How can I extract tables from a PDF using the PDF Extract API?

First, you need to set up access to the PDF Extract API. This usually involves getting an API key from Adobe Document Services. Then, write code or use a tool that connects to the API. You will send your PDF file to the API. Specify that you want to extract tables. The API will process your PDF. The API will return the extracted tables, often in formats like CSV or XLSX, which you can then save and use.

Why is using the PDF Extract API better than manually copying tables from PDFs?

It saves a lot of time, especially if you have many PDFs or large tables. It reduces errors that can happen when you copy data by hand. It gives you data in a structured format (like CSV or JSON) that is easy for other computer programs to use. It can process both clear and scanned documents, which manual copying might struggle with.

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

Feature PDF Extract API Document Generation API. Main Purpose Turns PDFs into structured data (extracts info) Creates PDFs/Word docs from data (generates docs) Input PDF file Data (and a template) Output Structured JSON, Markdown, CSV, XLSX, PNG PDF or Word document

Extract Key Tables in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

2 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Extract the key tables from the broker's spreadsheet (loss history and exposure schedule) and…+

Extract the key tables from the broker's spreadsheet (loss history and exposure schedule) and save them as a single Excel file to include in policy file [policy=P-444] — ensure tables keep headers and numerical formats intact.

when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

BImprove — “do it better”Before I add broker data to policy [policy=P-444], present the tables so underwriters can use…+

Before I add broker data to policy [policy=P-444], present the tables so underwriters can use them — extract loss history and exposure schedule as one Excel file, preserve headers and number formats, mark source sheet names, and flag any totals that don't reconcile to the PDF submission.

when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Open your PDF file in Adobe Acrobat.
2
Select the Export PDF tool from the right pane.
3
Choose Spreadsheet as the export format.
4
Select either Microsoft Excel Workbook (*.xlsx) or Comma Separated Values (*.csv) as your output format.
5
Click Export.
6
If prompted, specify the location and file name for the exported file, then save.
7
Open the exported file in Excel or your preferred spreadsheet application to review and analyze the extracted table data.
Best practiceIf tables are not extracted cleanly, try using the 'Organize Pages' tool to split the PDF into smaller sections before exporting, as some blogs suggest this improves accuracy for complex layouts.

In the appWith the API

You can preview the table structure in the export dialog before saving to ensure the data is being recognized correctly.

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

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.

Structured DataInformation that is organized in a clear format, like a table or spreadsheet.ExampleCustomer names and addresses stored in a database are examples of structured data.

RPARPA stands for Robotic Process Automation; it is software that automates repetitive tasks normally done by people.ExampleRPA software automatically processes invoices and enters data into the accounting system.

Who does this

3 roles

Data AnalystFinancial AuditorBusiness Intelligence Specialist

FAQ

about this task

The PDF Extract API is a tool that helps you take information out of PDF files. It can find text, tables, and images, and then give them to you in an organized way, like JSON or Markdown. This makes it easier for other computer programs to use the data from your PDFs.

First, you need to set up access to the PDF Extract API. This usually involves getting an API key from Adobe Document Services.
Then, write code or use a tool that connects to the API. You will send your PDF file to the API.
Specify that you want to extract tables. The API will process your PDF.
The API will return the extracted tables, often in formats like CSV or XLSX, which you can then save and use.

Yes, the PDF Extract API is designed to work with both native (digital) and scanned PDF documents. It uses smart technology (Sensei-powered) to recognize text and tables even in scanned images. This means you can still get structured data from older or image-based PDFs.

It saves a lot of time, especially if you have many PDFs or large tables.
It reduces errors that can happen when you copy data by hand.
It gives you data in a structured format (like CSV or JSON) that is easy for other computer programs to use.
It can process both clear and scanned documents, which manual copying might struggle with.

Feature	PDF Extract API	Document Generation API
Main Purpose	Turns PDFs into structured data (extracts info)	Creates PDFs/Word docs from data (generates docs)
Input	PDF file	Data (and a template)
Output	Structured JSON, Markdown, CSV, XLSX, PNG	PDF or Word document

Extract Key Tables

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources