As we continue to navigate the digital world dependent on digital documents, the need for effective and reliable document conversion tools has never been greater. If you have a PDF file which needs to be converted into Excel spreadsheets or workbooks (XLS), then you know it can be a very frustrating and difficult mission.
Here we discuss a step-by-step guide to convert PDF files to XLS for free. Whether you’re a student or a working professional, this guide will give you the answers you need to get the job done quickly and accurately. Therefore, we are going to unveil the annoying chore of PDF to XLS conversions. So without making more ado, let’s get started.
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How To Convert PDF To XLS For Free
Here is a comprehensive guide and a few different ways to convert PDF to XLS for free.
Method 1: Convert PDF Files To Excel Using Microsoft Word
Using Microsoft Word is an additional low-cost method of converting PDF documents to Excel without any additional software. This is a somewhat lengthy process, but it is not difficult. There could be difficulties, particularly if you are not accustomed to using Microsoft Office products.
To make use of this method, you need access to one of the following:
- Download the latest version of Microsoft Word (2013 or later).
- Access to Microsoft Word Online and OneDrive.
The following steps illustrate how to use Microsoft Word to convert PDF documents to Excel without other software.
- Find the PDF file on your computer that you want to convert. Right-click on the PDF and from the pop-up menu, select “Open with” then click on “Word”.
- When you open the PDF file in Word, a popup window about the PDF conversion will appear. Click “OK” to confirm the action.
- After the conversion process is complete, save the new Microsoft Word document. This step is essential before the next stage of the conversion process.
- Open Excel, go to the Data tab, and click on “Get Data”. Then select “From File”, this will allow you to choose the Word file you just saved.
- Finally, choose “spreadsheet” as your export format, and then select “Microsoft Excel Workbook”. Click “Export” to finalise the process.
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Method 2: Use Programming Language To Convert PDF Into Excel File Without Software
Another method to convert a PDF into an Excel file without the need for software is to use programming languages. On the other hand, users of programming languages must be familiar with such method.
One of the greatest programming languages for converting PDFs to Excel files is Python. To facilitate a range of file operations, this programming language provides a set of libraries and packages. This sample of code shows how to convert a PDF file into an Excel file without the need for any additional software.
# Import the required Module
import tabula
# Read your PDF file called "sampleData.pdf"
df = tabula.read_pdf("sampleData.pdf ", pages='all')[0]
# convert PDF into CSV
tabula.convert_into("sampleData.pdf ", "sampledata.csv", output_format="csv", pages='all')
print(df)
The comments that come before the # symbol clearly explain the code. The relevant file library, “tabula,” must be imported. It must then be read using the tabula.read_pdf command and converted to Excel format using the tabula.convert_into method.
Method 3: PDF to Excel Converter by Nitro
Nitro’s PDF to Excel Converter is a great online utility tool that will save you lots of time using it to transform fully editable Excel files from your PDF documents. This service provides the features of a user-friendly application that doesn’t require downloading or installing software.
To use Nitro’s converter, follow these steps:
- Visit the Website: Go to the Nitro’s PDF to Excel Converter webpage.
- Upload Your PDF: Click on the ‘Select your file’ button to upload the PDF document you want to convert. You can also drag and drop your file into the upload section.
- Enter Your Email: After uploading your file, you’ll need to provide an email address. This is necessary because Nitro sends the converted file directly to your inbox.
- Convert: Once you’ve entered your email, click on the ‘Convert Now’ button. Nitro will then start the conversion process.
- Download Your File: Check your email from Nitro. This email will contain a link to download your converted Excel file.
One of the standout features of Nitro’s converter is its speed. Even for larger files, the conversion process is quick, ensuring you don’t have to wait around for your file.
On the flip side, the free nature of Nitro’s converter might not please all as it requires an email address to complete the process which I think should not be mandatory. Nitro promises users that they don’t share with third-party services, but if this concerns you, make sure to use a secondary email id.
Another concern is of data privacy, as you will be uploading pdf files to a third-party server and if the pdf file contains any sensitive data then make sure to stick to the mentioned methods that don’t require you to upload data to an external server.
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Method 4: Using Adobe Acrobat
Adobe Acrobat is a known tool for handling PDF files. While it is not completely free you can give it a try with a 7-day trial, which could be sufficient if you just need to convert some files. Adobe Acrobat offers more than conversion capabilities; it’s a software package that allows you to create, edit, sign and review documents easily.
If you want to convert a PDF into an Excel spreadsheet using Adobe Acrobat follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Visit Adobe Acrobat’s website, download the software offering a 7-day free trial, and install it on your system.
- Launch Adobe Acrobat, click on ‘File’, select ‘Open’, and locate your PDF file.
- Find the ‘Export PDF’ tool in the right pane and click on it to see various file format options.
- Choose ‘Spreadsheet’ and then ‘Microsoft Excel Workbook’ from the output formats.
- Click ‘Export’, choose a save location for your new Excel file, name your file, and hit ‘Save’.
One of the benefits of using Adobe Acrobat is its ability to preserve the original layout and formatting of the document. This feature is especially valuable when dealing with data or large spreadsheets. Adobe Acrobat is capable of converting pages at once which is advantageous, for dealing with PDF files.
Method 5: PDF to Excel Converter by Ilovepdf
“Ilovepdf” is an online tool that excels in converting PDFs in various formats, including Excel. The platform has a fantastic user interface, allowing customers to effortlessly upload their PDF documents, pick the preferred output file type, in this case: ‘PDF to Excel’, and initiate the conversion process with one click.
One of the standout capabilities of Ilovepdf is its commitment to user privacy. The platform ensures the security of your files by deleting them from their server after a few hours after the conversion is completed. This offers users enough time to download their transformed documents at the same time as maintaining a secure environment.
Apart from PDF to Excel conversions, Ilovepdf hosts an array of different useful features. These consist of merging PDFs, editing PDF files, splitting, compressing, and many more features which can be greatly useful for customers looking to perform complex tasks related to PDF files. Furthermore, Ilovepdf offers a ‘JPG to PDF’ device, making it viable to transform images into PDF layouts without problems.
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