Use case
How to Convert PDF Tables to Excel
Extract table data from PDF to Excel with cleaner column structure and fewer manual fixes using focused conversion steps.
Implementation guidance
PDF table extraction works best when the table structure is consistent and clearly separated by rows and columns. Problems usually appear when cells are merged, borders are missing, or text wraps unevenly across pages.
For better Excel output, isolate table-heavy pages, run OCR when scans are involved, and validate numeric columns after conversion. This reduces alignment issues and makes exported spreadsheets easier to analyze.
FoxyPDF includes PDF to Excel conversion designed for practical table export workflows.
Step-by-step workflow
4 steps- 1Split out table pages if the file includes mixed content.
- 2Run OCR first if tables are scanned images.
- 3Convert using PDF to Excel.
- 4Verify headers, merged cells, and number formatting in Excel.
FAQ
Why do columns shift in PDF to Excel conversion?
Merged cells, inconsistent spacing, or scanned quality issues can break automatic column detection.
Is OCR useful for table extraction?
Yes, especially when tables come from scanned documents.
Can I export only one table section?
Yes. Split the PDF first, then convert the relevant pages.
What should I check first in the output file?
Check headers, numeric columns, and date formats before downstream use.