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Convert PDF to Excel from Google Drive (Easiest Way in 2024)

In this article, we will show you how to convert PDF to Excel from Google Drive using Lido’s pdf extraction tools and formulas. Simply follow the steps below.

How to Convert PDF to Excel from Google Drive

We will be using Lido, which is a spreadsheet created to simplify and automate repetitive tasks. You can create your account by following this link: https://www.lido.app/go/signup. As a starting point, we assume you have a PDF document in Google Drive which you wish to convert to an Excel file.

Method 1: Using the IMPORTPDF Formula

In this approach, we'll employ Lido's unique formula, IMPORTPDF, to extract all content from the provided PDF. However, IMPORTPDF is not effective with scanned PDF documents. If you're dealing with a scanned PDF, you might want to look into the second method, which utilizes the EXTRACTTABLESFROMPDF formula.

Step 1: Generate a New Lido Spreadsheet

You can create a new Lido spreadsheet by going to the Files page.

Step 2: Create a New Worksheet

To create a new worksheet, click on the plus icon located at the top left corner of the screen.

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Step 3: Insert the IMPORTPDF Formula

Enter the formula "=IMPORTPDF(" into cell A1.

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Step 4: Link Google Account by Adding Credential

Click on "Add Credential" and follow the steps provided to link the Google account containing the PDF.

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Step 5: Select a File by Pressing "," and Clicking "Select a File"

To move on to the next argument, press the "," key and then choose "Select a file" by clicking on it.

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Step 6: Choose PDF File from Google Drive

Select your PDF file in Google Drive.

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Step 7: Complete the Formula with ",Sheet1!B2)"

Insert ",Sheet1!B2)" to complete the formula. The final parameter of the IMPORTPDF formula indicates the destination for the extracted data. In this case, it is set to position the extracted data in the Sheet1 worksheet, beginning at cell B2.

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Step 8: Run Action from Cell A1

Right-click on cell A1 and select "Run action".

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Step 9: Verify Data Conversion on Sheet1

Change to the worksheet named Sheet1 and confirm that the data has been accurately converted.

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Step 10: Export Sheet1 to Excel

Click on the three-dot menu adjacent to worksheet Sheet1 and choose "Export Worksheet to Excel."

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Method 2: Using the EXTRACTTABLESFROMPDF Formula

In this method, we will use Lido’s custom formula EXTRACTTABLESFROMPDF which extracts everything from the PDF it recognized as a table. This formula works on scanned documents.

Step 1: Generate a New Lido Spreadsheet

Generate a fresh Lido spreadsheet from the files page.

Step 2: Create a New Worksheet

To create a new worksheet, click on the plus icon located at the top left corner of the screen.

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Step 3: Insert EXTRACTTABLESFROMPDF Formula in Cell A1

Enter the formula "=EXTRACTTABLESFROMPDF(" into cell A1.

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Step 4: Link the Google Account by Adding a Credential

Click on "Add Credential" and follow the steps provided to link the Google account containing the PDF.

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Step 5: Press "," and Click "Select a File"

To move on to the next argument, press the "," key and then choose "Select a file" by clicking on it.

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Step 6: Select your PDF file in Google Drive

Choose a PDF file from your Google Drive to use.

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Step 7: Insert ",Sheet1!B2)" to complete the formula 

The final parameter of the EXTRACTTABLESFROMPDF formula indicates the destination for the extracted data. In this case, it is set to position the extracted data in the Sheet1 worksheet, beginning at cell B2.

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Step 8: Run Action from Cell A1

Right-click on cell A1 and select "Run action".

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Step 9: Check Data Accuracy on Sheet1

Change to the worksheet named Sheet1 and confirm that the data has been accurately converted.

Be aware that only data in tables will be converted. If you need to convert data that isn't in table form, you should consider using method 1.

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Step 10: Export Sheet1 to Excel

Click on the three-dot menu adjacent to worksheet Sheet1 and choose "Export Worksheet to Excel."

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We hope that you now have a better understanding of how to convert PDF to Excel from Google Drive.

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