If you’re still typing data from printed tables, PDFs, or screenshots into Excel, there’s an easier way. Excel’s “Data from Picture” feature uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to convert images of tables into editable Excel data, saving you time and reducing errors. This feature in Microsoft 365 Excel lets you import data directly from photos, screenshots, or even handwritten tables. Excel analyzes the image and creates a formatted table.
How does it help?
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Skip manual data entry: Just snap a photo or take a screenshot; Excel does the rest.
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Digitize paper quickly: Convert hard-copy reports by photographing them—ideal for archiving or combining data.
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Extract from tricky sources: Screenshot web tables or PDFs you can’t copy; Excel will pull out the data.
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Consolidate easily: Combine data from both digital and physical sources into a single spreadsheet.
How to use it:
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Take a clear photo or screenshot of your table.
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Open Excel, go to the Data tab, and choose “From Picture.”
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Pick your image (on desktop) or use your camera (on mobile).
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Review the extracted data and insert it into your worksheet.
With just a few clicks, you can turn static images into organized, usable Excel data.
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