How to Merge Data from Multiple PDF Forms into a Spreadsheet
Question details
The user needs to extract and combine filled-out data from multiple PDF forms into a single spreadsheet or CSV file.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Collecting and organizing responses from multiple users who have filled out standardized PDF forms.
- Observed behavior
- The user is looking for a way to export form data into a consolidated spreadsheet format where each row represents one completed form, but is struggling to find the appropriate feature in newer software versions.
Ensure all your completed PDF forms share the exact same fields and are saved together in a single folder to make the data merging process seamless.
Use the Merge Data Files Feature in Adobe Acrobat Pro
Use Adobe Acrobat's built-in form data extraction tools to combine multiple form responses into a CSV file.
In newer versions of Acrobat DC and later, many traditional menu options have been relocated to specific toolbars. Bypassing the initial form creation prompt is often necessary to access the data export settings.
Open Adobe Acrobat Pro, click on the 'Tools' tab, and select the 'Prepare Form' tool. If prompted to create a new form, ignore or bypass this prompt.
Look at the right-hand pane for the 'More' menu. Click it and select 'Merge Data Files into Spreadsheet' from the dropdown list.
In the dialog box that appears, click 'Add Files' or 'Add Folder' to select all the completed PDF forms you wish to extract data from.
Click the 'Export' button, choose a destination folder on your computer, and save your consolidated data as a CSV or spreadsheet file.
Extract PDF Data to Spreadsheets with WPS Office
WPS Office provides a powerful PDF to Excel conversion tool, allowing you to quickly extract tabular data and text from PDF documents into editable spreadsheets for easy data management and analysis.
- 1. Open WPS Office: Launch WPS Office on your computer and navigate to the 'PDF' tab on the main interface.
- 2. Select PDF to Excel: Click on the 'PDF to Excel' tool located in the upper conversion toolbar.
- 3. Add your files: Drag and drop your completed PDF forms into the conversion window, or click 'Add Files' to select them from your folder.
- 4. Convert to Spreadsheet: Click the 'Convert' button to extract the PDF data into a formatted spreadsheet, which you can immediately open and edit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I find the Merge Data feature in Acrobat DC?
In recent Acrobat interface redesigns, traditional menu options were consolidated. You can typically find it by opening the 'Prepare Form' tool, bypassing any prompts to create a new form, and checking under the 'More' menu in the right-hand panel.
What file format is the merged PDF form data saved as?
By default, form extraction tools export merged form data as a Comma Separated Values (.csv) file. This format organizes the data with field names as column headers and can be easily opened in Excel or any standard spreadsheet application.
Can I merge data from PDFs that do not have interactive form fields?
The specific 'Merge Data Files' feature requires interactive PDF forms with fillable fields. If you are working with standard, flat PDFs, you will need to use a dedicated PDF to Excel conversion tool or OCR software to extract the visible text into a spreadsheet format.
