Extracting Data - Not Working

[jnix612]

My problem is the data extraction. I've reviewed videos and read instructions. I created 2 fake documents using my PDF form. I used the extract tool. When I opened the report file, what I see are 2 lines with the names of the files. Not the data but the file names.

Also I'm slightly confused by distribution - my form will be on a website to download, fill out and returned via email. I am finding 2 separate instructions. One for email distribution, the other for website distribution.

Is there a place that will provide step by step instructions? Keep in mind I'm not that novice (not expert either), I found VBA code to use in Excel to extract the data from my original Word application. I just completed extracting data from 1,000 applications. Yet I can't get the PDF forms extraction to work because I think I'm missing a step.

Before using the data extraction tool, what is missing? Why does my report show 2 lines of the file name and not the actual data?

[Bernd Alheit]

How did you extract the data?

[jnix612]

I used merge data fields under the prepare forms option, this is the only one that gave me the box where I select the PDF forms I wish to extract from. This box where you can select the forms matches what I saw on the youtube video.

When I used the extract option under organize pages it took me to a place I knew was wrong.

Export Data under prepare form is greyed out.

[jnix612]

@ Bernd Alheit, OR anyone who can help. I played with the response file feature. I sent myself a test form and this feature extracted as expected.

The applicant is required to submit via email the application and their CV. During my testing, I noticed after pressing the submit button on the PDF, the email was in my outbox. I opened the email and attached a 2nd document. This worked great.....

HOWEVER.....as simple as this is I have to keep it extremely simple for this particular group. I will not be able to instruction them to go into their outbox to attach CV, and I DO believe if I instruct them to send a separate email with the CV attached, most will not read this part. Note: I like the response file feature and if there is a way the applicant can attach the PDF form and their CV I am all ears.

There seems to be 2 means of extracting data. This is my wish:

1. Create the PDF Form
2. Applicant download from website
3. Applicant send Application and CV in on email as attachments (without pressing submit on the form)
4. When I receive the forms, download to a special folder and tell Excel to extract the data from PDF forms

Is this at all possible?

[jnix612 · Accepted solution]

WOW I got it to work. I think it was the password protection. I thought I removed it, it never occurred to me again. I took it out of the blank application, filled out 2 test applications. Used the Merge data to spreadsheet, browsed and added the 2 test files and it exported the data to excel. This feature will allow the applicant to attach both application and CV.

[garyc85668638]

jnix could you put up the code to extract the data from a PDF form, I am just to look at this

[jnix612]

There is no code. In PDF Forms, search "merge" and select "Merge Data Files into..."

This will bring up the "Export Data From Multiple Forms" box. Add the files and select "Export". This will export to Excel.

TIP: In your PDF file name, don't use commas. The export won't work if there are commas in the file name. I had to change mine to underscores,

[garyc85668638]

Thanks for response,

Unfortunately I read data from a PDF from within a .Net application and also write data, I think I may have found a way in

http://www.myengineeringworld.net/2013/10/read-and-write-pdf-forms-from-excel-vba.html