You can copy data from PDF to Excel efficiently via manual copy-paste, Excel’s Import from PDF, online converters, or OCR for scanned files.

Copying data from PDF to Excel is a common task for anyone regularly handling reports, invoices, research papers, and structured information stored in PDFs. While it may seem straightforward, many people struggle with formatting issues, such as misaligned columns, etc.

This article walks you through four methods to transfer data efficiently: simple copy-paste, Excel’s Import from PDF feature, online PDF-to-Excel converters, and OCR for scanned documents. We will also cover troubleshooting tips and ways to prepare your PDFs for smoother conversion.

Can You Copy Data Directly From a PDF Into Excel?

Yes, you can copy data from a PDF into Excel, 

Text-based PDFs, which store actual text, are 

. You can usually select rows or columns, copy them, and paste directly into Excel. However, the formatting can still break and leave you with misaligned columns or merged cells that need cleaning.

to copy data from scanned PDFs because these are images of text. You will need to use optical character recognition (OCR) software to 

But even with OCR, errors in numbers, dates, or symbols are common.

PDFs with complex tables, embedded fonts, or protective security settings

 are also harder to extract. For example, financial reports often feature multi-page tables with merged cells that break when pasted into Excel. Design portfolios may include 

 that Excel cannot interpret correctly, while legal contracts are locked, preventing direct data extraction.

How to Copy Data From a PDF to Excel: 4 Methods Explained

copying and pasting, using the Import from PDF feature on Excel, using online PDF-to-Excel converters, or using OCR for scanned PDFs

. Let’s take a closer look at each method.

Method 1: Copy and Paste from PDF to Excel

 to extract data from a PDF and transfer it to Excel. It works well for text-based PDFs, as these are usually already selectable and 

Follow these steps to copy text from a PDF to a spreadsheet in Excel:

Copy it with Ctrl+C (Windows) or Command+C (macOS).

Open Excel and paste with Ctrl+V (Windows) or Command+V (macOS).

Adjust the columns, rows, and formatting as needed.

, this method keeps the process efficient. However, if you have larger PDFs or ones with complex tables, the next method may be more suitable.

Method 2: Use the Excel “Import From PDF” Feature

 feature you can use to move data from a PDF to Excel without losing the format. It is available as part of an Office 365 subscription, and here is how to use it:

If you want to import a range of pages from a PDF file at once, specify the 

 as parameters in the following formula from the 

Pdf.Tables(File.Contents("C:\Sample.pdf"), [StartPage=5, EndPage=10])

 reports, financial statements, or multi-page tables 

where you want to preserve the original structure. It reduces the need for manual cleanup and makes sure your data stays accurate while moving from PDF to Excel.

Method 3: Use Online PDF-to-Excel Converters

when you do not have the latest version of Excel. 

They extract tables from your PDF and deliver them as editable Excel files, often in just a few clicks.

The specific steps may vary from converter to converter, but in general, you will have to:

Download the resulting file to export PDF to Excel.

Open in Excel and check the formatting, adjusting columns or rows if needed.

Online converters can pose privacy risks, especially with confidential data like financial statements, contracts, or personal records. Therefore, you should

 to ensure they do not store or share your files.

A reputable service with strong security measures should 

, which ensures data encryption during processing. If possible, use tools that 

automatically delete your files after conversion.

If you want an alternative, a workaround is to 

 and extract data from the DOCX file, as it is easier to copy text and tables from Word than directly from a PDF. Plus, our tool guarantees all the security considerations above.

Method 4: Using OCR to Copy Data From Scanned PDFs to Excel

 because you can’t select text from the document otherwise. Scanned PDFs are images of text rather than actual text, so OCR has to be applied to analyze the images and convert them into text that Excel can handle.

Choose an OCR tool or a PDF editor with OCR functionality.

Run the OCR process to detect text and tables.

Review and correct any formatting errors.

 saved as scanned PDFs. While it may require some cleanup, it is often the only reliable way to get editable data from scanned documents into Excel.

Troubleshooting Common PDF-to-Excel Copy Issues

Below are troubleshooting tips for common PDF to Excel copy issues:

When copying tables from PDF to Excel, you may find merged cells, misaligned columns, or uneven rows. This happens because PDFs store content differently from Excel, so the structure doesn’t always translate perfectly. To fix it, manually adjust the column widths, unmerge cells, or use Excel’s 

Some PDFs include hidden layers, images, or special fonts that don’t copy correctly. So, if data disappears after being moved to Excel, check if the PDF is scanned or 

. Using OCR for scanned PDFs or Excel’s import feature can help recover 

Copying or importing hundreds of pages can make Excel lag or even crash. To avoid wasting time and getting frustrated, break the PDF into smaller sections with PDF.net’s 

, and then work in batches. Another option is to use a secure PDF-to-Excel converter, which is typically designed to handle large files more efficiently.

Additionally, here are a few other tips to make the PDF-to-Excel process smoother:

Numbers, dates, and special characters may not paste correctly, especially from scanned or complex PDFs. Take a few minutes to skim through your spreadsheet to catch any discrepancies before using the data. This step can prevent issues down the line.

If something goes wrong during copy or import, having the original file ensures you can start over without losing information. This is especially important for large or critical documents. Keeping backups also allows you to try multiple extraction methods safely.

Standardize formatting in Excel after pasting.

 Apply consistent fonts, column widths, and cell styles to make tables easier to read and work with. Misaligned or inconsistent formatting can make errors harder to spot and slow down analysis.

Make the PDF-to-Excel Conversion Process Simple and Smooth

Before moving data from PDF to Excel, PDF.net helps you prepare your files so the process is faster and cleaner. For example, you can 

 into multiple files to work batch by batch, avoiding freezes and lags in Excel.

You can also save time on manual edits by 

 so you can use import features or converters without restrictions.

Now you know how to copy data from a PDF to Excel. If you have a quick, small-scale task like copying one table from a report, you can opt for simply copying and pasting. For more complex PDFs, the Import from PDF feature in Excel is handy.

PDF-to-Excel converters are worth considering when handling large volumes of documents; however, remember to keep privacy and security considerations in mind. Run OCR for scanned PDFs and take some time to prepare your PDFs with PDF.net—splitting, spell-checking, or unlocking PDFs—to make the process smoother.

How to Copy Data From a PDF to Excel FAQs

#1. How do I copy a table from a PDF to Excel without losing formatting?

To copy a table from a PDF to Excel without losing formatting, you can 

(Data > Get Data > From File > From PDF). For simple PDFs, copying and pasting works, but you may need to adjust columns and rows manually.

#2. Can I copy data from a scanned PDF into Excel?

Yes, you can copy data from a scanned PDF into Excel 

after converting it to editable text with OCR.

#3. Why does my copied data look messy in Excel?

because PDFs store text differently from Excel. 

Formatting breaks often occur with multi-page tables or complex layouts. However, it is possible to clean up misaligned columns, merged cells, and missing data manually.

#4. Is it safe to use online PDF to Excel converters?

It is safe to use online PDF to Excel converters 

Still, remember that it is best to avoid uploading sensitive or confidential files; for these, desktop software is often safer.

#5. How do I import a PDF file into Excel?

in Excel, select the file, preview detected tables, choose the tables to import, and click 

How to Copy Data From a PDF to Excel: 3+ Simple Methods

Learn the key EPUB vs. PDF differences, advantages and best use cases for each file format.

The key EPUB vs. PDF difference is that EPUB uses a flexible, reflowable layout for digital reading, while PDF preserves a fixed layout for consistent viewing, sharing, and printing. This core distinction influences each format’s file size, compatibility, interactivity, editability, and security. In turn, choosing the wrong format can lead to several issues, such as excessive zooming on small screens or content breaking into awkward flows.

In this guide, we will explain EPUB vs. PDF differences in more detail and cover common use cases for both formats to help you choose the best one for your needs.

An EPUB file uses reflowable text to adapt to different screen sizes and devices, making it suitable for reading long-form content like e-books and textbooks.

A PDF file is a digital document format that preserves layout, formatting, and design so the content looks the same across devices and when printed.

EPUBs are typically smaller than PDFs, which makes them a better choice for sharing and storage; on the other hand, they don’t have the same universal compatibility and consistency as PDFs.

To decide whether EPUB or PDF is a better fit, you should think about whether consistent formatting, printing, sharing, or flexible digital reading is the priority.

If you want to distribute content through e-book platforms with account-based DRM, EPUB is often the preferred format; PDF is suitable for creating documents to collect signatures or apply them.

An EPUB (Electronic Publication) is a flexible file format for e-books, which stores text, images, fonts, stylesheets, tables, etc. It was developed by the International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF) in 2007 

The most recent version of this format is the 

, which supports HTML, CSS, SVG, and interactive elements, such as audio, video, animations, and hyperlinks. This is the reason why EPUB is commonly used for 

EPUB file format offers several advantages, including:

. It automatically fits the screen regardless of the device (e.g. e-reader, phone, tablet, laptop, computer). This means you can read without manually resizing or scrolling sideways.

. This improves both readability and accessibility by allowing users to adjust the font size, style, spacing, and colors and screen readers to navigate headings, lists, tables, and images.

. You can use EPUB across different e-readers, apps, and platforms. Additionally, it includes 

 options, making it easier for publishers to protect their intellectual property.

 (Portable Document Format) is a universal file type that ensures 

regardless of where or how it is viewed. Currently, PDF is an 

, maintained by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

That said, there are different PDF standards, such as:

PDF/VT (ISO 16612) for printing large volumes of documents with variable data

PDF/UA (ISO 14289) for universal accessibility and assistive technology

PDF/R (ISO 23504) for multi-page raster-image documents

PDF/E (ISO 24517) for engineering workflows

Given its preservation purpose, PDFs are commonly used for 

official documents, contracts, resumes, and reports 

in professional and legal settings. This is why you will often find contracts, invoices, affidavits, and NDAs 

This file format comes with several advantages, such as:

. PDFs can be opened on virtually any device or operating system—Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android—without formatting issues.

. It preserves the original layout, fonts, images, and spacing exactly as intended, regardless of screen size or platform.

. PDF offers different security features, such as 

, encryption, and certification, which help prevent unauthorized access, copying, or tampering.

The table below outlines the key EPUB vs. PDF differences in terms of layout, file size, compatibility, interactivity, editability, and security:

Now, let’s take a closer look at each aspect of EPUB vs. PDF comparison:

The key EPUB vs. PDF format distinction in terms of layout is that 

 With PDF, the page size, margins, fonts, images, etc., are locked in place, and content remains consistent.

adapt to the screen size and settings in EPUB files

, which makes reading more comfortable on mobile devices. However, the trade-off is ​​less control over how the document displays.

Ultimately, PDF is preferable when you need a 

, such as for project proposals, catalogs, and print-ready documents.

because it preserves the original layouts and images and embeds fonts.

On the other hand, EPUBs store content as structured text with separate styling and handle images and fonts more efficiently. They 

, even with text-heavy documents like textbooks and manuals.

Both formats have been around for a long time and are well-known, but 

 on desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones

. However, you might need a reader (e.g., Kobo, Nook, or PocketBook) or an app (e.g., Apple Books or Google Play Books) to access EPUBs.

, especially in professional situations. Your recipients won’t need to install specific apps or use dedicated reading devices.

When comparing EPUB vs. PDF quality in terms of interactivity, 

PDF offers more consistent and predictable results

. They support clickable links, bookmarks, annotations, 

On the other hand, EPUBs can include interactive elements because they are built on HTML and CSS. Links, internal navigation, and 

how these behave depends on the device used

. Therefore, you can’t guarantee a consistent experience for all your readers.

 the latter is better for controlled edits

, meaning changes that are made within a fixed layout without altering the document’s structure, spacing, or overall visual presentation.

, comments, and annotations, and modifying text. Thus, PDF is the better format for documents like 

, contracts, study notes, reusable templates, etc.

EPUB’s editing capacity differs because it is built on HTML and CSS. You can 

, such as rewriting sections and restructuring chapters. However, these will affect how content reflows on different devices.

, restricting actions such as editing, copying, or printing, applying digital signatures with certifications, and configuring expiration dates for time-limited access. These 

, so the format is suitable for sensitive documents like financial records, contracts, and other legal agreements.

In comparison, EPUB’s security is usually handled through DRM systems applied by e-book platforms. This means 

access control relies on the app or device

, and once an EPUB is outside its original ecosystem, restrictions may no longer apply.

provide a comfortable digital reading experience.

 Thanks to its flexible layout, it is ideal for e-books, textbooks, and educational materials that are meant to be read over time.

EPUB files are typically smaller than PDFs, so they also work well for 

 when you need to send weekly reading assignments to hundreds of students as a professor.

Additionally, you may choose EPUB when you want to 

control content access at the account level

, rather than relying on file-based safeguards like those commonly used with PDFs. For instance, when you sell a licensed literature textbook and need to prevent unauthorized sharing.

