PDF to Excel using OCR

[Dhananjay_Galphat1]

Hi,

I am trying to convert PDF to excel using PDF input tool but I am getting the data somewhat here and there. Is there any option to convert PDF to Excel or Text using OCR in Alteryx.

[CharlieS]

Hi @Dhananjay_Galphat1 

Edit: Exactly what issues are you having? is the tool or the data misbehaving? 

[Dhananjay_Galphat1]

Data is misbehaving. I want to keep my input as dynamic. and I want to create separate excel for each pdf. In output excel some of the data is used in header part of output excel e.g. Date of generation of pdf.

so  I thought OCR will be a better option.

[CharlieS · Accepted solution]

I would suggest inputting everything from the PDF then using other Alteryx tools to parse and arrange the data as you desire. You could set a single field of the entire page, or use one of the pdf tools from the public Gallery to read the characters and input them to work with. 

https://gallery.alteryx.com/#!search/undefined/pdf 

So the first step is getting the entire pdf document input into Alteryx. After that, let us know if you need help with the parsing and formatting. Posting a sample workflow with a Text Input from your pdf is usually best to share. 

[AlteryxTrev]

Hi @CharlieS ,

It looks like the above link no longer takes you anywhere. Is this what you were referring to?

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Public-Community-Gallery/PDF-Input/ta-p/887038

Additionally, are there any other OCR techniques in Alteryx? I am looking to scan a postcard and read the pdf/image into Alteryx to pull off a tracking code that was on the postcard.

Thank you!

Trevor