2 Easy Ways to Convert PDF to Excel on Mac (Free Online & Offline Methods)
Have you ever received a PDF document containing hundreds of rows of financial information, business records, invoices or product details and wished you could edit everything in Microsoft Excel?
If you use a MacBook or iMac, you might already know that working with information stored inside PDF documents is not always straightforward. You can read and print a PDF easily, but editing tables, calculating figures and organising data can become difficult.
The good news is that you do not have to enter everything manually.
There are several ways to convert PDF files into editable Excel spreadsheets on Mac. You can use an online PDF converter through your browser or install dedicated desktop software that offers additional document management features.
In this beginner-friendly guide, we will explore two easy ways to convert PDF to Excel on Mac, using Adobe Acrobat Online and Wondershare PDFelement.
You will also learn how to convert scanned PDFs, organise spreadsheet data, fix common conversion errors and choose the right tool for your requirements.
Whether you are a student, freelancer, accountant, office worker or small business owner, these methods can help you save time and improve your document workflow.
Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains an affiliate link to Wondershare PDFelement. If you purchase through this link, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Our recommendations are based on the product's relevance to the tutorial. Please check the official product website for current features, pricing and subscription conditions.
Quick Overview: Two Ways to Convert PDF to Excel on Mac
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Why Convert PDF to Excel on Mac? |
Before exploring the complete tutorials, here is a quick comparison of the two methods.
| Feature | Method 1: Adobe Online | Method 2: Wondershare PDFelement |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Web browser | Mac desktop software |
| Installation | Not required | Required |
| Internet | Required | Not always required after setup |
| Excel conversion | Yes | Yes |
| PDF editing | Limited online workflow | Additional editing tools |
| OCR | Depends on service and plan | Available in supported versions |
| Best for | Occasional conversion | Regular PDF work |
Which one should you choose?
If you only need to convert a PDF occasionally, Adobe Acrobat Online is a convenient starting point.
If you regularly edit PDFs, convert tables, organise pages or work with scanned documents, Wondershare PDFelement may be worth considering.
What Does Converting PDF to Excel Mean?
PDF stands for Portable Document Format. It is a popular file format used to share documents while preserving their appearance across different computers and operating systems.
However, PDF documents are not designed primarily for spreadsheet calculations.
Microsoft Excel, on the other hand, allows you to organise information into rows and columns, calculate totals, apply formulas, sort data and create charts.
Converting PDF to Excel means extracting information from a PDF document and placing it into an editable spreadsheet.
For example, imagine that you receive a PDF containing the following business information.
| Product | Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Laptop | 2 | £800 |
| Keyboard | 5 | £25 |
| Mouse | 10 | £12 |
After conversion, this information can be organised into Excel cells.
You can then update quantities, change prices, calculate totals and create business reports without entering every value again.
However, conversion accuracy depends on the original PDF. Simple text-based tables usually produce better results than complicated layouts or poor-quality scanned documents.
Why Convert PDF to Excel on Mac?
There are several reasons why people convert PDF documents into Excel spreadsheets.
1. Edit Financial Information
Accountants and business owners often receive financial statements, invoices and expense reports in PDF format.
Converting these documents into Excel makes it easier to review and organise the figures.
2. Save Time on Data Entry
Manually entering information from a large PDF can take considerable time.
A suitable PDF converter can extract much of the information automatically.
3. Create Business Reports
Once information is available in Excel, you can calculate totals, compare figures and prepare reports.
4. Organise Product Information
Online sellers can use converted spreadsheets to organise product names, prices, quantities and stock records.
5. Analyse Research Data
Students and researchers may need to extract tables from reports and academic documents for further analysis, subject to applicable copyright and usage permissions.
Method 1: Convert PDF to Excel Online Using Adobe Acrobat
Best for: Beginners who want to convert PDF files without installing desktop software.
Adobe Acrobat offers an online PDF-to-Excel conversion service that works through a web browser.
You can use it with Safari, Google Chrome or another compatible browser on your Mac.
This is a convenient option if you only need to convert documents occasionally.
Step 1: Open the Adobe Online PDF Converter
Open your preferred browser on your Mac.
Visit the official Adobe PDF-to-Excel page:
https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/online/pdf-to-excel.html
You should find an option to select or upload your PDF document.
Always check that you are visiting the official Adobe website before uploading a file.
Step 2: Select Your PDF File
Click the Select a File option.
A file selection window will appear.
Now follow these steps:
Open the folder where your PDF is saved.
Find the document you want to convert.
Select the PDF.
Click Open.
Wait for the upload to finish.
You can also drag and drop the file into the upload area if supported by your browser.
