How do I convert or transfer PDF files to Excel on Mac

Discussion in 'macOS Virtual Machine' started by Andrew.Z, Sep 8, 2011.

  1. Andrew.Z

    Andrew.Z Bit poster

    Messages:
    1
    What options (if any) are there for importing a PDF file into Excel? I have a PDF file that contains four very clear columns (one with labels, the other three all numbers). I need this information in an excel sheet. It's quite a long PDF though, about 50 pages. Is there any simple way of importing? Will I need to buy software to convert?
    Your information is great appreciated
     
  2. joevt

    joevt Forum Maven

    Messages:
    1,229
    PDF files are not well formatted for that kind of import.

    You could try opening the PDF in Preview, then copy and paste it into a Text Edit document. This might preserver some of the formatting.

    Then in Text Edit, make a new document, and use the Make Plain Text command to make it a plain text type file or use a text editor like BBEdit.

    Then you can copy from the formatted Text Edit window to the plain text window. Use the option key to select blocks of columnar text.
     

Share This Page