Extract PDF Data Using AI – Free Template

How to use PDFs with Parabola

Parabola's PDF handling capabilities enable you to extract and transform data from PDF documents efficiently.

• Automatic text extraction from both searchable and scanned PDFs
• Flexible parsing options for structured and unstructured PDF content
• Batch processing capabilities for multiple PDF files

Retrieving data from PDFs

Parabola's PDF data extraction functionality enables you to convert PDF documents into structured, analyzable data. The platform can handle various PDF formats and layouts, making it versatile for different business needs.

Key features

• Text and table extraction
• Multi-page document support
• Pattern recognition
• Structured data output
• Batch processing capability

How to use

1. Add the Pull from PDF file step to your Flow
2. Upload your PDF file
3. Configure extraction settings, including column names and keys
4. Run the step to extract the data
5. Add examples and fine tune your extraction settings for more accurate parsing

Using AI to extract data from PDFs

The Extract with AI step in Parabola leverages large language models to intelligently parse and extract specific values from your API data. This powerful feature can understand context and identify patterns in your data, making it ideal to extract data from any PDF.

Key features

• Natural language processing capabilities
• Custom extraction rules
• Multi-format support
• Batch processing

How to use

1. Add the Extract with AI step after your pull step
2. Define the columns you want to extract data from
3. Create new columns specifying the data you want to extract
4. Add additional fine-tuning to further tailor the extraction
5. Run a test extraction to verify results
6. Adjust settings as needed for optimal results

Practical use cases and examples of automated PDF data extraction

Here are a few examples of how you can use Parabola to automatically extract data from PDFs:

Extracting data from invoices

Many businesses receive invoices in PDF format from their vendors or customers. By using Parabola's Pull from PDF fi anExtract with AI steps, you can automatically extract key data from these invoices, such as the total amount, due date, and line item details. This can help you streamline your accounts payable and receivable processes.

Analyzing financial reports

Organizations often receive financial reports in PDF format, such as quarterly earnings reports or annual reports. Using Parabola, you can extract the key financial metrics from these reports, apply custom calculations, and visualize the data to gain deeper insights into the organization's performance.

Automating data entry from forms

Many organizations use PDF forms to collect data from customers, employees, or other stakeholders. By using Parabola's Pull from PDF fi anExtract with AI steps, you can automatically extract the data from these forms and integrate it into your existing systems, reducing the need for manual data entry.

In conclusion, using Parabola to automatically extract data from PDF files can save you time, reduce errors, and improve the accuracy of your data-driven processes. By leveraging the power of AI-powered data extraction, you can unlock valuable insights and streamline your workflows.

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PDF data extraction FAQs

What types of PDF files can this tool extract data from?

It works with both searchable and scanned PDFs, including invoices, packing lists, reports, forms, receipts or any document that contains data you want to convert into structured output.

Do I need to define rules or templates for each PDF layout?

Not necessarily. You upload your PDF, then configure the “Extract with AI” step to identify the fields you want. The AI handles much of the layout variation, and you only refine when formats change or are highly irregular.

Can this process be automated for new PDFs as they arrive?

Yes. Once your workflow is set up, you can schedule or trigger it so new PDFs (e.g., in a folder or inbox) are processed automatically, and data flows out without manual intervention.

What output formats can I get after extraction?

After extraction you can export your data into XLSX, CSV, or feed it into downstream systems, BI dashboards, or databases—whatever format your workflow requires.

How accurate is the AI extraction of data from complex PDFs?

Accuracy depends on the quality and consistency of the PDF content. The AI is designed to handle tables, multi-page documents, and varied layouts, giving you a preview to adjust before final export.

What happens if the layout or supplier format changes suddenly?

If layouts change, you may need to update mappings or refine extraction rules. However the AI is resilient to variation, so many changes will be handled automatically without full rebuilds.

Do I need any coding or developer resources to use this?

No. The tool is designed for no-code use: drag-and-drop steps in the workflow, upload your PDFs, define your output fields, and you’re running. Tech or data-engineering resources not required.

Can I extract data from multiple PDFs in bulk?

Yes. You can batch-upload many files or monitor a folder/ingestion source, apply the extraction workflow, and process hundreds or thousands of pages in one run.

Is this tool suitable for operations, logistics, or supply chain documents?

Absolutely. Documents like freight invoices, bills of lading, packing lists, POs and audit forms are typical use cases — the tool turns them into structured, actionable data for reporting and automation.

What are the key benefits of using AI for PDF data extraction?

It saves manual copy-pasting, reduces errors, handles varied formats without brittle templates, accelerates processing time, and frees your team to focus on insights rather than data collection.