PDF is one of the most commonly used file formats for documentation and presentations. However, when it comes to data analysis, it is not so convenient to work with. On the other hand, Excel is widely used in various industries for data manipulation and analysis. Therefore, it is essential to know how to convert data from a PDF graph to Excel for easy analysis. In this blog post, we will explore different methods for converting a PDF graph to an Excel spreadsheet and provide recommendations for each approach.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before starting, you will need an installed version of Microsoft Excel and Adobe Acrobat. If you don’t have Adobe Acrobat, you can download a free trial version from their website. You will also need access to the PDF graph that you want to convert and save on your computer.
What requires your attention is…?
Converting a PDF graph to Excel can be a challenging task, especially if the graph contains complex formatting or numerous data sets. Therefore, you need to pay attention to several factors, such as the graph’s formatting, number of data sets, and accuracy of conversion.
Method 1: Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is the most popular and straightforward method for converting a PDF graph to Excel. Follow the below steps to convert a PDF graph to Excel using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC:
1. Open Adobe Acrobat Pro DC and select Create PDF.
2. Choose the PDF file you want to convert and click Open.
3. Select Export PDF, choose the format as Microsoft Excel, and click Export.
4. Adobe Acrobat Pro DC will convert the PDF graph to Excel, and you can then save it on your computer.
Pros:
– Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is easy to use and has a simple interface.
– The conversion is usually accurate and maintains the graph’s formatting.
Cons:
– Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is not a free tool.
– The conversion may not always be accurate for complex graphs.
Method 2: Online PDF to Excel Converter
There are various online tools available that allow you to convert a PDF graph to Excel easily. Follow the below steps to convert a PDF graph to Excel using an online PDF to Excel converter:
1. Go to an online PDF to Excel converter website such as Smallpdf or Zamzar.
2. Upload the PDF file that you want to convert.
3. Select Convert to Excel, and the website will start the conversion process.
4. The converted Excel file will be ready to download on your computer.
Pros:
– Online PDF to Excel converters are usually free to use.
– You don’t need to install any software on your computer.
Cons:
– The conversion’s accuracy may not always be reliable for complex graphs.
– Some online tools may not be secure, and your data may be at risk.
Method 3: Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft OneNote is a great tool for taking notes, but it can also be used for converting a PDF graph to an Excel Spreadsheet. Follow the below steps to convert a PDF graph to Excel using Microsoft OneNote:
1. Open Microsoft OneNote and create a new page.
2. Insert the PDF graph into the page.
3. Right-click on the PDF graph and select Copy Text from Picture.
4. Paste the copied text into a new Microsoft Excel file.
5. Microsoft Excel will automatically format the graph into a table.
Pros:
– This method is easy to use and does not require any additional software.
– The formatting of the graph is usually retained in the converted Excel file.
Cons:
– The conversion’s accuracy may not always be reliable for complex graphs.
– Text recognition may not work correctly for some graphs.
Why Can’t I Convert PDF Graph to Excel?
Converting a PDF graph to Excel can be a tricky task due to several reasons. Some of the most common reasons why you can’t convert a PDF graph to Excel are:
1. The PDF graph is scanned, and the data is not recognized as text by the conversion tool.
2. The PDF graph contains complex formatting and symbols that cannot be converted accurately.
3. The PDF graph contains multiple data sets that cannot be separated or organized correctly in Excel.
Fixes:
1. If the PDF graph is scanned, you can use OCR software to try and recognize the text.
2. If the PDF graph contains complex formatting, you may need to use a professional conversion service or manually enter the data into Excel.
3. If the PDF graph contains multiple data sets, you may need to separate and organize the data manually in Excel or use a more advanced data analysis tool.
Implications and Recommendations
Converting a PDF graph to an Excel spreadsheet can save time and improve data analysis. However, it is essential to choose the correct method for converting your specific PDF graph. Online PDF to Excel converters may not be the best option for complex graphs, whereas Adobe Acrobat Pro DC may not be necessary for simpler graphs. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the graph’s complexity and choose a tool that can handle the conversion accurately.
FAQs
Q: Can I convert a scanned PDF graph to Excel?
A: Yes, you can use OCR software to recognize the text from a scanned PDF graph and convert it to Excel.
Q: Why is the converted Excel file not accurate?
A: The accuracy of the converted file depends on several factors, such as the complexity of the graph and the conversion tool you used. It is recommended to check and verify the converted file’s accuracy manually.
Q: Do I need to install any software for converting a PDF graph to Excel?
A: It depends on the method you choose. Adobe Acrobat Pro DC requires you to install the software, whereas online PDF to Excel converters do not require any software installation.
Q: Can I use Microsoft Excel’s built-in conversion tool to convert a PDF graph to Excel?
A: No, Microsoft Excel does not have a built-in tool to convert a PDF graph to Excel.
Q: Which method is the most accurate for converting a PDF graph to Excel?
A: The accuracy of the conversion depends on the graph’s complexity and the conversion tool you used. Therefore, it is recommended to try multiple methods and compare the results for accuracy.
Conclusion
Converting a PDF graph to Excel can be a challenging task, but it is necessary for easy data analysis. In this blog post, we explored different methods to convert a PDF graph to an Excel spreadsheet and provided recommendations for each approach. We also highlighted the common reasons why you can’t convert a PDF graph to Excel and provided fixes. Finally, we recommended choosing the correct method according to the graph’s complexity and highlighted the implications of the conversion.