However, EPUB is not always the best choice. Because the format prioritizes flexible reading, it offers less control over exact layout and is 

not suitable for documents that need a consistent visual presentation for sharing or printing.

It is better to use PDF files when you want documents to look exactly like they were created, regardless of what is being used to view them. PDF is also preferable for materials that will be 

 like proposals, reports, resumes, contracts, and catalogs.

 to collect signatures, PDF is a more practical choice, as it supports interactive form fields while preserving formatting and offering security features that help meet compliance requirements.

However, PDF files can be larger than EPUBs, so they are 

less ideal when you need to distribute text-heavy content frequently

 or optimize for mobile downloads and storage.

To make the most out of PDFs, you need a reliable editor. 

 offers a wide range of tools for you to convert, compress, merge, split, 

If you choose to work through e-books in PDF form rather than EPUB, our handy annotating and AI-powered features (

 and Summarize PDF) can help you review the content efficiently.

Now that you understand the key EPUB vs. PDF differences, you can choose the format that best fits your needs. Thanks to its flexible layout and smaller file size, EPUB is better suited for long-form reading and for distribution through e-book platforms.

Meanwhile, PDF, with its preservation-focused purpose, is preferable for documents that require consistent formatting, printing, or formal sharing. It is also the practical choice for collecting or applying legally binding signatures.

, as they both have vulnerabilities that can be exploited. The level of protection depends more on how the file is distributed and secured than on the format itself.

A PDF reader can’t open EPUB files by default

; you will need to use a compatible e-book reader or app, such as Apple Books or Google Play Books, to open EPUB files.

#3. Can PDFs include interactive elements like EPUB?

, including clickable links, form fields, annotations, and multimedia. Unlike the EPUB format, however, they are generally more consistent across readers and devices.

EPUB vs. PDF: Differences, Advantages, and Best Use Cases

The key JPEG vs. PDF difference is that JPEGs compress single images, while PDFs store full documents; each has its own pros and cons.

The main JPEG vs. PDF difference is that the former focuses on reducing the file size for a single image, while the latter acts as a container for a full document that may contain text, images, fillable fields, etc. This core distinction leads to other contrasts in file structure and size, image quality, text selectability, multi-page support, and editing and sharing.

In this guide, we will cover all the key differences between these formats, as well as their pros and cons, so you can easily decide which one is right for your needs.

A JPEG is an image format that uses lossy compression, which reduces the file size and, therefore, makes it easier to share and store.

A PDF file presents documents consistently across devices, operating systems, and software, and can be static or interactive.

JPEGs and PDFs differ in terms of file structure, image quality, file size, text selectability, multi-page support, and simplicity of editing and sharing.

Converting to PDF is useful when sharing multiple images simultaneously, printing, making professional or official submissions, and filling out forms.

Sharing photos quickly online, extracting a single page or part of a document, editing in image software, and storing and archiving are easier after a PDF-to-JPEG conversion.

by the discrete cosine transform (DCT) technique. Its name stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group, the team that developed it and continues to meet four times a year to discuss 

how images are compressed, encoded, and decoded.

JPEG images include the following file name extensions:

 which removes details and data from the background to make the file 

The more aggressive the compression, the more data gets discarded; so, 

Generally, you should choose a lower compression for printing or professional use, a balanced compression for websites and social media platforms, and a high compression for previews, references, thumbnails, or large image libraries.

file format developed in the 1990s by Adobe 

to present documents consistently across different devices, operating systems, and software. Now, it is an open standard maintained by the ISO.

It publishes PDF 1.7 as ISO 32000 and develops purpose-specific subsets in parallel:

, usually containing text, images, objects, and fillable fields. Unlike a JPEG, this file format can span multiple pages and is widely used for 

JPEG vs. PDF: 6 Key Differences Explained

Here’s a table of the key JPEG vs. PDF differences:

Now, let’s take a closer look at how the two differ with a detailed JPEG vs. PDF comparison:

The key JPEG vs. PDF difference regarding file structure is due to its 

fundamental distinction in functionality.

 A JPEG file focuses on efficiently storing a single image, while a PDF file features complex layouts, multiple pages, and mixed content in a consistent way.

simple, linear structure made up of a sequence of segments 

identified by markers. The core of a JPEG is the image data, and it is read without the concept of pages or reusable components.

complex structure composed of many independent objects

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