In this article, we will show you how to automate PDF invoice extraction using the Lido app. Simply follow the steps below!
To extract invoice data from a PDF efficiently, we'll use Lido, a tool designed to streamline and automate repetitive tasks in spreadsheets. You can register for a free account at Lido here: https://www.lido.app/go/signup.
Here's how to extract invoice data from a PDF using Lido's PDF data extractor tool:
Log into your Lido account, navigate to the Files page, and click "New file" at the top right to start a new spreadsheet. This will help you organize and analyze the data extracted from your PDF invoices.
In your new spreadsheet, go to the "PDF Tools" menu at the top. Select "PDF Data Extractor" from the dropdown menu to convert the PDF data of your invoices into a structured spreadsheet format.
Click on "Click to Upload" in the file importer tool and either select the PDF invoice from your computer or drag and drop the file into the uploader. If you have multiple invoices, you can upload them all at once or do them separately later.
Once the PDF is uploaded, an interface will appear. Use it to specify the exact data you want to extract from your invoices.
In the Columns section, specify which datapoints you want extracted. Some will be automatically populated to start. You can add new columns in the text box, and remove existing columns by clicking x in the tag.
You can use the Extra Instructions section to further refine your output with AI. We recommend starting without any Extra instructions first so you can see what's necessary to add after.
Click Process All Files to run the extractor on your invoices. The extracted invoice data will appear in your spreadsheet.
Check that the data in the spreadsheet is complete and correctly extracted.
You can upload more invoices and process them with the same instructions in the modal. If you need to make adjustments, simply reset the file, update the instructions, then re-process until the output looks correct.
We hope that you now know how to extract invoice data from a PDF.