Extracting Data From PDF Form

[moscgama]

Hi,

I am trying to extract information from a fillable PDF form that my company has created. Rightfully so, they have completely locked down all options, so I am not able to convert the file in Adobe Reader to a text file. I've seen options to extract information using VBA code with Adobe Acrobat; however, I do not have a license for the program. Is there any VBA code that uses Adobe Reader to extract information and put it in an Access database? If not, does anyone know of a safe (aka virus free) free download to extract the information? I am very open to doing the opposite as well: using the database to populate the PDF form, if anyone knows of a good option.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[pr2-eugin]

You will need the full blown Adobe Profession suite to get this sorted. Mind the license is not cheap.

 

[vbaInet]

Yes the Adobe suite is pretty expensive.

There should be command line utilities that you can use to convert a pdf to a Word doc, then from there you get the text you desire. Scour the net.

Command line code can be run from VBA using Shell()

 

[pr2-eugin]

There should be command line utilities that you can use to convert a pdf to a Word doc, then from there you get the text you desire. Scour the net.

I tried this, if the PDF had images then the Word doc looks so mucky, so my manager went ahead and got the Adobe suite for me. Lol. So I am one happy bunny.

 

[vbaInet]

It would depend on the utility you use. I'm sure there are some pretty good ones out there that would preserve the detail.

 

[vbaInet]

Perhaps even screen scraping the pdf might be an option since all the OP wants is the text.

 

[moscgama]

Hi!

Thanks for the replies. I don't think they'll get me the professional addition, as I only need it for extracting a few files (I was hoping to make the process a little quicker). I will ask, though! I wish it wasn't sooo expensive.

Best,

Moscgama

 

[vbaInet]

I tried this, if the PDF had images then the Word doc looks so mucky, so my manager went ahead and got the Adobe suite for me. Lol. So I am one happy bunny.

Just wondering aren't there licensing implications with this? I.e. a per PC license?

 

[pr2-eugin]

Just wondering aren't there licensing implications with this? I.e. a per PC license?

Yes, I think that is correct. If you wish to use in more than one PC, you have to purchase a new license.

 

[vbaInet]

Could run into thousands!