Convert your PDF to CSV in just a few clicks.

PDF spreadsheets can be difficult to edit and upload. Learn how you can quickly convert your spreadsheets from PDF to CSV.

CSV is a popular spreadsheet file format that isn’t dependent on any particular software. The same goes for PDFs, but with one crucial difference — PDF files can be difficult to edit or upload to certain systems. An easy solution is to first convert your PDF to a CSV file.

Discover how to turn files into editable spreadsheets with the Adobe Acrobat PDF to CSV converter.

In this guide:

• When to use PDF vs CSV.
• Converting PDF to CSV on Windows.
• Converting PDF to CSV on Mac.
• Converting PDF to CSV online.
• Transform your PDFs with Acrobat.

When to use PDF vs CSV.

CSV and PDF files share some similarities. Both formats are compatible across different platforms and can be exported from various applications. But the key difference is in their structure.

Let’s take a look at their characteristics and why you might want to convert a PDF to CSV.

PDF files.

A PDF (Portable Document Format) is an electronic document format, designed for sharing files across different systems and software while preserving the formatting and content.

PDFs have evolved to allow editing, e-signatures and other interactive elements, often used for forms, reports, and ensuring a consistent appearance regardless of software. They’ve also become a popular conversion format – whether it’s converting Word to PDF or JPG to PDF.

CSV files.

CSV (Comma-Separated Values) is a format used specifically for saving spreadsheet data. The file contains plain, simple text separated by quotation marks, commas, or semi-colons. This can then be transferred into individual cells when the file is opened in a spreadsheet program.

CSV files are recognised by most spreadsheet programs, often used for transferring or exporting data between Excel, databases and analytics tools. Whether you’re organising or analysing data, converting PDF to CSV can allow for easy formatting and editing.

Converting PDF to CSV on Windows.

Adobe Acrobat Pro lets you easily convert PDF to CSV on Windows in just five simple steps.

1. Launch Acrobat.  You’ll need to log in before opening Adobe Acrobat, then select the PDF file you want to convert.
2. Export your file.  After opening the PDF, go to ‘All Tools’ and select the button to Export a PDF.
3. Select Excel.  Use the drop-down menu to export your PDF into an Excel file format (.xlsx).
4. Save the new Excel file.  Select a location to save your converted file then click ‘Convert to XLSX’.
5. Review your spreadsheet and save in CSV format.  Once you’re happy with the spreadsheet formatting, you can convert it into a CSV file. Go to File > Save As, then select CSV (.csv) from the menu.

Converting PDF to CSV on Mac.

If you’re using a Mac, you will find a free PDF to CSV converter on the Preview app. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open the PDF. Launch the Preview app and access your PDF file.
2. Select the table data. Use your mouse to highlight the table data you want to convert.
3. Copy the data. Right-click or control-click the selected table and select ‘Copy’.
4. Paste the data. Open a new spreadsheet document in your chosen application and paste the copied data.
5. Save as CSV. In the new document, go to ‘File’ > ‘Save As’ and choose CSV (.csv) as the file format.

While the Preview tool can be a useful native option for macOS users, it doesn’t allow batch PDF to CSV conversions or converting scanned PDFs to CSVs. So, you might want to consider a different route for batch converting.

Converting PDF to CSV online.

Alternatively, you can convert PDF to CSV for free using the Acrobat online tool. But you’ll need to convert it to an Excel file first. This slight detour lets you eliminate any possible formatting errors, but the steps are just as simple.

1. Open the PDF converter. Go to Adobe’s PDF to Excel online converter tool.
2. Upload the PDF. Drag and drop your chosen PDF into the drop zone or click ‘Select a file’ then choose the PDF to convert.
3. Convert the PDF. Select ‘Convert to Excel’ (.xlsx) to begin the conversion.
4. Save as an Excel file. Once converted, download the Excel spreadsheet to your computer or sign in to work directly in Excel on your browser.
5. Save in CSV format. Access the new file, then select File > Save As and select CSV (.csv) from the dropdown menu.

Transform your PDFs with Acrobat.

Edit, adjust, convert and store all your documents in one place with Adobe Acrobat. Whether you’re at home, in the office, or on the go, you can increase productivity with our host of tools whenever and however you need.

With Acrobat, you can convert your PDF to CSV, JPG, PPT, Word and other document types. But that’s not all. Our dedicated online software also lets you protect your PDF, organise pages, and compare files. Working on a group project? You can also edit your PDF documents with text, comments, and more.

Unlock on-the-spot PDF power with Adobe Acrobat today.