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best pdf to csv converter best pdf to csv converter

BEST PDF TO CSV CONVERTER

Adobe Acrobat has the reputation of being the best PDF to CSV converter due to its
amazing accuracy in extracting data. The program shows wonderful results even when
processing large tables with multiple rows and columns. It keeps data structure and
formatting intact, so you can achieve the result faster.

I recently needed to convert my PDF bank statement into a CSV file for easier data analysis. So, I started to look for a reliable PDF to CSV converter.

As many of you know, converting complex PDFs with intricate tables can be challenging, especially when dealing with large datasets or non-standard document structures.

CSV format is a simple yet effective way to organize data using commas. Therefore, CSV files are easy to extract and import into databases, export into spreadsheets, or transform for multiple use scenarios.

1. Adobe Acrobat – Best Overall Choice

adobe acrobat pdf to csv converter
Pros
  • Very accurate conversion
  • Editing and export features
  • Regular updates
  • Proprietary plugins
Cons
  • Subscription-based pricing
  • Resource-demanding

OS: Windows and Mac, Android and iOS, online

Pricing: Free for Adobe Creative Cloud subscribers, from $12.99/month

Adobe Acrobat is the industry standard for PDF management. Beyond its core PDF viewing and editing features, it offers a robust conversion toolkit.

The program allows you to export to a wide range of formats, including CSV. Thus, you can tailor your data for any purpose. Plus, before you convert, you can fine-tune your PDF by removing unnecessary content or restructuring it for further use.

I was amazed at how accurately the converter handled complex PDF structures, like intricate tables and hierarchical data. The resulting CSV files perfectly preserved the original layout, so no wonder many users name Adobe Acrobat the best PDF to CSV converter.

How to convert a PDF file to CSV with Adobe Acrobat:

  1. Open the PDF in Acrobat and select Convert from the top tools bar;
  2. Choose a CSV file format and then select Convert to;
  3. In the Save as dialog that appears, select a desired location;
  4. Click “Save”.

2. FoxitPDFEditor – Best Price Plan

foxit pdf to csv converter
Pros
  • Amazing accuracy
  • Batch mode
  • Conversion settings
  • High-quality conversion
Cons
  • Advanced functions are paid
  • Manual correction may be required

OS: Windows and Mac, Android and iOS, online

Pricing: Free trial, from $10.99/month

If you're looking for a reliable PDF to CSV converter, Foxit PDF Editor is an excellent choice. It's designed to preserve the original format of your data, ensuring accurate and efficient conversions. Plus, it has an intuitive interface, so users of all skill levels can quickly master it.

Foxit PDF Editor offers extensive customization options. I was able to select specific pages or regions of a PDF for conversion. Thanks to its robust security features, including password protection and encryption, you may not worry about the privacy of your sensitive data. With its accuracy, speed, and reliability, Foxit is one of the best file converter software that can be recommended for businesses handling large volumes of PDF data.

How to convert a PDF file to CSV with FoxitPDFEditor:

  1. Open the Convert tab and choose "to Other";
  2. Select the Plain text and save the converted file.

3. ProperConvert – Best for Banking Transactions

properconvert pdf to csv converter
Pros
  • Precise data analysis
  • Intuitive process
  • Data protection
  • “Understands” many layouts
Cons
  • Limited format support
  • Converts one file at a time

OS: Windows and Mac

Pricing: Free trial, from $19.99/month

I highly recommend ProperConvert for converting PDF files, especially financial documents like bank statements. This software accurately identifies financial data within PDFs and effortlessly extracts transaction details. The resulting CSV files can be seamlessly integrated into spreadsheet and accounting software.

ProperConvert offers the best way to convert PDF to CSV with a high degree of customization. Users can tailor column structures, add transactions, and modify values before exporting. I like this flexibility because I can be sure my data is formatted exactly as I need it. In addition, it is possible to make post-conversion edits in the CSV file and start working with the data immediately.

How to convert a PDF file to CSV with ProperConvert:

  1. Select a PDF document with transactions and click Open;
  2. Review transactions;
  3. Backup your accounting software data before importing any file;
  4. Click the Convert button to make a conversion from PDF to a new CSV file.

4. EaseUs – Strong Multilanguage OCR

easeus pdf to csv converter
Pros
  • Full-fledged editor
  • Top-tier OCR technology
  • Batch processing
  • Annotation and editing tools
Cons
  • Not really affordable
  • Free version is limited

OS: Windows and Mac

Pricing: Free limited version, from $29.95/month

EaseUS Editor has much to offer when it comes to converting scanned documents into editable CSV files. Its built-in OCR technology accurately extracts data from even the most complex PDFs, making it easy to transform your static PDFs into dynamic, customizable spreadsheets. I appreciate that users can choose specific pages or sections for conversion. Besides, the program provides clear guidance throughout the process.

