There are many reasons you might want to extract tables from images/PDFs. Maybe you need to analyze data from a table for a school project, or perhaps you need to create an invoice and need the data from a table. Whatever the reason, manually extracting tables from scanned files like images or PDFs is an arduous task to do. We’re excited to tell you that we consider this our area of specialization. We will help automate the process of extracting tables, even complicated ones, and those allocated on multiple pages using AlgoDocs.
But first, why images became very popular and frequently used?
We often use images for business and various purposes, and the main benefits of using images for business analytics:
– Web visitors can easily see products from many angles, sizes, and versions.
– When used for business education, images can help educate students and teach them topics faster(Overall, an image is better than 1000 words).
– When a person sees images, s/he will use these images to recognize and determine the existing objects’ descriptions, complements, usage, etc.
This article will show you how to easily extract tables from images using AlgoDocs. We’ll also show you how to format the data after extraction so that it’s ready for use in whatever application you need it for.
Remember, the process of manually extracting the tabular format data takes time due to errors caused by missing, incorrect, incomplete, and duplicates. Therefore, it is a tedious and challenging task, resulting in errors.
One example of an automated data extraction platform is AlgoDocs, a website platform that uses artificial intelligence in all data extraction-related processes. AlgoDocs algorithms mainly use image processing and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technologies with a human vision attitude to achieve reliable and accurate data extraction.
Figure 1 shows a sample of low-quality scanned images uploaded to AlgoDocs, and Figure 2 shows the 100% accurate extracted table by AlgoDocs. This results from the advanced AI-powered OCR engine that can handle as low dpi as 75.
Figure1. Sample of low-quality (black& white) scanned image.
Figure2. The extracted table from the scanned image, shown in Figure1, using AlgoDocs.
AlgoDocs allows you to Extract Handwritten Tables as well( see Figures 3 and 4 as an example).
Figure 3. handwritten text uploaded to AlgoDocs.
Figure4. The extracted table using AlgoDocs.
How to use AlgoDocs and How To Extract Tables From Images Using AlgoDocs?
The main steps to extract wanted data such as text, tables, and handwriting from documents using AlgoDocs are:
- Create an extractor by uploading a sample document.
- In extracting rules editor, add a rule by selecting the data type you want to extract.
- Click on the ‘Extract’ button to extract the required data. You may also apply any available filters if needed or if you are willing to format the extracted data.
- Finally, export extracted information to the desired format such as Excel, JSON, or XML or even other applications such as accounting ones.
Next is to upload as many documents as you want, like hundreds and thousands, and relax while AlgoDocs finalize the work briefly.
You may also check the free easy-to-follow articles and Video Tutorials to learn how easily we can use the friendly interfaces and all functionalities of AlgoDocs.
Benefits of the AlgoDocs platform
It makes your documents accessible
Most of the time, you can’t change the text in PDFs and other digital files such as images. Because you can’t move or change the frozen text, the search takes longer and isn’t as useful. This Image to text platform converts unchangeable text into accessible text. You can copy and paste this text for various uses as well as examine it.
It makes editing easier.
Businesses are always changing and getting better. Changes can’t be stopped. Every part of your business needs to be adaptable enough to handle these changes. AlgoDocs OCR platform makes it easier for you to make changes. You may now simply make changes to your documents, which were before inflexible in PDF files. The PDFs can’t be edited without the OCR platform. When making changes, you don’t create a new document. OCR tool lets you edit exactly the sections that require it.
It prevents errors
It is human nature to make mistakes, and it is impossible to avoid doing so especially when performing a hard task such as manual data extraction. This is why it is essential to have documents that can be edited. Also, you need an error-checking platform to help you catch any errors in your writing. OCR technology used in the AlgoDocs platform makes it easy to fix human errors.
It saves money and time
The paperwork at your company can be minimized with the help of AlgoDocs. Some companies still use old methods, like keeping documents on paper. AlgoDocs saves time and money over manually entering data. You can easily extract data from PDFs and images with the help of this platform.
It boosts productivity
The AlgoDocs platform increases productivity by making it easier and faster to find the information you need. Your PC or server has editable, visible, easily accessible data. You shouldn’t waste your staff’s time by making them look through file cabinets for hours. Get them to focus their efforts on something useful for the office.
Export data into frequently used platforms and formats
Users should be able to export the extracted data to multiple frequently used applications, like Excel and many other integrations, such as accounting software, in various formats, i.e. Excel, JSON, or XML. This allows businesses to access meaningful information quicker and saves a lot of time.
Real-time extraction
Having real-time and up-to-date data is essential for firms. If not, businesses can make bad decisions, or there will be delays in responding and taking action. Thus, a data extraction program should be capable of extracting real-time data with the help of automated workflows. For instance, to analyze the present inventory levels for input material, businesses need real-time extraction of information like items sold, order ID, quantity, and amount from their supplier invoices. AlgoDocs can be considered extremely fast where for example, it can process 20 pages per second.
Remember, an Internet connection is all you need to extract tables, even complicated ones and those allocated on multiple pages using AlgoDocs. It is accessible anytime, anywhere from all devices and operating systems like iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, etc. AlgoDocs offers a free subscription plan forever with 50 pages per month. You may check AlgoDocs pricing for paid subscriptions based on your document processing requirements.
