Have you ever received a PDF file from a coworker when you desperately needed an Excel spreadsheet? Don’t fret! Converting a PDF to an XLSX document is easier than you think. This guide will walk you through simple methods using both free online and desktop applications, ensuring you can finally edit that spreadsheet like you intended.
Using PDFgear to Convert PDFs to Excel Documents
PDFgear is a user-friendly, free PDF reader and editor that makes converting PDFs to Excel documents a breeze. It’s available for Windows, macOS, and iOS, and we’ll focus on the desktop app version here.
1.
Download and Install:
Head over to the PDFgear website and download the desktop app compatible with your device.2.
Select Conversion:
Open the PDFgear app on your computer and navigate to the ‘Convert from PDF’ tab.3.
Choose Your File:
Click on the ‘PDF to Excel’ button, then select ‘Add File’ and choose the PDF you want to convert.4.
Initiate Conversion:
Click the big red ‘Convert’ button.5.
Access Your Excel File:
Once the conversion is complete, the location of your new Excel file will be displayed. You can now open and edit your spreadsheet.Note:
While PDFgear does a great job, you might need to adjust some formatting in your new Excel file. Be on the lookout for things like offset columns or other formatting changes. You may need to merge or unmerge cells to achieve the desired look.Utilizing a Free Web Application
If installing a desktop app isn’t your preferred approach, don’t worry! There are excellent online conversion tools available. We highly recommend PDFtoExcel.com as it’s free, user-friendly, and remarkably fast.
A word of caution:
While PDFtoExcel.com claims to promptly delete uploaded data within six hours, it’s always wise to be cautious with online tools regarding privacy. If you’re converting sensitive information, consider local conversion methods for added security.The PDFtoExcel.com Conversion Process:
1.
Visit the Website:
Open a browser and navigate to PDFtoExcel.com.2.
Upload Your File:
Click the ‘Upload’ button and select the PDF you want to convert. You can also drag and drop the file directly onto the designated area.3.
Download Your Excel File:
After uploading and converting your PDF, which may take some time for larger files, click the ‘Free download’ button.Like PDFgear, you may need to tweak the formatting of the converted file for optimal presentation.
Tips for Excel Efficiency
To save time and effort when formatting your converted Excel file, brush up on your Microsoft Excel keyboard shortcuts. These shortcuts can significantly speed up your spreadsheet editing process.
Collaborating on Spreadsheets with Google Sheets
If you frequently collaborate on documents with colleagues, PDF isn’t always the ideal format. Consider converting your Excel file to Google Sheets, allowing for real-time collaboration through your web browser. You can easily switch it back to Excel format when needed.
