Nowadays, when technology is developing at a breakneck pace, we often encounter various file formats. One of the most popular formats is the PDF file, which is used to store and share documents in a platform-independent manner. On the other hand, Excel is a spreadsheet program that is widely used for data analysis and reporting.
A question that often arises is whether a PDF file can be opened in Excel? In this article, we will take a look at this issue and discuss the various methods of opening PDF files in Excel.
What is a PDF file?
Before we discuss the possibilities of opening PDF files in Excel, it is worth first understanding what a PDF file actually is. The abbreviation PDF stands for Portable Document Format. It is a format created by Adobe Systems to enable the transfer and sharing of documents in a platform and software independent manner.
PDF files are popular because of their immutability, i.e. the ability to display and print documents in the same form, regardless of the operating system or device used.
Can a PDF file be opened in Excel?
The answer to this question is yes, a PDF file can be opened in Excel. However, there are several different methods you can use to open a PDF file in Excel. Below are some methods that may be useful if you are trying to open a PDF file in Excel.
- Convert the PDF file to a format supported by Excel
One of the most popular ways to open PDF files in Excel is to convert the PDF file to a format that Excel supports, such as a CSV file or an XLSX file.
There are many online tools and software that can convert PDF files to formats supported by Excel, one of the good sample programs is the SwifDoo PDF for Windows. After converting the PDF file to the appropriate format, you can open it in Excel and edit the data saved in the PDF file.
- Using the data import function in Excel
Excel also offers a data import feature that allows you to open PDF files without the need for conversion. To use this function, open Excel, go to the “Data” tab and select the “From other sources” option.
You can then select the PDF file and apply the appropriate data import settings. After importing the PDF file, you can edit and analyze it in Excel.
- Using online tools to convert PDF files to Excel
If you don’t want to install additional software on your computer, there are many online tools that can convert PDF files. Such as the aforementioned SwifT PDF, which provides free online PDF converter tools, such as DWG to PDF, and vice versa.
The conversion practice is simply, upload your PDF and download the converted Excel file. However, please note that not all online tools are equally effective and some may introduce errors or lose some data during conversion.
Application of opening PDF files in Excel
Opening PDF files in Excel can be useful in many different situations. Here are some uses where opening PDF files in Excel can be useful:
- Analysis of financial data
If you receive financial reports in PDF format, opening them in Excel can make it easier to analyze your financial data.
Thanks to the data editing and analysis capabilities in Excel, you can perform various calculations, create charts and reports that will facilitate the understanding and interpretation of financial data.
- Convert PDF table to spreadsheet
We often encounter tables in PDF format that are difficult to edit. Opening such tables in Excel allows you to convert the PDF table into a spreadsheet, making it easier to edit, sort, and analyze the data in the table.
- Processing data from PDF forms
PDF forms often contain data that can be processed and analyzed in Excel. Opening PDF forms in Excel allows you to enter data into a spreadsheet, automate calculations, and analyze the collected data.
