In daily work, we often need to convert PDF to Excel spreadsheets. When there are many files, manual conversion is too inefficient. If we have many PDFs to batch convert to Excel files, we can use the following batch conversion methods: HeSoft Doc Batch Tool , Adobe Acrobat DC, WPS Office, PDF 2 GO. These methods are all very simple to operate and can help you easily complete the format conversion from PDF to Excel.
Preview of the effect of batch converting PDF to Excel files
Before processing:
After processing:
Method 1: Use HeSoft Doc Batch Tool for one-click batch conversion
Recommendation rating: ★★★★★
Advantages:
- The interface is simple and clear. Users can directly use the PDF to Excel conversion function within the PDF tool to batch convert file formats.
- There are only 2 steps. First, find the PDF to Excel function, then import all files, and it will automatically complete the conversion, making it easy for beginners to get started quickly.
- There are no file quantity or size limits. You can import hundreds of PDF files at once and batch convert them to Excel with one click.
- Files are not transmitted externally; no need to upload to any platform or server. There is no risk of leaking sensitive data, so you can use it with confidence.
Disadvantages:
- It needs to be installed on the computer first and only supports Windows systems.
Steps:
1. Open [ HeSoft Doc Batch Tool ], select [PDF Tools] - [PDF to Excel].
2. Click Add Files to add the PDFs you want to convert, or drag and drop the files you want to convert directly into the interface.
3. After the conversion is complete, directly click the save location to check. All PDFs have been successfully converted to Excel files.
Method 2: Use Adobe Acrobat DC to export as a spreadsheet
Recommendation rating: ★★★★☆
Advantages:
- Single file conversion is simple. After opening the PDF, directly export it as a spreadsheet to quickly convert the PDF to Excel.
- It is a professional tool for handling PDF files, offering good stability and high accuracy for converting table-based PDFs to Excel.
- Through the Action Wizard, you can add all PDF files at once for batch conversion to Excel without manual operation.
- It does not rely on the internet. The conversion process is completed locally, making it safer for sensitive files.
Disadvantages:
- The entry point for batch conversion is within Actions, requiring you to create an action first, which makes the operation relatively complex.
Steps:
1. Open the PDF you want to convert with Adobe Acrobat DC, select [Export PDF] - [Spreadsheet] - [Microsoft Excel Workbook], and click [Export].
2. If you have multiple files for batch conversion, click [Action Wizard] - [New Action], find [Export PDF] in the left list, add it to the action steps on the right, set an action name, and save the action.
3. Select the action you just created, click [Add Files] to add all PDFs needing conversion, and click [Start]. Choose to convert the files to a spreadsheet, and it will automatically batch convert all PDFs to Excel files.
Method 3: Use WPS Office to batch convert to Excel files
Recommendation rating: ★★★☆☆
Advantages:
- Simple operation. After opening the file, select Convert to Excel to quickly convert the PDF to an Excel file.
- Convenient batch processing. Add all PDFs needing conversion at once, and it will automatically batch convert them to Excel.
- The Chinese interface is user-friendly, with clear guidance, making it easy for beginners to complete.
- Supports converting scanned PDFs, and can use OCR to intelligently recognize scanned documents and convert them to editable text.
Disadvantages:
- Batch conversion requires a membership; more advanced features require the professional version.
Steps:
1. Open any PDF needing conversion with WPS Office, click [Convert] - [Convert to Excel].
2. Click [Add Files] to add all PDFs needing conversion, set the output range, merge method, and output directory, and select [xlsx] as the output format. Once set, click [Start Conversion].
Method 4: Use PDF 2 GO (online tool) to batch convert to Excel
Recommendation rating: ★★★☆☆
Advantages:
- No download or installation needed. As long as you have a browser on your computer, you can use it, which is more convenient and direct than local software.
- The operation is very simple and direct. Just find the PDF to Excel entry, upload all files, and the conversion is completed automatically.
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux, and supports multiple languages.
Disadvantages:
- The free version has usage limits; files need to be uploaded to the conversion platform, making it unsuitable for handling confidential files.
Steps:
Open the PDF 2 GO online tool, click [PDF to Excel], upload all PDFs, select [Microsoft Excel (*.xlsx)] as the conversion format, click [Start], and finally download the converted Excel files to your computer.
What issues should you pay attention to when converting PDF to Excel files
1. Text-based PDFs can be converted to Excel with relatively good results and high structural fidelity. For scanned/image-based PDFs, OCR text recognition must be performed before format conversion; otherwise, the output will only be images, or the result will be very poor.
2. Converting PDFs to Excel cannot achieve 100% restoration of the table's original appearance; even professional tools cannot achieve complete restoration. The more complex the table, the more likely format errors will occur, such as cell misalignment or merged cells being split. After conversion to Excel, you will still need to manually adjust the format.
3. Before batch conversion, it's best to convert a single file for testing to check the conversion effect, before proceeding with batch processing to avoid having to redo the entire job.