How do I extract data from a scanned PDF using the PDF Extract API?

The PDF Extract API can work with both native (digital) and scanned PDFs. It uses Sensei, which is Adobe's AI technology, to understand the content. You just send your scanned PDF to the API, and it will process it and return structured data, even if the original was a scan.

What is the difference between PDF Extract API and Document Generation API?

Feature Purpose Direction. PDF Extract API Turns PDFs into structured data (JSON, Markdown) PDF -> Data Document Generation API Creates PDFs or Word documents from data and templates Data -> PDF/Word

Why should I use the PDF Extract API instead of just copying and pasting text from a PDF?

Using the PDF Extract API is much better for large amounts of data. Copying and pasting is slow and can lose the structure of tables or reading order. The API automatically gives you structured data like JSON, which is easy for other computer programs to use and analyze.

If my PDF has tables, how does the PDF Extract API handle them?

The PDF Extract API is very good at identifying tables within your PDF. When you extract data, it can convert these tables into formats like CSV or XLSX. This means you get your table data in a spreadsheet format, which is easy to open and work with in programs like Microsoft Excel.

What kind of output can I expect from the PDF Extract API?

Structured JSON or Markdown for text and general content. CSV or XLSX files for tables. PNG images for any pictures found in the PDF.

Automate data extraction with Acrobat Extract API — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

3 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Show me how to extract text and tables from a PDF...…+

Show me how to extract text and tables from a PDF using the Acrobat Extract API in [your programming language].

when the reply comes backWant to know how to handle scanned PDFs?

BImprove — “do it better”How can I improve the accuracy of data extraction...…+

How can I improve the accuracy of data extraction when using the Acrobat Extract API with [your PDF files]?

when the reply comes backNeed help setting up API authentication?

CDecide — “help me choose”Should I use Acrobat Extract API or write my own...…+

Should I use the Acrobat Extract API or write my own PDF parsing code for [your use case]? Explain the pros and cons.

when the reply comes backAsk for sample code in your favorite language.

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Sign up for an Adobe Developer account at https://developer.adobe.com/ if you do not already have one.
2
Create a new project in the Adobe Developer Console and add the PDF Services API to your project.
3
Generate your API credentials (Client ID and Client Secret) in the Adobe Developer Console for the PDF Services API.
4
Install the official Adobe PDF Services SDK for your programming language (e.g., Node.js, Python, Java) using your package manager.
5
Write code to authenticate using your API credentials and initialize the PDF Services client.
6
Use the ExtractPDF operation in your code to submit your PDF file for structured data extraction.
Best practiceFor complex PDFs, pre-processing the file (e.g., optimizing scan quality) can improve extraction accuracy.
7
Specify the desired extraction options (such as extracting tables, text, or images) in your API request.
8
Execute the extraction request and download the resulting ZIP file containing the extracted structured data (JSON, CSV, and/or images).
9
Parse the extracted data from the output files in your application as needed.
NoteAdobe's Extract API provides structured output suitable for downstream automation and analytics.

In the appWith the API

You can monitor your API usage and manage credentials directly in the Adobe Developer Console.

The ExtractPDF operation in the Adobe PDF Services API programmatically extracts structured data (text, tables, images) from PDF files.

Glossary

words on this page

APIA way for different software to talk to each other automatically.ExampleAn online store uses an API to automatically send shipping details to a delivery service.

EndpointA web address your code sends requests to for a specific job.ExampleThe app sends your payment details to a secure endpoint on the server to process the transaction.

AuthenticationHow you prove who you are when using an online service.ExampleEntering your password and a code from your phone provides authentication to access your bank account.

The real tasks

the one, listed here

Convert emailed bills into a standard, editable copy so data can be entered into our ledger.

FAQ

about this task

You send an HTTP request to the API endpoint with your PDF file and authentication details. The API will process the file and return the extracted data, which you can handle in your code.

The API can extract text, tables, and images from most PDFs. It can also give you structured data, like where each paragraph or table is found in the document.

You need to register for Adobe PDF Services, where you will get credentials like an API key or client ID and secret. Use these in your code to prove you are allowed to use the API.

The API is faster, more accurate, and handles many tricky PDF layouts automatically. Manual parsing is harder and often misses details, especially with complex or scanned files.

Yes, the API has built-in OCR (Optical Character Recognition) to read text from scanned or image-based PDFs, but the quality depends on the image clarity.

Automate data extraction with Acrobat Extract API

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources