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Pull Text From PDF (Easiest Way in 2024)

In this article, we will show you how to pull text from a PDF document directly from your browser. 

How to Pull Text from a PDF

We'll be making use of Lido, a spreadsheet created to simplify and automate recurring tasks. You can create an account by following this link: https://www.lido.app/go/signup.

Step 1: Make a new spreadsheet from the Lido Files page.

Begin by navigating to the Lido Files page once you're logged in to your account. Here, you can create a new spreadsheet. This new spreadsheet will serve as the destination for the data you extract from the PDF.

Step 2: Go to the File menu and select the PDF Importer tool.

In your newly created spreadsheet, access the File menu located typically at the top of the page. From the dropdown options, choose the PDF Importer tool. This tool is specifically designed to facilitate the extraction of data from PDF files into a spreadsheet format.

pull text from pdf

Step 3: Upload the PDF document from which you want to pull text.

With the PDF Importer tool open, you will be prompted to upload the PDF document from which you need to extract text. Select and upload the PDF file from your computer or any connected storage where the document is saved.

how to pull text from a pdf

Step 4: Adjust the selection to encompass the area you want to pull the text from and click on "Extract data."

Once the PDF is uploaded, you'll see an interface where you can select the specific area of the PDF from which you wish to extract text. Adjust the selection box to cover just the text you need, ensuring you don't include unwanted sections, and then click on the "Extract data" button to begin the extraction process.

extract text from pdf

Step 5: Ensure the intended text is pulled and click on "Insert at active cell".

The PDF importer is designed to arrange data into a table format, placing each line of text into its own cell when the chosen PDF section contains plain text. The pulled text is then placed in the spreadsheet's active cell. To pull additional text from the PDF, you can click "Back" at this point. If you're done, you can exit by clicking the "X" button in the top right corner of the modal.

how to extract text from a pdf

Step 6: The pull text has now been transferred into the spreadsheet.

The final step simply confirms that the text you selected and extracted from the PDF has been successfully transferred into your spreadsheet. It should be organized in a structured format.

retrieve text from pdf

We hope you now have a better understanding of how to pull text from a PDF.

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