Importing PDF into Accounting Package

[HeftyCrab]

So after reading a few threads on here I decided it will be cool to start using GnuCash or the like to start tracking my expenses. I tried with excel before, but its much easier doing it with a program that can import the data via electronic statements.

My problem is that ive saved 2 years worth of statements in pdf format up until now. I do not want to pay R6 a statement from fnb to get the formats that I need to import into GnuCash (the first 3 months are free, but you pay after that). Ive got student loan statements, Cheque accounts, Savings accounts, etc. This can get pretty expensive very quick.

Does anyone know of a way that I can use those pdf documents to get the data into GnuCash (Without manually entering the data of course)? Is there some way I can convert them into a usable format? I tried opening one in excel but I assume its encripted as it needs a password.

 

[CheekyC]

So after reading a few threads on here I decided it will be cool to start using GnuCash or the like to start tracking my expenses. I tried with excel before, but its much easier doing it with a program that can import the data via electronic statements.

My problem is that ive saved 2 years worth of statements in pdf format up until now. I do not want to pay R6 a statement from fnb to get the formats that I need to import into GnuCash (the first 3 months are free, but you pay after that). Ive got student loan statements, Cheque accounts, Savings accounts, etc. This can get pretty expensive very quick.

Does anyone know of a way that I can use those pdf documents to get the data into GnuCash (Without manually entering the data of course)? Is there some way I can convert them into a usable format? I tried opening one in excel but I assume its encripted as it needs a password.

pdf is an issue. you should have d/l in csv

 

[HeftyCrab]

pdf is an issue. you should have d/l in csv

The statements I have were emailed to me over the years. Going forward I can get the correct formats. I would just like to get the old data aswell.

Any other suggestions?

 

[czc]

Skip the historical information and just start with new stuff going forward.

 

[Batista]

Csv for the win.Why would you want 2 years of history though?Is this your companies expenses or personal?

Google pdf to csv..should be a few free ones but no idea if they would work out for you.

 

[HeftyCrab]

Csv for the win.Why would you want 2 years of history though?Is this your companies expenses or personal?

Google pdf to csv..should be a few free ones but no idea if they would work out for you.

Its my Personal info. Looks like ill just have to start getting the right versions from now going forward.

I tried the google thing. Thats always my first port of call.

 

[CheekyC]

pdfs are actually just text painted onto a canvas. I.e. text positioned on a page in no particular order. So yes you can extract the text objects from the PDF, but you will not be able to related them. so useless for you goal

 

[themank]

Use Able2Extract and export to excel. http://www.investintech.com/able2extract.html

 

[HavocXphere]

Importing 2 years of data will not add real value imo. Pay the 6 bucks for the last couple of statements & focus on tracking expenses going forward.

Use Able2Extract and export to excel. http://www.investintech.com/able2extract.html

You'd need a paid copy...which is like 300+ bucks....and then you still have to deal with potentially bad imports. Unlikely, but possible.

Also...rant...banks are ridiculous with their charging for statements bullsht. It costs them literally a cent max and yet they insist on setting arbitrary limits on how far back you can go & charge a fortune beyond that. Its even worse on the commercial accounts...

 

[mh348]

So after reading a few threads on here I decided it will be cool to start using GnuCash or the like to start tracking my expenses. I tried with excel before, but its much easier doing it with a program that can import the data via electronic statements.

My problem is that ive saved 2 years worth of statements in pdf format up until now. I do not want to pay R6 a statement from fnb to get the formats that I need to import into GnuCash (the first 3 months are free, but you pay after that). Ive got student loan statements, Cheque accounts, Savings accounts, etc. This can get pretty expensive very quick.

Does anyone know of a way that I can use those pdf documents to get the data into GnuCash (Without manually entering the data of course)? Is there some way I can convert them into a usable format? I tried opening one in excel but I assume its encripted as it needs a password.

You won't be able to get the csv or other formats from the bank even if you pay, they only provide pdf format for historical statements. I was in the same situation with one of my business accounts, I need around a years worth of statements, and only managed to get it in pdf. I then got someone to type it out in excel and then imported it.

 

[borga]

Use Able2Extract and export to excel. http://www.investintech.com/able2extract.html

There are also some online site which convert from PDF to excel for free, not sure what the quality of imported data would be, then again the service is online and sending personal information online should be considered carefully.

Able2extract also seems to have a free trial, not sure how limited or how long the trial is.

 

[touch_stone]

Tried Able2extract trial period and it works well.

Able to pull all the relevant data into an excel spreadsheet