Step 3: Allow Adobe to Process the Document
After uploading the PDF, Adobe Acrobat will process the document and attempt to extract its information.
The processing time depends on the document size and complexity.
If your PDF contains selectable text, the converter can extract that information into a spreadsheet structure.
If your document is scanned, OCR may be required to recognise the text.
Step 4: Download Your Excel File
After processing, follow the download instructions displayed by Adobe.
Some features or download options may require you to sign in or use an eligible account.
Save the resulting spreadsheet to your Mac.
The converted file should normally use the XLSX format.
Step 5: Open the Spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel
Now open Microsoft Excel.
Follow these steps:
Launch Microsoft Excel.
Select File.
Choose Open.
Find your downloaded XLSX document.
Click Open.
Your PDF information should now be available in spreadsheet form.
Step 6: Review and Edit Your Data
Check the converted information carefully.
Pay particular attention to:
Column headings.
Product names.
Prices and quantities.
Dates and currency values.
Missing rows.
Incorrect decimal places.
Table alignment.
Make any necessary corrections before using the spreadsheet.
Advantages of Adobe Acrobat Online
No desktop installation required.
Convenient browser-based conversion.
Suitable for occasional PDF conversion.
Works on compatible Mac browsers.
Simple workflow for beginners.
Disadvantages
Requires an internet connection.
Uploading confidential documents may not be suitable.
Account or subscription requirements may apply.
Complex tables may need manual correction.
Our recommendation: Start with Adobe Acrobat Online if you only need a quick PDF-to-Excel conversion.
Method 2: Convert PDF to Excel Offline Using Wondershare PDFelement for Mac
Best for: Users who regularly edit PDF documents and convert spreadsheet data.
If you work with PDF files regularly, a dedicated desktop application can provide a more complete document management experience.
One option worth exploring is Wondershare PDFelement.
PDFelement is a PDF software solution that provides features for editing, converting, organising and managing PDF documents.
Its Mac version supports exporting PDF documents into Excel formats, including XLS and XLSX, subject to the software version and licence.
It also provides additional PDF editing and OCR capabilities in supported editions.
Why Consider Wondershare PDFelement?
Here are some features that may be useful for Mac users:
Convert PDF files into Excel spreadsheets.
Edit text and images inside supported PDF documents.
Convert PDF files into other document formats.
Organise, merge and split PDF pages.
Use OCR for supported scanned documents.
Process multiple documents using supported batch features.
Manage PDF documents through a desktop application.
If you regularly work with invoices, reports, business records or scanned documents, having these tools in one application may simplify your workflow.
Step 1: Visit the Wondershare PDFelement Website
Visit the following link to explore Wondershare PDFelement.
Explore Wondershare PDFelement for Mac:
This is our affiliate link.
You will be redirected to Wondershare's official product website through affiliate tracking.
Review the available Mac version, supported features and licence options before purchasing.
Step 2: Download and Install the Mac Application
After visiting the product website, locate the Mac download option.
Follow the installation instructions.
Generally, the process involves:
Downloading the Mac installer.
Opening the downloaded installation file.
Following the installation instructions.
Moving or installing the application as directed.
Launching PDFelement.
Activating the appropriate licence if required.
Make sure that you download the application from the official Wondershare website.
Check the supported macOS version and hardware requirements before installation.
Step 3: Open Your PDF Document
Launch Wondershare PDFelement on your Mac.
Find the option to open a PDF document.
Select the PDF file you want to convert.
Wait for the document to load.
If you are working with a multi-page report, make sure the complete document has opened correctly.
Step 4: Find the PDF Converter Option
Depending on your PDFelement version, the interface and menu names may differ.
For supported Mac versions, you can use the PDF Converter option.
The general workflow is:
Open the PDF document.
Select Tool or the relevant conversion option.
Open PDF Converter.
Select Microsoft Excel as the output format.
Choose XLSX if available.
Some versions also allow you to select page ranges or manage how the pages are organised in the output workbook.
Step 5: Select Your Output Settings
Before converting the document, review the available settings.
For example:
Select XLSX as the output format.
Choose the pages you want to convert.
Review worksheet organisation options.
Select the destination folder.
Enable OCR if required and available for your version.
If your PDF contains several tables, check whether the software offers options for separating or combining pages into worksheets.
Step 6: Convert the PDF to Excel
After selecting your settings, click the Convert or Apply button, depending on your version.
The software will process the PDF and create an Excel spreadsheet.
The conversion time depends on the number of pages, file size and document complexity.
Step 7: Save the Converted Spreadsheet
Choose a suitable folder on your Mac.
For example:
Documents/PDF-to-Excel/
Give your file a meaningful name, such as:
Business-Report.xlsx
Save the spreadsheet.
Step 8: Open the Excel File and Check the Results
Open Microsoft Excel.
Locate the newly created XLSX file.
Check whether the information has been placed correctly into rows and columns.
You can now edit values, create formulas, organise information and prepare reports.
Advantages of Wondershare PDFelement
Desktop PDF conversion workflow.
Supports Excel export in compatible versions.
Additional PDF editing capabilities.
OCR features in supported editions.
Useful for managing different PDF tasks.
Batch conversion features in supported versions.
Disadvantages
Requires software installation.
Some advanced features require a paid licence.
OCR availability depends on the edition.
Complex PDF layouts may still need manual correction.
Initial installation and activation require internet access.
Try Wondershare PDFelement here:
Check the current Mac compatibility, pricing and available licence before making a purchase.
Adobe Acrobat Online vs Wondershare PDFelement: Which Is Better?
Both tools can help you convert PDF documents into Excel spreadsheets, but they are designed for somewhat different workflows.
| Comparison | Adobe Online | Wondershare PDFelement |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Online PDF conversion | Desktop PDF management |
| Installation | No | Yes |
| PDF to Excel | Yes | Yes |
| PDF editing | Online features | Desktop editing features |
| OCR | Depends on service | Supported editions |
| Batch processing | Service-dependent | Supported versions |
| Internet | Required | Not always required after setup |
| Suitable for | Occasional use | Regular document work |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Adobe Acrobat Online if you want a quick browser-based conversion without installing additional software.
Choose Wondershare PDFelement if you want a desktop PDF application that combines conversion, editing and document organisation.
There is no single best solution for everyone. Your choice should depend on how frequently you work with PDF documents and which features you actually need.
What Is OCR and Why Is It Important for PDF to Excel Conversion?
OCR stands for Optical Character Recognition.
It is a technology that attempts to recognise text inside scanned documents and images.
Imagine receiving a scanned invoice.
Although you can see the numbers and product names on your screen, the PDF may contain only an image of the printed page.
A normal text extractor cannot always read that information.
OCR attempts to recognise the characters and make the content available as editable text.
When Do You Need OCR?
You may need OCR when:
Your PDF was created using a scanner.
Your document contains photographs of tables.
You cannot select or copy text from the PDF.
The document contains scanned invoices.
You want to extract information from printed reports.
How to Improve OCR Accuracy
Follow these suggestions:
Use a clear, high-resolution scan.
Keep the document straight.
Avoid blurry photographs.
Choose the correct document language.
Review the recognised numbers and text.
Compare the converted spreadsheet with the original.
Remember that OCR is not perfect. It may confuse similar-looking characters, particularly in handwritten documents or low-quality scans.
Common PDF to Excel Conversion Problems and Solutions
Even reliable PDF converters can produce imperfect results.
Here are some common problems and their solutions.
1. Incorrect Columns
Problem: Information appears in the wrong columns.
Solution: Open the spreadsheet and manually organise the affected cells. You can also use Excel's Text to Columns feature where appropriate.
2. Numbers Are Displayed as Text
Problem: You cannot calculate totals because Excel treats the values as text.
Solution: Change the cell format to Number or Currency. Remove unnecessary spaces and characters if required.
3. Missing Information
Problem: Some rows or values are missing after conversion.
Solution: Check the original PDF. The information may be contained in an image or complex table that requires OCR or manual correction.
4. Incorrect Decimal Places
Problem: Financial figures display incorrect decimal values.
Solution: Compare the converted figures with the original document and correct them before performing calculations.
5. Formatting Has Changed
Problem: The converted spreadsheet does not look like the PDF.
Solution: Adjust column widths, borders, fonts, alignment and cell formatting manually.
6. Excel Cannot Open the Converted File
Problem: Excel displays an error when opening the downloaded document.
Solution:
Confirm that the file has finished downloading.
Check that it is a genuine XLSX file.
Try downloading it again.
Open it through Excel's File > Open option.
Avoid simply renaming a PDF file to XLSX.
Changing the file extension does not convert a document.
Other Ways to Work with PDF Files on Mac
Apart from Adobe Acrobat and Wondershare PDFelement, there are other tools and workflows worth exploring.
1. iLovePDF
Website: https://www.ilovepdf.com/pdf_to_excel
iLovePDF provides an online PDF-to-Excel conversion tool.
It may be useful for occasional conversions, although available features and usage limits can vary.
2. Smallpdf
Website: https://smallpdf.com/pdf-to-excel
Smallpdf offers browser-based PDF conversion and document management features.
Check its current free-use restrictions and privacy terms before uploading documents.
3. Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Excel is useful for editing and analysing spreadsheet information.
However, direct PDF import functionality differs across Excel versions and operating systems. Do not assume that every Windows PDF import feature is available in the Mac version.
4. Manual Copy and Paste
For a small PDF table, you may be able to select the text, copy it and paste it into Excel.
This can work for simple documents but may produce incorrectly separated columns.
Tips for Choosing the Right PDF to Excel Converter
Before choosing a converter, consider the following points.
Check Mac Compatibility
Make sure the application supports your Mac's operating system and processor.
Compare Features
Do not purchase software simply because it advertises many features.
Check whether it actually supports the functions you need, such as PDF-to-Excel conversion, OCR or batch processing.
Check Pricing
Review the available plans and whether the software offers a free trial, subscription or perpetual licence.
Always check renewal conditions before purchasing.
Consider Privacy
Avoid uploading confidential financial records, identity documents or customer information to unfamiliar online services.
Read the provider's privacy and file-retention policies.
Test with a Small Document
Before converting a large report, test the software using a simple PDF.
This will help you understand how the converter handles your tables and formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can I convert PDF to Excel on Mac for free?
You can try Adobe Acrobat Online or other online conversion services. Free usage, account requirements and download options may vary.
2. Can I convert PDF to Excel without installing software?
Yes. Browser-based services such as Adobe Acrobat Online allow you to upload a PDF and convert it without installing a desktop converter.
3. Is Wondershare PDFelement available for Mac?
Yes. Wondershare provides a Mac version of PDFelement. Check the official website for supported macOS versions and available features.
4. Can Wondershare PDFelement convert PDF to XLSX?
Yes. Supported versions provide PDF-to-Excel export, including XLS and XLSX formats.
5. Can I convert scanned PDF documents into Excel?
Yes, if the software supports suitable OCR functionality. OCR attempts to recognise text in scanned pages before conversion.
6. Which is better: Adobe Acrobat or Wondershare PDFelement?
Adobe Acrobat Online is convenient for occasional browser-based conversion. Wondershare PDFelement may be more suitable if you also need desktop PDF editing and document management features.
7. Does converting PDF to Excel preserve the original formatting?
Not always. Simple tables often convert more successfully than complicated layouts. You may need to correct formatting manually.
8. Can I convert multiple PDF documents at once?
Some desktop applications and online services offer batch conversion. Check whether the feature is available in your selected version or subscription.
9. Is online PDF conversion safe?
Safety depends on the service provider and its security practices. Check its privacy policy before uploading documents, especially confidential files.
10. Can I edit the converted Excel spreadsheet?
Yes. Once the conversion is complete, you can open the XLSX file in Microsoft Excel and edit its cells, rows, columns and calculations.
Final Verdict: The Best Way to Convert PDF to Excel on Mac
Converting PDF documents into editable Excel spreadsheets can make everyday work easier.
You do not need to spend hours entering information manually when a suitable PDF converter can extract the data for you.
For occasional conversions, Adobe Acrobat Online is a convenient option.
For users who regularly edit PDFs, manage documents, convert spreadsheets and work with scanned files, Wondershare PDFelement is another option worth considering.
Our final recommendation: Start with an online converter if your requirements are simple. If you need additional desktop PDF tools, explore Wondershare PDFelement and compare its features and licence options before purchasing.
Recommended PDF Software
Want to explore a desktop PDF editor for your Mac?
Wondershare PDFelement brings together PDF editing, conversion and document management features in one application.
Explore Wondershare PDFelement for Mac:
Review the official product information, check Mac compatibility and choose the plan that suits your requirements.
Thank you for reading this guide. If you found it useful, share it with someone who regularly works with PDF documents.
Have a question about PDF-to-Excel conversion? Leave a comment below.
Official References and Useful Resources
The following official resources provide additional information about PDF conversion and document management.
Adobe Online PDF to Excel Converter
https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/online/pdf-to-excel.htmlAdobe Desktop PDF to Excel Instructions
https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/desktop/save-export-documents/convert-to-other-formats/pdf-to-excel.htmlAdobe Acrobat Features and Frequently Asked Questions
https://helpx.adobe.com/in/acrobat/faq.htmlWondershare PDFelement for Mac
https://pdf.wondershare.com/pdfelement-mac.htmlWondershare PDF to Excel Conversion Guide
https://www.wondershare.net/pdfelement/guide/convert-pdf-to-excel.htmlWondershare PDFelement Mac Support
https://support.wondershare.com/how-tos/pdfelement/
Disclaimer: Adobe and Wondershare are third-party product brands. This article is independently written for educational purposes. Product features, prices, licensing terms and availability may change. The affiliate link may generate a commission if a qualifying purchase is completed. This does not increase the buyer's price unless otherwise stated by the provider.


