How to Convert PDF Tables to Excel

Why checking the cells matters

A table that comes out of a PDF slightly wrong is worse than no table: one shifted column and every total is off. So Monstera shows you the tables it found before it writes anything, and lets you click any cell and correct it. What you see in the window is what goes into Excel.

How to export PDF tables to Excel in Monstera

1. Open the PDF

   Install Monstera free from the Microsoft Store and open the document with the tables.

2. Open Export tables to Excel

   In the rail, choose Home, then Export in the Export group, and Export tables to Excel.

3. Say what is in the document

   Under What is in this document?, choose Typed text if the words are already in the PDF. For a printed scan, choose Printed scan, read on this computer.

4. Check and correct

   The window shows the tables on the page. Use Previous page and Next page to look through them, and click any cell to correct it.

5. Choose the pages and sheets

   Keep Every page or type the pages you want. In Where the tables go, choose A sheet for each page that has tables or Every table on one sheet.

6. Save the workbook

   Choose Choose where to save and save the .xlsx file.

Good to know

• Ruled tables work best. With typed text, a table with lines between its cells comes out cleanest; a table without lines may be split at its gaps, so check it in the window.
• Scans stay on your PC. Printed scan, read on this computer reads the pages without anything leaving your computer, then finds the tables by their ruled lines.
• Handwritten tables can be read with your own Azure or Claude account. Only the pages you chose are sent, the window says how many first, and the service bills you directly. Cells read this way come without fonts, borders or shading.
• No tables? Monstera says so before asking where to save.

Questions

Can I convert a PDF table to Excel without uploading it?

Yes. With Typed text, or Printed scan, read on this computer, the tables are found and exported on your own PC and nothing is sent anywhere.

Can I fix mistakes before the Excel file is made?

Yes. The export window shows every table it found, and you can click any cell to correct it before saving.

Does the workbook keep the table's formatting?

Tables read from the PDF's own text keep their fonts, borders, shading and number formats. Cells read by Azure or Claude are written without fonts, borders or shading.

Can Monstera read handwritten tables?

Yes, with your own Azure or Claude account. Only the pages you choose are sent, and the window tells you how many before anything is sent.

Full instructions in the Help

• Export tables to Excel
• Get and add keys for AI and online reading services

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