How to convert PDF files to Excel? Three free tools to do it

Currently, the management of PDF files It is essential in a world full of technology; These types of documents are used in different ways and with different operating systems to organize, accommodate and adjust data.

However, one of the “disadvantages” that managing PDF can have is that, if you need to edit the document, it is no longer possible due to the format it handles. In case you have to modify or transfer a PDF file to Excel, Here we tell you how to do it for free and what tools you can use.

How to know if PDF can be converted to Excel?

Not all files PDF meet the necessary characteristics for convert to Excel, Well, a lot depends on the content and structure of the file itself; This is a list of some requirements that this type of documents must meet so that an effective conversion to Excel can be achieved.

Selectable text: In order to convert a PDF to Excel, the document must have text that can be selected and marked, not images with text, as these require other types of tools to be able to execute said change to the Excel format.
Defined tables: PDFs with defined tables are best converted to Excel, as the conversion tools can identify and replicate the table structure in the spreadsheet. Documents that present data in a less structured format will need to be edited manually after conversion.
Simple design: Documents with complex graphic design, columns or text in different orientations can hinder the conversion process.
No security restrictions: Some PDF files have security measures that prevent the content from being copied or edited. These files need to be unlocked before the conversion can take place.

How to convert a PDF file to Excel?

Adobe Acrobat Online: The conversion tool par excellence for any type of file is Adobe Acrobat Online. Registration (free) will not be necessary if you are only converting and downloading one file; From the second onwards it will ask you to log in.

Upload and convert your PDF file: Click “Select a file” to add the PDF file you want to convert: it will be converted automatically.
Preview and download your new Excel: After converting, Adobe allows you to preview the result, as well as download it by clicking the corresponding button.

PDFToExcel: It does not require registration or providing any personal data, it promises to keep your files hosted for a maximum of 6 hours. This service includes OCR functions, allowing you to convert scanned tables as well.

Upload PDF file: Go to PDFtoExcel.com and use the drag and drop function or the upload button to select the PDF file you want to convert.
Automatic conversion: The tool automatically starts the conversion once we upload the file. Although it takes advantage of the conversion to remind us that we would wait less if we signed up for a Premium account, in our case the process has been quite quick.
Download the Excel file: After conversion, you can directly download the Excel file (.xlsx) to your device by clicking ‘Free Download’.

PDF2G: It does not require registration, but the OCR functions included are paid. The advantage is that it allows you to choose between the current Excel format (.xlsx) and the Excel 2003 format (.xls).

Upload the PDF: Upload the desired PDF file by drag and drop or by selecting it from your device.
Adjust conversion options: Before the conversion, you can adjust a couple of options to customize the result.
Start conversion and download: Click on “Start” and, once the process is complete, download your Excel file by clicking on ‘Download’.