In this article, we explore what PDF data scraping is and how to scrape data from a PDF file using the Lido app. Read on to learn more!
PDF data scraping is the process of extracting specific data from PDF files and converting it into a structured format, such as a spreadsheet or database. This technique is often used to automate the collection and analysis of data from documents that are not easily editable.
Example: A company like Amazon might use PDF data scraping to extract order details from thousands of supplier invoices. By automating this process, Amazon can efficiently manage inventory and financial records, saving significant time and reducing errors.
To extract data from a PDF, you can use Lido, a spreadsheet tool designed to simplify and automate tasks for you at your convenience. You can create a free account using this link.
Here's how to scrape data from a PDF using Lido's PDF importer tool:
Log into your Lido account, navigate to the Files page, and click "New file" to create a new spreadsheet for organizing and analyzing data from your PDF.
In your newly created spreadsheet, go to the "File" menu at the top. From the dropdown menu, choose the "Import from PDF" option. This tool converts PDF data into a structured spreadsheet format.
Select "Click to Upload" in the file importer tool and choose the PDF file from your computer, or drag and drop the file into the designated area.
After uploading the PDF, an interface will appear allowing you to select the specific area of the PDF you wish to extract.
Adjust the selection box by dragging the blue corners to include all desired data, then click "Extract data" to start the extraction process.
Review the extracted data in the new window to ensure it is complete and accurate.
Text will be placed in separate cells, and tables will be extracted as tabular data. If both text and tables are present, only the tabular data will be extracted.
When you're satisfied with the extraction, click "Insert at active cell" to close the dialog box. To extract more tables, click "Back" and repeat the process.
In this method, we'll use Lido's IMPORTPDF formula to scrape data from a PDF file. Note that IMPORTPDF does not work with scanned PDFs. If you have a scanned PDF, use the EXTRACTTABLESFROMPDF formula instead.
Log into your Google Drive, click "New," then "File upload" to upload your PDF file. This step allows Lido to access your file online.
Log into your Lido account, navigate to the Files page, and click "New file" to create a new spreadsheet for organizing the extracted data from your PDF.
In your Lido spreadsheet, click the plus (+) icon to add a new worksheet.
In cell A1, type "=IMPORTPDF(" without the quotation marks.
Click "Add Credential" then "Connect to Google Drive" and follow the instructions to link your Google account, allowing Lido to access the uploaded PDF. Complete all steps to properly set up your account.
After connecting your Google account, press the comma key to continue the formula. Click "Select a file" to open your Google Drive files.
Navigate through your Google Drive and click on the uploaded PDF file to link it to the formula in your spreadsheet.
Finish the formula by typing ",Sheet1!B2)" to specify where the extracted data should begin, starting at cell B2 in Sheet1. Press ENTER to apply the formula.
Right-click on cell A1 and select "Run action" from the context menu. This will execute the IMPORTPDF formula and start the data extraction process.
Switch to Sheet1 and review the extracted data to ensure accuracy and completeness.
For this method, we'll use Lido’s EXTRACTTABLESFROMPDF formula to scrape data from a PDF file. This formula is particularly effective for data scraping from scanned documents.
Log into your Google Drive account and upload the PDF file you want to scrape data from.
Go to Lido's Files page and click the "New file" button to create a new spreadsheet. This document will help you organize and manage the scraped data from your PDF.
Click the plus (+) icon to add a new worksheet next to your default sheet.
In cell A1 of your new worksheet, type the formula "=EXTRACTTABLESFROMPDF(".
Click the "Add Credential" button then "Connect to Google Drive" to link your Google Drive to Lido. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your account and allow Lido to access your PDF file for data scraping.
Press the comma key to move to the next part of the formula. Click "Select a file" to open the file selector.
Find and select the PDF file you uploaded to Google Drive. This will link the PDF to the formula for data scraping.
Complete the formula by typing ",Sheet1!B2)" to specify where the scraped data should be placed, starting at cell B2 in Sheet1. Press ENTER to finalize the formula.
Right-click on cell A1 and select "Run action" from the context menu. This will execute the formula and start scraping data from your PDF into the spreadsheet.
Switch to Sheet1 to check the scraped data. Ensure the tables have been accurately scraped and correctly reflect the contents of your PDF.
We hope you now know how to perform PDF data scraping with Lido.