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.

Batch extract data from multiple PDFs in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

3 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Extract data from these PDFs and save it as a...…+

Extract data from these PDFs and save it as a [spreadsheet or text file]: [attach PDF files here].

when the reply comes backWould you like to organize the extracted data by category?

BImprove — “do it better”Check the extracted data for mistakes and make sure...…+

Check the extracted data for mistakes and make sure all important details from the PDFs are included.

when the reply comes backNeed help combining data from different PDFs into one file?

CDecide — “help me choose”Should I save the extracted data as a spreadsheet...…+

Should I save the extracted data as a spreadsheet, text file, or something else? Explain which is best for [my purpose].

when the reply comes backWant to learn how to automate this process for next time?

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Open Adobe Acrobat and ensure you are signed in with an account that has access to the data extraction feature.
2
Place all the PDF files you want to extract data from into a single folder on your computer.
Best practiceOrganizing your PDFs in one folder simplifies batch processing and reduces the chance of missing files.
3
In Acrobat, go to the Tools view and select Prepare Form.
4
Click Select a file, then choose one PDF from your folder to use as the template for data extraction.
NoteAcrobat uses the form fields or structure of this template file to extract data from all PDFs in the batch.
5
After the form loads, click More (three dots menu) and select Merge Data Files into Spreadsheet.
6
In the dialog, click Add Files and select all the PDFs from your folder.
7
Click Export and choose the location to save the combined data file (e.g., CSV or Excel).
Best practiceIf you need individual data files per PDF, repeat the export process for each file or use a script as described in advanced blog guides.

In the appWith the API

You can quickly combine data from many similar PDFs into a single spreadsheet using the Prepare Form tool's batch export feature.

Adobe PDF Services API offers an 'Extract PDF' endpoint for programmatic data extraction from multiple PDFs in batch workflows.

Glossary

words on this page

Batch extractTaking information from many files at once.ExampleBatch extract lets you pull all email addresses from a folder of resumes.

PDFA common file type used to share documents that look the same everywhere.ExampleShe saved the brochure as a PDF so everyone would see the exact same layout and fonts.

Data extractionGetting useful information out of a file or document.ExampleSoftware performed data extraction to pull all customer names and addresses from the PDF report.

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

To batch extract data from several PDFs, you can use Adobe Acrobat’s 'Export PDF' or 'Action Wizard' tools. These let you select many files at once and pull out tables or text into a new file, like a spreadsheet. This saves time compared to opening each PDF one by one.

Batch extract means you are taking information from many PDF files at the same time, instead of doing it for each file separately. This is useful when you have lots of documents with similar data you need.

If your PDFs are scans or pictures, Adobe Acrobat uses a tool called OCR (Optical Character Recognition) to read the text and tables. This works best when the scans are clear and the text is easy to read.

If your data is organized in rows and columns, a spreadsheet is usually best because you can sort and analyze it easily. If the data is just plain text, a text file might be enough. Choose the format that fits how you want to use the data.

Batch extracting saves a lot of time and reduces mistakes, especially when you need information from many documents. It helps students, office workers, and researchers quickly collect and organize data for reports, projects, or analysis.

Batch extract data from multiple PDFs

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources