How to convert a table in PDF to Excel

Question

Greetings all,   I am working on a project involving several dozen PDF files containing some data in tables. I would like to be able to convert those PDF tables to Excel so that I can work with the data in Excel spreadsheets.   I have Windows Vista and Adobe Reader 8.1 and I have a DELL Inspiron 9400.   The simpler the solution, the better - as I am not as computer literate as I should be.   Thanks.   Bob

fireberd · Answer

Unless Abach has some more suggestions, I suspect you are going to have to create Excel spreadsheets and manually enter the data from the PDF files.

cajun-bob · Answer

Hi fireberd,   I'm really hoping that Abach has suggestions then because I'm looking at weeks of manually entering data - and I don't have weeks to spare.   Thanks for taking the time to reply.   Bob

abach · Answer

I know of no way to convert a PDF to an Excel file.

The person who sent you the file (if available) should have the original Excel to attach to an email.

Sorry...

Message Edited by abach on 01-28-2008 04:36 PM

cajun-bob · Answer

Allan, thanks for your confirmation.   Unfortunately the nature of the project that I am involved in, causes me to seek data from several technical websites which are all using PDF files. I may just have to load the data manually.   Bob

abach · Answer

Just as a future note:   Excel can import data directly from a web site. You'll find the feature under Data, Import External Data, New Web Query. You type the web address in the address bar, press Enter, then look for yellow arrows. Click one of the yellow arrows and select Import.   Hint: To maximize the web window, double click the Title Bar.

cajun-bob · Answer

abach, thanks for the suggestion.   Bob

RoHe · Answer

http://www.cogniview.com/articles/pdf-to-xls-converter.php http://www.pdftodocconverterpro.com/ etc. Ron

abach · Answer

First link looks pretty neat, Ron, though the audio was ahead of the video in the demo.   $95 could be worth the time saving of the converter vs. enter by hand.

cajun-bob · Answer

Thanks Ron.   I like the 'Smart PDF Converter' that you suggest because it states that it is Vista capable and carries the low price tag of $40.00 - first I will try the free trial to be sure I can handle it.   Much appreciated!   Bob

cajun-bob · Answer

sorry about that 'loud' font - I didn't realize I changed the font.   Bob

RoHe · Answer

Allan, Not only is it the time to do it by hand, it's the accuracy. Bob, Please post again with feedback on whichever utility you decide to use. Ron Message Edited by RoHe on 01-29-2008 10:01 AM

cajun-bob · Answer

Ron, I will be happy to post my feedback.   It will likely be a week before I get started on the PDF to Excel conversion as I am still finalyzing the content and source data with my client.   Bob

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