How to Convert PDF to Excel without Software

PDFs, or Portable Document Format files, are an easy and convenient way to share information. However, when it comes to analyzing or modifying data from a PDF, it can become more complicated. One popular option is using software to convert a PDF to an Excel file, but not everyone has access to or wants to use additional software. The good news is that there is a way to convert a PDF to Excel without software, and it’s a simple process that can be easily accomplished using Microsoft Excel. In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps to convert a PDF to Excel without the need for any additional software.

Step 1: Open Microsoft Excel

The first step to converting a PDF to Excel without software is to open a new Excel workbook. You can either do this by double-clicking on the Excel icon or by opening Excel and selecting “New Blank Workbook.”

Step 2: Click on “Data” in the Excel Ribbon

Once you have your blank workbook open, navigate to the “Data” tab in the Excel ribbon located at the top of your screen.

Step 3: Click on “From File”

Within the “Data” tab, click on “From File” to access the “Import File” dialog box. This will allow you to import the PDF file you want to convert into Excel.

Step 4: Select Your PDF File

Under the “Import File” dialog box, click on “Browse” to select the PDF file you want to import into Excel. Once selected, click on “Open” to confirm your selection.

Step 5: Choose Where to Import the PDF File in Excel

After you have selected your PDF file and clicked “Open,” the “Import Data” dialog box will appear. This is where you will choose where you want to import the PDF file in Excel. Typically, you will want to choose “New Worksheet” to have the PDF data appear in a new worksheet within the same Excel workbook.

Step 6: Configure Your Import Settings

The “Import Data” dialog box will also provide you with several options to configure your import settings. For example, you can choose to import multiple ranges, adjust the formatting of your imported data, or select a specific delimiter to separate your data. These settings will depend on the specific PDF file you are importing and what format you want your Excel data to be in.

Step 7: Click on “Okay”

Once you have configured your import settings, click on “Okay” to import your PDF file into Excel. After a few moments of processing, your PDF data should now be available within a new worksheet in your Excel workbook.

Final Thoughts

While converting a PDF to Excel can seem daunting, this process is simple and easy to accomplish with Microsoft Excel. Even without the need for additional software, you can quickly convert a PDF to Excel and start analyzing and modifying your data with ease. Keep these steps in mind the next time you need to convert a PDF to Excel without software.

But What if the PDF Has a Table?

Converting a PDF to Excel is straightforward when the PDF is a straightforward list. However, if the PDF has a table of information, the conversion process can be a little more complicated. While Excel’s “From File” option is typically sufficient for basic list conversions, it may not always provide the desired result for tables due to data table formatting issues. In such cases, it is recommended to try other free PDF-to-Excel converters available online to assist with conversion.

PDF to Excel Conversion Tips

When choosing where to import your PDF file, it’s best to choose “New Worksheet” to keep your original data and formatting separate from the imported PDF file. If your resulting Excel worksheet contains merged cells, it’s best to unmerge them and separate them into their original cells for easier editing and data analysis. Additionally, when importing multiple PDF files, it is essential to have them saved in a single location to simplify the import process.

The Benefits of Using PDF to Excel Conversion

Converting PDF files to Excel files makes it easier to analyze and manipulate data. For example, manipulating data in Excel can help in financial analysis, budgeting, expense tracking, and also for cross-referencing information with online databases. Conversion also makes it easier to identify errors or inconsistencies in the original data by providing several useful tools like Excel’s powerful formulas, charts, and visualizations.

Converting PDF files to Excel files can save you a lot of time and effort in the long run, even when you do not have specialized software to handle the conversion. Excel is a powerful data analysis tool that can provide many benefits to help you manage and manipulate data. By following the above steps, you can easily convert your PDF files to Excel and take advantage of its benefits for your personal or professional work.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding converting PDF to Excel without software.

Can I Convert a Scanned PDF to an Excel File?

No, you cannot convert a scanned PDF to an Excel file without using OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology. OCR technology converts text in an image into computer-readable text. You can use a third-party image-to-text converter to create a plain-text file, which can then be saved as an Excel file.

Why is My Converted Excel File Not Formatted Correctly?

Depending on the complexity of the PDF file, the formatting may not always convert perfectly. You may need to adjust column widths, merge or split cells, or format the data in Excel. In such cases, it’s best to start by unmerging cells and separating them into their original cells. You can also adjust row heights to fit the data in each cell, format the data with a currency or data format, or use conditional formatting to improve readability.

Can I Convert Multiple PDFs to Excel at Once?

Yes, you can convert multiple PDF files to Excel at once by importing them into a new Excel workbook using the same process specified above. Make sure to save the files in a single location to simplify multi-file importation. However, keep in mind that Excel may merge some data automatically, so it’s critical to review merged cells and adjust them accordingly.

Can I Convert My Excel File Back to PDF?

Yes, you can convert your Excel file back to PDF. To do this, you can save the file as a PDF within Excel by selecting the “Save As” option and then choosing PDF as the file format. Alternatively, you can use third-party tools to convert your Excel file to PDF.

Are There Any Free PDF to Excel Converters Online?

Yes, several free PDF to Excel converters are available online. However, it’s essential to be careful when using free converters. Note that some converters may alter the formatting of your data or install malicious software on your device. Always do your research before using a third-party tool and make sure to read reviews or check the website’s security, privacy policy, and terms and conditions before using the tool to convert your files.