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18 April 2025  John Weaver  Senior Program Developer
Last update by James Smith at 18 April 2025

Summary
This article mainly discusses effective methods to convert PDF files into Excel files using Google Sheets. By properly preparing PDF files and utilizing Google Drive, Docs, and Sheets, seamless data conversion can be achieved. For complex table data, the article offers recommendations on adjusting formats and verifying accuracy.



Table of contents

table iconPreparing Your PDF Document for Conversion
table iconUsing Google Drive for PDF to Google Sheets Conversion
table iconHandling Complex Data Tables in PDFs
table iconAlternative Solution: Using Renee PDF Aide
table iconSummary
Looking for a free way to convert PDF to Excel files using Google Sheets? You’re in the right place! This article explains how to use Google Sheets and related tools to easily convert simple PDF files to Excel. Some preparation steps are required before the process begins.

Preparing Your PDF Document for Conversion

Before converting your PDF to Excel using Google Sheets, it’s essential to prepare the document for a smooth conversion process. Here are some key steps to follow:
1. Ensure the PDF contains selectable text rather than images. If the PDF is a scanned document or contains only images, you may need to use OCR software to extract the text first.
detect scanned pdf documents
2. If the PDF has multiple pages, consider splitting the PDF document into separate files for each relevant page or section. This can help simplify the conversion process and make it easier to manage the data in Excel.
3. Check the PDF for any password protection or encryption. If the document is secured, you’ll need to remove the protection before proceeding with the conversion. By taking these preliminary steps, you can minimize potential issues during the conversion process and ensure that your data is accurately transferred from the PDF to Excel format using Google Sheets.
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Using Google Drive for PDF to Google Sheets Conversion

Step 1: Upload the PDF to Google Drive

1. Open Google Drive and upload the PDF to Google Drive.
upload pdf files to Google Drive
2. Right-click on the uploaded PDF in Google Drive and select Open with > Google Docs.
Right-click on the uploaded PDF in Google Drive and Select Open with > Google Docs.
3. Google Docs will attempt to extract text and data from the PDF. Please be aware that the converted formats might vary, particularly with complex tables. For optimal results, consider using third-party software for the conversion process.

Step 2: Copy the Data to Google Sheets

Once the PDF is opened in Google Docs, identify the table-like data you want to convert.
1. Highlight and copy the data (Ctrl+C or Cmd+C). Paste the data into Google Sheets.
2. Open Google Sheets and create a new spreadsheet or open an existing one.
3. Paste the copied data into the Google Sheets document (Ctrl+V or Cmd+V).
4. Adjust the rows and columns as needed to ensure proper organization.

Step 3: Export to Excel

In Google Sheets, go to the File menu and select Download and then choose Microsoft Excel (.xlsx).
In Google Sheets, go to the File menu and Select Download and then choose Microsoft Excel (.xlsx).
Finally, the file will be downloaded to your computer in Excel format. By following these steps, you can effectively convert a PDF file to a Google Sheets spreadsheet using Google Drive’s built-in features.

Handling Complex Data Tables in PDFs

When converting PDFs containing complex data tables to Google Sheets, you may encounter challenges such as misaligned data, inconsistent formatting, or missing information. Here are some techniques to manage these issues:
1. Manually adjust the data in the Google Docs document before copying it to the spreadsheet. This may involve re-aligning columns, merging or splitting cells, and ensuring that headers and data are correctly matched.
2. After pasting the data into Google Sheets, carefully review the spreadsheet to identify any inconsistencies or errors. Check for missing data points, incorrect formatting, or misaligned rows and columns.
3. Use Google Sheets’ built-in formatting tools to clean up the data. This may include adjusting column widths, merging cells, or applying consistent formatting to headers and data types.

Alternative Solution: Using Renee PDF Aide

If you prefer a more robust and feature-rich solution, Renee PDF Aide is an excellent choice. Renee PDF Aide is easy to operate and can convert up to 80 pages/min. It supports conversion from PDF to Excel, Word, PowerPoint, ePub, Text, HTML, JPG, TIFF, and more. In addition, this software integrates various functions including optimizing, repairing, and encrypting PDF files. Despite its diverse features, the interface is user-friendly and simple.
In addition, Renee PDF Aide uses advanced OCR technology to convert scanned PDFs and Images into editable formats and supports one-click batch conversion for efficiency, safety, and a free conversion experience.
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Efficient Batch Process dozens of PDF files in seconds

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Usage Steps for Renee PDF Aide

① After installing Renee PDF Aide, open it. Select “Convert PDF“.
select to convert pdf with renee pdf converter
② Add the PDF files to be converted by clicking the “Add Files” button. The software supports batch conversion, allowing you to import multiple files simultaneously. Once added, the file information will appear in the conversion list. Click the “Selected Pages” list to set the pages for conversion.
add excel files into renee pdf aide
Note: Click Options to set more requirements about the output files.
set more requirements
④ If your PDF file is a scanned copy, please select “Enable OCR” in location 3. If not, skip this step.
how to convert pdf to excel with renee pdf aide
The software offers three OCR text recognition modes:

A: Recognize text in pictures or PDF scans: This mode assumes the text on the PDF page is in a picture/scanned image and uses OCR (selecting the corresponding language improves results) to recognize and output the text.

B: Identify built-in fonts (to avoid garbled characters): This mode assumes the text on the PDF page uses embedded fonts. The program converts these fonts into images, then uses OCR (selecting the corresponding language improves results) to recognize and output the text.

A+B (slower): The program automatically determines whether the font in the file is a picture or an embedded PDF font, then converts and outputs it. This mode is time-consuming, resulting in longer conversion times.

⑤ Click “Convert” button. After conversion, a prompt will display the total number of files converted, as well as the successful ones. The PDF is now converted into an Excel file. To access the result files, click the links in the “Status” column.
pdf to excel convert excel

Summary

Converting PDF to Excel using Google Sheets is an efficient way to manage and analyze data. Simply prepare your PDF, upload it to Google Drive, and utilize Google Docs and Sheets for seamless data transfer. Complex tables may require additional tools and careful handling to ensure accuracy, but Google Sheets offers a robust solution for both simple and intricate data. For advanced features, Renee PDF Aide is a highly recommended alternative.
Renee PDF Aide – The Ultimate PDF2Excel Conversion Solution! (100 FREE Quota)

Versatile Convert to Word/Excel/PPT/Text/Image/Html/Epub

Secure 100% local conversions ensure zero risk of data leaks

Efficient Batch Process dozens of PDF files in seconds

Comprehensive Seamlessly convert PDFs to Excel, PowerPoint, Text, and more

OCR Support Extract Text from Scanned PDFs, Images & Embedded Fonts

Versatile Effortlessly convert XFA, multi

Secure 100% local conversions ensure zero risk of data leaks

Efficient Batch Process dozens of PDF files in seconds

Free TrialFree TrialNow 1335621 people have obtained the free version!