How to Import PDF Into Excel: Step-by-Step Guide

 


In today’s data-driven world, professionals often receive important information in PDF format—such as tables, reports, or invoices. But editing or analyzing data in PDF files can be difficult. That’s why many people want to know how to import PDF into Excel for easier manipulation, filtering, and formatting.

If you're one of them, this guide will walk you through the best methods—both built-in and free—to convert PDF content into editable Excel spreadsheets.

Why Import PDF into Excel?

PDFs are widely used for sharing documents, but they aren’t ideal for working with data. By importing your PDF into Excel, you can:

  • Edit and format data easily

  • Perform calculations or use formulas

  • Sort and filter information

  • Create charts or pivot tables

Knowing how to import PDF into Excel helps unlock the full potential of the data.

Method 1: Use Excel’s Built-in PDF Import Tool (Excel 2016 and Later)

Modern versions of Excel (2016 and newer) have a built-in feature to import tables directly from a PDF file:

  1. Open Excel and create a new sheet.

  2. Click on Data in the top menu.

  3. Select Get Data > From File > From PDF.

  4. Choose the PDF file you want to import.

  5. Excel will show a list of tables found in the PDF.

  6. Select the table and click Load.

That’s it! You now have your PDF data in an Excel spreadsheet.

Method 2: Use Online Tools (Free)

If your version of Excel doesn’t support direct PDF import, or you want a quick solution, you can use free online tools. Popular options include:

  • Smallpdf

  • PDF to Excel by iLovePDF

  • PDFTables

  • Adobe Acrobat Online

Steps:

  1. Upload your PDF to one of these tools.

  2. Convert it to Excel format (.xlsx).

  3. Download the converted file and open it in Excel.

This is an easy way to learn how to import PDF into Excel without software installation.

Method 3: Copy and Paste (For Simple PDFs)

For simpler PDF files:

  1. Open the PDF in a reader (like Adobe Reader).

  2. Select the data table, then copy (Ctrl + C).

  3. Open Excel and paste (Ctrl + V).

Note: This method might not preserve formatting and is best for small or clean tables.

Method 4: Use Adobe Acrobat Pro (Paid Tool)

Adobe Acrobat Pro allows exporting PDF files directly to Excel:

  1. Open the PDF in Acrobat Pro.

  2. Click Export PDF in the right panel.

  3. Choose Spreadsheet > Microsoft Excel Workbook.

  4. Click Export and save the file.

It offers higher accuracy, especially for complex layouts.

Final Thoughts

If you’re wondering how to import PDF into Excel, the good news is that there are multiple easy solutions—whether you're using Excel’s built-in tools, online converters, or third-party software. Choose the method that fits your needs based on file complexity, software access, and data accuracy.

Once imported, your PDF data becomes editable, sortable, and fully usable within Excel—making your workflow faster and more efficient.

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