Converting PDFs to Excel often breaks tables or fonts—unless you use the right tools. Here are 5 free solutions that maintain your document's structure:
1. Adobe Acrobat Online (Free Tier)
Best for: Simple conversions with basic formatting retention
Steps:
- Go to Adobe's PDF to Excel Converter
- Upload your PDF (max 200 pages/month free)
- Download the Excel file with preserved tables
Limitation: Watermark on free conversions
2. Smallpdf
Best for: Batch processing and cross-platform use
Steps:
- Visit Smallpdf PDF to Excel
- Drag-and-drop your PDF (max 50 MB/file)
- Use the "Repair Formatting" option before converting
Tip: Create a free account for unlimited conversions
3. ILovePDF
Best for: Complex tables and merged cells
Steps:
- Navigate to ILovePDF PDF to Excel
- Upload your PDF (supports 20+ languages)
- Select "Keep Original Formatting" during conversion
4. PDFelement (Free Version)
Best for: Desktop users needing advanced features
Steps:
- Download PDFelement Free
- Open your PDF and click Convert > Excel
- Use the "Format Retention" toggle before saving
5. Able2Extract (Free Trial)
Best for: Financial/technical documents
Steps:
- Get the free trial from Able2Extract
- Use the "PDF to Excel AI" feature for complex layouts
- Adjust table boundaries manually if needed
Comparison Table
| Tool | Free Limit | Formatting Accuracy | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Acrobat Online | 200 pages/month | ★★★☆☆ | Web |
| Smallpdf | 50 MB/file | ★★★★☆ | Web/Mobile |
| ILovePDF | Unlimited | ★★★★★ | Web |
Final Tip:
For password-protected PDFs, use PDF Password Remover Tools first (if applicable).
Need help choosing the right tool for your specific file? Ask in the comments below!
