Conversion of PDF Files to Excel and Word: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
In this digital era, documents are essential for paperwork, research, and report writing. Office applications have made document processing easy, and Microsoft Office applications are an outstanding suite for creating, processing, and archiving documents. Microsoft Excel and Word are the two most used desktop applications that offer users a platform to create and manipulate data effectively. However, there are instances where you may need to convert a PDF document to an Excel or Word document. Perhaps you need to extract some data from a PDF and process it on Excel, or maybe you need to edit a PDF file on Word.
Although these two formats serve different purposes, sometimes it is necessary to convert files from one format to the other. Conversion from PDF to Excel or Word may seem troublesome, but with the right tools and guidance, it is simple. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to convert a PDF file to an Excel or Word document. Additionally, it explores the benefits of converting PDF files and converting files vice versa.
Why Convert PDF Files to Excel or Word?
1. PDF May Not be Editable
PDF files can be challenging to manipulate or edit. The document format is designed to prevent unauthorized editing, which is ideal for record-keeping and archival purposes. However, this security feature makes it almost impossible to edit PDF files without using specialized tools. Fonts, tables, and images may need to be extracted, which brings about the need to convert the PDF file to Excel or Word.
2. Access to More Functions and Tools
Excel and Word applications offer a more comprehensive range of functions and tools than PDF. Whether it’s text alignment, manipulation of images, or usage of custom fonts, Excel and Word are superior. Excel is an excellent platform for data analysis, while Word offers a range of robust features for writing and formatting documents. This means that converting PDF files to these formats provides access to more functions and tools for better document manipulation.
3. Extraction of Relevant Data for Analysis
Converting a PDF document to Excel enables the extraction of relevant data to process in Excel. This is essential for data analysis, creating graphs, and making charts. The PDF may contain data tables, and the conversion process can recognize tables as tabular data that can be easily manipulated on Excel. This makes it easier to analyze and present data in a more organized and structured manner.
How to Convert PDF Files to Excel
There are many online tools that you can use to convert PDF files to Excel. However, most of these tools may not give you the best results. The best method of converting PDF to Excel is by using Adobe Acrobat, which is a comprehensive PDF reader and editor tool. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Open Adobe Acrobat and select File
Step 2: Choose Export PDF
Step 3: Select Spreadsheet, then Microsoft Excel Workbook, and click Export
Step 4: Choose a Storage Location and Save the File
This process is simple, and the conversion is relatively fast. It is essential to note that Adobe Acrobat has a premium version that offers additional features. However, the free version should suffice for basic PDF to Excel conversions.
How to Convert PDF Files to Word
There are different methods of converting a PDF file to Word. The easiest method of conversion is by using the Microsoft Word application. Here’s how you can convert a PDF file to a Word document using Microsoft Word 2019:
Step 1: Open Word and select File
Step 2: Choose Open and browse to the PDF file location
Step 3: Open and Edit the PDF file
Once you open the PDF file on Word, you can edit the document as you wish. You can add images, delete text, or format the document without having to leave the Word Application. However, it is essential to note that not all PDF files will be editable. Some PDF file formats may be restricted, which means that you cannot edit them on Word.
Step 4: Save the edited file
You can then save the document on your local storage device. To save the file, go to File, then choose Save As. Choose the desired location, then input a filename for the Word document.
How to Convert Excel Files to Word
Conversely, you can convert Excel files to Word files effortlessly. This is a beneficial option, especially when you want to create a report or presentation based on Excel data. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Open Microsoft Word and Insert Table
Step 2: Import Excel Data
Once you have inserted the table, go to Layout and click on the Insert Table button. Choose the Excel table file, then click on OK.
Step 3: Customize Table
You can customize the table to suite your preference. You can add column headers, change the color scheme, and even change the font size and typeface.
Step 4: Save the Edited File
Once you are done with customization, you can then save the Word file on your storage location. To save the file, go to File, then choose Save As. Choose the desired location, then input a filename for the Word document.
FAQ
1. Can I convert my PDF file to Excel using online tools?
Yes, there are many online tools that you can use to convert PDF files to Excel. However, most of these tools may not give you the best results. The best method of converting PDF to Excel is by using Adobe Acrobat, which is a comprehensive PDF reader and editor tool.
2. Why do I need to convert a PDF file to Excel?
Converting a PDF document to Excel enables the extraction of relevant data to process in Excel. This is essential for data analysis, creating graphs, and making charts. The PDF may contain data tables, and the conversion process can recognize tables as tabular data that can be easily manipulated on Excel. This makes it easier to analyze and present data in a more organized and structured manner.
Conclusion
Conversion of PDF files to Excel or Word has become more accessible with the advancement in technology and software applications. While PDF files offer excellent record-keeping capabilities, they may be challenging to edit. Excel and Word applications offer users a comprehensive range of functions and tools for effective document manipulation. Converting PDF files to these applications provides access to more options for data analysis, creating graphs, and making charts.
Finally, while there are different methods of converting PDF files, the best possible method is by using Adobe Acrobat or Microsoft Word. These tools offer the most comprehensive features for converting files effectively.
Video Tutorial – How to Convert PDF to Excel and Word
Check out this video tutorial on how to convert PDF files to Excel and Word:
