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Automate PDF Data Extraction: Save Time on Tables and Forms

Blog Header - Table & Form Data Extraction

PDFs often contain critical business data, but extracting that information from tables and forms can be slow and error-prone. Manually copying rows, cells, or form fields creates bottlenecks, increases mistakes, and wastes valuable time. 

Nitro’s Table Extract and Form Extract tools use AI-powered automation and machine learning to quickly extract structured data from PDFs, eliminating repetitive work and unlocking document data in seconds. 

How to extract table data from PDFs automatically 

Nitro Table Extract automatically identifies and extracts structured data from PDF tables, even those with complex formats like merged cells or invisible borders. 

Key benefits of Table Extract 

  • Reclaim hours of manual work: Automatically extract table data into structured Excel spreadsheets, no copying required 
  • Get clean, organized data instantly: Nitro converts table layouts into neatly formatted rows and columns within seconds 
  • Accelerate analysis and decision-making: With structured data at your fingertips, you can jump straight into reporting, forecasting, and insights 

How to automate form data extraction from PDFs 

With Nitro Form Extract, you can automatically capture data from PDF forms, from surveys and applications to registration forms, saving hours of manual entry.  

Because Nitro Form Extract automates form data capture by extracting both text and form labels, you have complete context and high accuracy. 

3 ways Form Extract simplifies workflows 

  • Precision data capture: Extracts form fields and their corresponding labels for more accurate outputs. 
  • Seamless integration: Works directly in Nitro PDF Pro and Nitro Workspace, so extraction fits naturally within your existing processes. 
  • Eliminate repetitive tasks: Free your team from manual inputs and focus on work that actually moves the business forward. 

How industries are using table and form extract 

Businesses with high-volume PDF usage and structured data needs, like finance, healthcare, education, and government, use Nitro’s intelligent extraction tools to speed up reporting, improve accuracy, automate repetitive document tasks, and streamline data-heavy workflows, including: 

  • Automated data entry: Export structured table and form data directly into Excel or downstream systems 
  • Compliance and auditing: Quickly extract financial or regulatory information for easier audits, reviews, and reporting 
  • Loan and application processing: Consolidate key information from application forms into a single, review-ready dataset 

Best practices for accurate PDF data extraction 

Following these best practices will help Nitro’s Table Extract and Form Extract tools capture data accurately, saving time and reducing manual corrections. 

Guidelines for high-quality extraction: 

  • Use supported languages: Create PDFs in English, Spanish, German, Italian, French, or Portuguese for optimal recognition 
  • Use high-quality PDFs: PDFs with a resolution of 150 DPI or higher improve extraction accuracy and reduce errors 
  • Separate tables from nearby elements: Keep tables distinct from images, headers, or other text blocks to prevent misaligned or merged data 
  • Keep text upright: Avoid rotated or angled text, as rotated content may lower extraction accuracy and require manual adjustments 

How to access and use Nitro Table and Form Extract tools 

The following steps explain how to access Table Extract and Form Extract, select your PDF files, and extract ready-to-use data. 

From Nitro Workspace: 

  1. Open Nitro Workspace and go to the Tools menu. 
  1. Select Extract Table Data or Extract Form Data
  1. Upload your PDF (supports up to 25MB and 100 pages). 
  1. Once processed, the extracted data is presented in an organized format for easy review. 

From Nitro PDF Pro for Windows: 

  1. Open your PDF in Nitro PDF Pro. 
  1. Navigate to the Convert tab and select Extract Table Data or Extract Form Data
  2. Once extracted, the data is saved as an .xlsx file, ready to be opened in Excel. 

Unlock the power of AI-driven document processing 

AI-powered table and form extract tools make it easier than ever to work with data trapped inside PDFs. By removing tedious manual entry, you gain more time for analysis, decision-making, and high-impact tasks.  

Whether you're managing financial documents, compliance reports, customer applications, or operational forms, Nitro’s intelligent extraction helps you work faster and smarter.  

Ready to see Nitro in action? Start your free 14-day trial today. No credit card required.