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Copy a Table from PDF to Google Sheets (Easiest Way in 2024)

In this article, we will show you how to copy a table from PDF to Google Sheets. Simply follow the process below.

How to Copy a Table from PDF to Google Sheets

Unfortunately, copying a table from a PDF to Google Sheets can be difficult, as it is not as simple as copying and pasting text.

For this purpose, we will use Lido’s PDF Importer Tool and the EXTRACTTABLESFROMPDF formula to extract the table from the PDF directly into Google Sheets.

Method 1: Using the PDF Importer Tool

Follow these steps to extract tables from a PDF using Lido's PDF Importer tool, which you can then copy to Google Sheets:

Step 1: Start a New Spreadsheet

Log into your Lido account and go to the Files page. Click on the "New file" button at the top right to make a new spreadsheet.

copy table from pdf to google sheets

Step 2: Open the PDF Importer Tool

In your new spreadsheet, click on the "File" menu at the top. Choose "Import from PDF" from the dropdown list.

how to copy table from pdf to google sheets

Step 3: Upload Your PDF File

Click on "Click to Upload" in the file importer tool and choose the PDF file from your computer, or just drag and drop the file into the area.

how to copy a table from pdf to google sheets

Step 4: Select and Extract the Table

Once your PDF is uploaded, you will be presented with an interface where you can select the specific area of the PDF containing the table you want to extract.

Adjust the selection box by dragging the blue corners to ensure all parts of the table are included, then click "Extract data" to start the extraction process.

copy pdf table to google sheets

Step 5: Insert the Extracted Table

Verify that all the necessary data has been extracted correctly in the new window. If it’s a table, it should be formatted accordingly.

Once you confirm the data is accurate, click "Insert at active cell" to proceed, or click "Back" if you need to return and repeat the process.

Step 6: Copy the Table to Google Sheets

You can then select the entire table in your Lido spreadsheet, then right-click and choose "Copy," or use the shortcut Ctrl+C (Cmd+C on Mac).

Open your Google Sheets document, navigate to the desired location, right-click and select "Paste," or use the shortcut Ctrl+V (Cmd+V on Mac). This will transfer the extracted table from Lido to Google Sheets.

Method 2: Using the EXTRACTTABLESFROMPDF Formula

This method uses Lido’s custom formula EXTRACTTABLESFROMPDF to extract tables from a PDF.

Step 1: Upload Your PDF to Google Drive

Log into your Google Drive and upload the PDF file that contains the table you want to extract. Ensure the PDF is accessible online, as Lido will need to retrieve it directly from Google Drive.

Step 2: Create a New Lido Spreadsheet

Sign in to your Lido account and go to the Files page. Start a new spreadsheet by clicking on "New file." This will help you organize and analyze the data you've pulled from your PDF.

Step 3: Add a New Worksheet

Click the plus (+) button to add a new worksheet to your spreadsheet. This new sheet will be where you input the formula and view the extracted data.

Step 4: Enter the EXTRACTTABLESFROMPDF Formula

In the new worksheet, go to cell A1 and begin typing the EXTRACTTABLESFROMPDF formula: "=EXTRACTTABLESFROMPDF(". This formula is designed to identify and extract table data from the specified PDF.

Step 5: Link Your Google Account

Click "Add Credential" then "Connect to Google Drive." Follow the instructions to link the Google account where the PDF file is uploaded. This step is crucial as it allows Lido to access your Google Drive and the PDF file you uploaded.

Step 6: Select the PDF File

After connecting your Google account, press the comma key to move to the next part of the formula. Click "Select a file" to bring up your Google Drive files.

Navigate through your files to locate and select the PDF from which you want to extract tables. This step links the chosen PDF directly to the formula in your spreadsheet.

Step 7: Finalize the Formula

Type ",Sheet1!B2)" to indicate where the extracted data should be placed. In this instance, the data should go into worksheet Sheet1, beginning at cell B2. Press ENTER to complete the formula.

Step 8: Run the Formula

Right-click on cell A1 where the formula is entered and select "Run action" from the context menu.

Step 9: Verify the Extraction

Switch to Sheet1 to verify that the table has been extracted correctly and displayed as expected in the spreadsheet. Check for accuracy and completeness of the data.

Step 10: Copy the Table to Google Sheets

You can highlight the entire table in your Lido spreadsheet, then right-click and select "Copy," or press Ctrl+C (Cmd+C on Mac) to copy it.

Open your Google Sheets document, navigate to where you want the data, right-click and select "Paste," or press Ctrl+V (Cmd+V on Mac). This will copy the extracted table from Lido to Google Sheets.

We hope that you now have a better understanding of how to copy a table from PDF to Google Sheets.

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