Converting a Portable Document Format (PDF) file to a JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) might seem difficult because of their cluster of technical nouns. However, converting a PDF to a JSON is a simple technical process. This blog will explain PDF-to-JSON conversion and how to do it.
Converting a PDF to JSON means freeing data from its ‘locked’ format, making it ready for data interchange. Unlike PDFs, JSONs are lightweight, versatile and easy to edit.
If you want to learn more about JSONs, Stack Overflow’s blog has a helpful article explaining how to compose JSON files.
Firstly, a converter will recognise the text in the PDF and then interpret it. Regardless of whether the data is locked in complex tabular structures, algorithms will extract the data. They will then structure the data into a predetermined JSON string using JSON syntax in the following ways:
You may be able to customise elements of the output, such as the key value, ordering or indentation level. The finalised JSON will then be available as a downloadable output.
Note that if the converter leverages AI/machine learning algorithms, it’s likely that the JSON output will be more accurate than a non-AI-based alternative. AI can ‘read’ complex information structures in PDFs (like larger tables or handwriting) more effectively than traditional, rule-based algorithms. If you’re looking for high-to-complete accuracy, consider an AI-based converter.
There are two options for operating a PDF-to-JSON converter (depending on your technical resources). You can build your own or operate a pre-made converter.
If you have technical inclinations, you can build a converter. You’ll likely need significant expertise using Python. Here’s a guide to building a PDF to CSV to JSON converter with Python.
There are multiple GitHub codebases available you could also use. Here’s an example of one that specialises in PDF to JSON conversion for academic papers.
You can use a cloud-based converter if you don’t have the time or resources to build one. Though their format will vary, they generally require the same steps:
You could use an Application Programming Interface (API) to automate the conversion and connect the converter to your systems. With an API, JSONs can be downloaded to your file repository without you needing to transfer or download files manually. An easier way to achieve the same result is by using a connector tool to create a workflow.
Converting from PNG to JSON is a similar process but involves an extra step – recognising the text in the PNG and converting it into machine-readable text. For that reason, you might not receive accurate results when uploading a PNG file to a PDF-to-JSON converter (especially if the image is blurry or low-quality).
Alternatively, many enterprise solutions can convert both images and PDFs. JSON converters like Evolution AI provide input flexibility without sacrificing accuracy or cost-friendliness.
To troubleshoot PDF-JSON conversion, check the following:
Try reuploading the PDF or using another converter.
If you have sensitive data in your PDF files, we recommend not using a free converter, which will likely have no safety certifications. Instead, look for a converter with ISO27001 or SOC2 certification.
You might benefit from an enterprise solution if you have a high volume of PDFs (e.g. 500+ pages). You can minimise the cost by comparing subscription or per-page pricing to find the cheapest option for your page volume.
If you have a high volume of PDFs you’d like to convert to JSON, contact our team at Evolution AI. We’ll give you a demonstration of our technology and provide you with API documentation. Book a demo or email hello@evolution.ai.