EaseUS offers a complete solution for editing and annotating PDFs. I was able to prepare my documents for conversion by editing, annotating, and highlighting key information. Moreover, users can take advantage of advanced OCR technology, a batch processing feature, and impeccable accuracy. That’s why, this is my top choice for converting PDFs to CSV format.

How to convert a PDF file to CSV with EaseUs Editor:

  1. Click "Convert from PDF" and upload the needed PDF file;
  2. Choose CSV as an "Output format" and pick "Output folder". Click "Convert";
  3. Once the process is over, you will see the exported file in the next window;
  4. Open your converted file with Excel, then click "File" > "Save As" > "Browse". After that, select "CSV" from the "Save as type" drop-down menu and hit "Save".

5. PDF2XL – High Conversion Speed

pdf2xl pdf to csv converter
Pros
  • Comprehends atypical elements
  • Multilanguage
  • Flexible output options
  • Top-tier OCR
Cons
  • High-priced premium plan
  • Compatibility issues

OS: Windows

Pricing: Free trial, from $25/month

Using PDF2XL, it is very easy to customize the conversion process to my exact needs. I could select specific areas of the PDF to extract, adjust the layout, and choose the desired output format, including CSV. Even at the first launch, I quickly understood how to filter, sort, and organize the data during conversions. My final CSV file was clean and well-structured.

With built-in OCR, PDF2XL ensures that text from scanned PDFs can be accurately converted into editable CSV files. The real-time preview feature is a huge advantage. It gives you a clear visual representation of the conversion process, so you can see exactly how your data will be transformed.

How to convert PDF file to CSV with PDF2XL:

  1. Head to the "Convert" menu and click "Convert Document";
  2. Choose the CSV at the Conversion Options menu;
  3. Finish the conversion.

6. Zamzar - Comes with Desktop App

zamzar pdf to csv converter
Pros
  • Supports more than 1100 formats
  • Security and confidentiality
  • Fast conversion
  • Installation- and ad-free
Cons
  • Limits on file size and conversions
  • Requires access to the cloud

OS: Online

Pricing: Free limited version, from $18/month

A simple interface and a wide range of supported formats make Zamzar a great choice for both individuals and businesses seeking quick and reliable conversions. Even for users with limited technical knowledge, this web platform is rather intuitive and easy to navigate.

I appreciate that Zamzar offers a 24-hour file deletion policy. Thanks to rich format support, intuitive UI, and fast conversion, this tool is suitable for various conversion tasks. However, it may not be the best PDF to CSV converter for those working with large files on a regular basis. To my mind, Zamzar is a great tool for beginners or those who need to convert documents from PDF to CSV occasionally.

How to convert PDF file to CSV with Zamzar:

  1. Choose the PDF file for conversion;
  2. Select CSV as the output format;
  3. Click "Convert" to start the process.

7. Convertio – Largest Range of Formats

convertio pdf to csv converter
Pros
  • Several output options
  • 25600+ conversion types
  • Extensive customization
  • Speed and security
Cons
  • Limited free version
  • Inaccuracies in complex formatting

OS: Online

Pricing: Free limited version, from $18/month

Convertio is simple and versatile. It has become a popular choice for online file conversion for many users. The minimalist drag-and-drop interface is incredibly intuitive. I instantly figured out how to convert my file. It is possible to upload files from local storage, various cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox, or directly from a URL. This is very helpful. Even during peak usage times when I run several programs, my files were converted in just a few minutes.

If you're a casual user looking for a simple and effective tool for occasional file conversions, Convertio is a great option. However, if you need to convert files frequently or in large quantities, you may be disappointed with the restrictions of a free version.

How to convert a PDF file to CSV with Convertio:

  1. Upload PDF file(s) from computer, Google Drive, Dropbox, URL or by dragging it on the page;
  2. Choose "to CSV";
  3. Download your CSV.

8. Nanonets – AI-powered Enterprise Solution

nanonets pdf to csv converter
Pros
  • Remarkable AI accuracy
  • Adjustable custom models
  • Scalability and integration
  • Batch processing
Cons
  • Registration for data extraction
  • Dependence on the quality of inputs

OS: Online

Pricing: Free limited version, first 500 pages free, then $0.3/page

Nanonets is an AI-powered data extraction platform that excels at converting PDFs to CSV. It harnesses advanced machine learning algorithms and top-tier OCR software to accurately extract data from even the most complex or irregularly formatted documents. Thanks to its seamless integration options with different platforms and APIs, Nanonets can streamline your workflow and connect directly to your existing business tools or databases.

While the interface is user-friendly, I had to spend some time and effort to set up and train custom models. The AI approach is still good for handling complex documents and it improves over time. If you are interested in frequent conversions, you have to put up with the cost and learning of AI tools. Nevertheless, Nanonets is a high-level solution for those seeking a reliable, scalable, and customizable conversion tool.

How to convert PDF file to CSV with Nanonets:

  1. Upload a PDF file from your computer or drag and drop it.
  2. Click ‘Convert to CSV’;
  3. The processed CSV file is auto-downloaded in a few seconds.

9. CDKM – Completely Free Converter

cdkm pdf to csv converter
Pros
  • Open source
  • Free and without registration
  • Top-tier security
  • Mobile-friendly design
Cons
  • Size limitations
  • No integration with the cloud

OS: Online

Pricing: Free

CDKM stands out as an online converter that utilizes several open-source projects to streamline data extraction and analysis from PDFs. Users can customize the output CSV, choosing from various delimiters and encoding options. I'm particularly impressed by how well it handles tabular data, ensuring accurate and consistent results. The best part is that an offline version is on the horizon.

I appreciated how easy it was to upload, convert, and download my files. All operations are performed on the same page. CDKM takes data security seriously, deleting files after conversion. The batch processing and customization features were a real plus, making CDKM the best PDF to CSV converter free. However, there are some limitations, especially when working with more complicated PDFs.

How to convert PDF file to CSV with CDKM:

  1. Choose local PDF files on your device or enter the URL of an online file;
  2. Choose a CSV format and set conversion options;
  3. Click the "START CONVERSION" button. You will see the output files on the same webpage.

FAQ

  • • What is a CSV file?

A CSV (Comma-Separated Values) file is a simple text format used to store data in a table-like structure. It's like a spreadsheet where each row is a line, and each column is separated by a comma. This makes it easy for computers to read and understand the data.

  • • How can I extract data from unique or custom-formatted documents?

If your PDFs have a non-standard format, you can train a custom OCR model. Such platforms as Rossum and Veryfi offer pre-trained models for specific document types (like invoices or bank statements). For a more DIY approach, consider open-source tools like Tabula.

  • • How can I also use CSV files?

CSV files are a popular choice for exchanging data between software programs, such as importing data from a database into a spreadsheet or exporting data from one database to another.

CSV files can also be used for data analysis due to their compatibility with Python and other programming languages. Besides, people frequently choose them for sharing structured data with others because they are supported by many programs.

  • • Why do people convert PDF files to CSV?

Converting PDF files to CSV format is beneficial in several situations. CSV files are a widely used format that is easy to read, edit, and import into various applications. Thus, they are ideal for data analysis, data entry, and information sharing. Besides, by converting PDFs to CSV, you can unlock the data within them and make it more accessible.

  • • When is it advisable to use CSV instead of Excel?

Make such a conversion, when you need to transfer data between different systems, if fast loading and data processing speed are important, and when you need to integrate data into programs that work with text files (e.g., databases or web applications).

If you're looking to create detailed charts or perform intricate calculations, Excel is your best bet. It has powerful features, which are perfect for data analysis and reporting.

However, for basic data transfer and compatibility with a wide range of applications, CSV is the clear winner. CSV files are plain text, making them easy to read and share, while Excel files can be more complex and harder to work with in certain situations.

Eva Williams

Writer & Gear Reviewer

Eva Williams is a talented family photographer and software expert who is in charge of mobile software and apps testing and overviewing in the FixThePhoto team. Eva earned her Bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts from NYU and work 5+ years assisting some of the city’s popular wedding photographers. She doesn't trust Google search results and always tests everything herself, especially, much-hyped programs and apps.

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Tetiana Kostylieva

Photo & Video Insights Blogger

Tetiana Kostylieva is the content creator, who takes photos and videos for almost all FixThePhoto blog articles. Her career started in 2013 as a caricature artist at events. Now, she leads our editorial team, testing new ideas and ensuring the content is helpful and engaging. She likes vintage cameras and, in all articles, she always compares them with modern ones showing that it isn’t obligatory to invest in brand-new equipment to produce amazing results.

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