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.

Extract data and push to a database or cloud storage in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

3 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Show me how to send data from Acrobat to [database/cloud]…+

Show me how to send data from Acrobat to [database/cloud storage] using [Power Automate/Salesforce/Teams].

when the reply comes backWant to automate more Acrobat tasks? Ask how!

BImprove — “do it better”Suggest ways to make my Acrobat-to-cloud data flow faster or safer…+

Suggest ways to make my Acrobat-to-cloud data flow faster or safer, using [Power Automate/Salesforce/Teams].

when the reply comes backCurious about connecting other apps? I can help.

CDecide — “help me choose”Help me pick the best tool to connect Acrobat with [database/cloud]…+

Help me pick the best tool to connect Acrobat with [database/cloud storage] for my needs.

when the reply comes backNeed tips on keeping your data safe in the cloud?

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Obtain API credentials for the Adobe PDF Extract API from the Adobe Developer Console.
Best practiceStore your API credentials securely and never commit them to source control.
2
Set up your integration environment by installing the official Adobe PDF Services SDK or configuring HTTP requests to the PDF Extract API endpoint.
3
Upload the target PDF file to your integration's storage or provide its path for processing.
4
Call the PDF Extract API endpoint with the PDF file and specify the desired data extraction options (e.g., tables, text, images).
CautionEnsure you comply with Adobe's rate limits and file size restrictions.
5
Parse the API response to extract the structured data (usually JSON or CSV) returned by the PDF Extract API.
6
Map the extracted data fields to your target database or cloud storage schema.
7
Insert or update the mapped data into your database (e.g., via SQL INSERT/UPDATE) or upload to your cloud storage service (e.g., AWS S3, Azure Blob, Google Cloud Storage) using their respective SDKs or APIs.
Best practiceA staging table or temporary storage can help validate extracted data before final insertion.
8
Log the operation and handle any errors or exceptions according to your integration's requirements.

In the appWith the API

You can use the PDF Extract API to automate data extraction from PDFs directly within your integration workflow.

The Adobe PDF Extract API extracts structured data from PDF files and returns it in machine-readable formats such as JSON or CSV.

Glossary

words on this page

IntegrationConnecting two different apps so they work together automatically.ExampleThe integration between the calendar and email apps sends meeting invites automatically.

DatabaseA place where information is stored and organized for easy access.ExampleAll employee contact information is stored in a central database for quick retrieval.

Cloud StorageA place online where you save and access files from anywhere.ExampleYou upload your vacation photos to cloud storage so you can view them on your phone or computer.

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 connect Acrobat to Power Automate, you usually use connectors or prebuilt flows that let Acrobat send information directly to a database or cloud app. You'll need to set up a flow in Power Automate that listens for new Acrobat files or data, then moves that data to your chosen destination. This lets you skip manual downloads and uploads.

Pushing Acrobat data to Salesforce means automatically sending information (like form answers or document details) from Acrobat into Salesforce records. This helps keep your customer or business data up to date without copying and pasting by hand.

Yes, you can set up an integration where data from Acrobat is sent straight into a Teams channel or file. This is usually done with tools like Power Automate, which can take the data and post it as a message or save it as a file in Teams.

Automating this process saves you time and helps avoid mistakes from copying data by hand. It also means your information is always up to date in your database or cloud storage, so your team can work faster and smarter.

Yes, cloud storage is mainly for saving files, while a database organizes information in a way that's easy to search or use in other apps. Depending on your needs, you might connect Acrobat to one or the other, or even both.

Extract data and push to a database or cloud storage

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources