mouse to highlight the table or text you wish to copy.
- After that, right-click and select Copy or press Ctrl+C.
- Now, create a new Excel workbook or open an existing one.
- Then, right-click and choose Paste or press Ctrl+V.
- Afterwards, manually adjust columns and rows according to the original structure.
Drawbacks: Tables often lose alignment when pasted into Excel or Word. Copy-pasting is impractical for bulk data or multi-page documents. Scanned PDFs often produce errors during copy-paste.
Method 02: Convert PDF Table to Excel via MS Excel’s Import Feature
This method is far more efficient than copy-pasting. It is perfect for users who need accurate data extraction with minimal manual effort.
Use the following step-by-step process to begin converting:
- Run Excel on your computer and choose New Workbook.
- Now, click on the Data option from the navigation bar.
- In the Get Data dropdown, select From File > From PDF.
- Then, look through and choose the PDF you need to convert.
- Next, a preview window will show all the available tables for selection.
- After that, pick the tables you want and click Load to bring them into Excel.
- Lastly, fix alignment and format cells as required.
Drawbacks: Older editions of Excel do not support this functionality. The tool may misinterpret tables in highly formatted or scanned files. The output may need slight corrections before use.
Method 03: A Secure Solution to Convert PDF to Excel Format
The most reliable way to bulk convert PDF to Excel is by using a professional PDF Converter Tool. This software ensures that all elements, including images, fonts, and layouts, are preserved during conversion. Its simple interface and fast performance make it perfect for users who need accurate, error-free results in just a few clicks.
Steps to Convert PDF File to Excel:
- Download and run the Tool on your Windows PC.
- Then, tap Select File, upload the PDF you want to convert, and click Open.
- After that, mark the file from the list and press Next to proceed further.
- Now, choose Excel as the output format and configure any additional settings if required.
- At the end, press Convert to convert PDF to xls in just a few seconds.
Conclusion
The PDF file to Excel conversion is mainly done for analyzing the tabular data in a PDF file. There are several ways to convert PDF to Excel, depending on your needs. Manual methods like copy-pasting or using Excel’s built-in import feature work for small files or simple tables. But they often require extra time to clean up formatting and may not work well for complex PDFs. If you want a faster, more accurate, and hassle-free solution, the automated PDF Converter Tool is the best solution. With just a few clicks, focus on analyzing your data rather than fixing it.
You May Also Read: Extract Data from PDF to Excel
Frequently Asked Questions
Q- Is it safe to upload my PDF to an online converter?
Ans- Reputable tools are secure and delete files after processing, but avoid uploading confidential or sensitive documents online. For privacy, use an offline desktop converter.
Q- Will converting PDF to Excel reduce the file size?
Ans- Usually yes, because Excel stores data more efficiently. But if the PDF contains large images, the Excel file might still be big.