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 for compliance/audit reporting in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

3 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Extract compliance or audit data from Adobe Acrobat for all users…+

Extract compliance or audit data from Adobe Acrobat for all users in our organization, and provide it in a report for [purpose or department].

when the reply comes backWould you like tips for keeping future reports ready for audits?

BImprove — “do it better”Improve the clarity and usefulness of our Acrobat compliance report…+

Improve the clarity and usefulness of our Acrobat compliance report for enterprise audit purposes, making sure it highlights [specific risks or requirements].

when the reply comes backNeed help setting up automatic compliance checks in Acrobat?

CDecide — “help me choose”Help me choose the best way to extract audit data…+

Help me choose the best way to extract and present Adobe Acrobat audit data for our enterprise compliance needs, considering [tools, formats, or team preferences].

when the reply comes backWant advice on sharing reports securely with your team?

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Open the PDF document(s) containing the compliance or audit data in Adobe Acrobat.
2
Select Tools in the top menu and choose Export PDF or Prepare Form depending on whether you need to extract tabular data or form field data.
3
If extracting tables, choose Export PDF, select Spreadsheet as the export format, and click Export to save the data as an Excel file.
CautionReview the exported spreadsheet for formatting errors or missing data, especially with scanned or complex tables.
4
If extracting form data, choose Prepare Form, then click More and select Export Data to save the form data as a .csv or .xml file.
NoteForm data export is only available if the PDF contains interactive form fields.
5
Repeat the export process for each PDF required for your compliance or audit report.
6
Aggregate the exported files in your preferred spreadsheet or database tool to compile the data for regulatory or audit reporting.
Best practiceFor large batches, consider using Acrobat’s Action Wizard to automate repetitive extraction steps.

In the appWith the API

You can use the Action Wizard in Acrobat Pro to automate data extraction from multiple PDFs for audit purposes.

This runs in the Acrobat app - there is no separate API for this task.

Glossary

words on this page

ComplianceFollowing the rules or laws about how something should be done.ExampleEnsuring compliance means all invoices meet the company's financial record-keeping standards.

AuditA careful check to make sure rules are being followed.ExampleThe company conducted an audit to ensure all financial transactions followed regulations.

Enterprise DeploymentRolling out a tool or setting to every user in a large organization.ExampleThe IT department managed the enterprise deployment of the new security software to all company computers.

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 extract compliance or audit data for your entire company, you usually use Adobe's admin tools or reporting features that gather information from all users. This lets you see document access, changes, and sharing across your organization.

Compliance reporting helps your company prove it is following rules about document security and privacy. It is important for passing audits and avoiding penalties.

Yes, many enterprise tools let you schedule regular reports or connect with other software to automatically collect and store compliance data from all users.

Enterprise-wide reporting covers everyone in the company, showing patterns and risks across all users, while checking one user's data only shows what that person did.

Extracting audit data helps your company spot problems, prove it follows rules, and respond quickly if something goes wrong with document handling.

Extract data for compliance/audit reporting

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources