Definition

PDF Parsing

PDF parsing refers to the process of extracting and interpreting data from PDF files. This is done by “reading” the content of the PDF via technologies such as OCR or parsing tools and then converting the data into a structured format, such as JSON or XML. This is so that the data can be further analyzed, stored, and processed.

Related article: Generating PDFs programmatically: Build or Buy?

Synonyms

PDF data extraction, data mining

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Acronyms

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PDF Parsing Tool (PPT)

Examples

A bank uses a fillable PDF for customer onboarding. After the customer has filled out and sent in their application PDF, the bank uses PDF parsing software to extract key information needed to perform KYC and create a risk profile. Thanks to automation software such as Atfinity, this is all done automatically and the entire process is done quickly and efficiently.

FAQ

What types of data can be parsed from a PDF?

Text, tables, metadata, images, and even annotations can be extracted using parsing tools.

What are common challenges for PDF parsing?

Parsing is notably more difficult for unstructured or image-based PDF files, often requiring good OCR tools to accurately extract information.

Why is PDF parsing important for finance?

PDF parsing is essential for fully automating and streamlining key processes such as onboardings, loan approvals and regulatory reporting.