How to Extract Product Codes and Prices from PDF

Preserve the product code as text

Codes are often alphanumeric (AB-0041), zero-padded (00124), or look like numbers (10001). Spreadsheets coerce those values. Leading zeros vanish. Some codes become dates or scientific notation. When you use Linework, map the PDF’s code or SKU column to Product code. On export that column is a text column. Do not paste the values into a General column in another workbook if you care about padding.

After OCR, read codes again. Recognition engines substitute lookalike characters. A flagged OCR badge means check closely; an unflagged row can still be wrong. The sample list uses codes 00124–00133 so you can see padding survive the round trip.

Extract the unit price, not a neighbouring number

Price lists mix unit price, pack price, recommended retail, quantity and line total. Map the column that matches how you will use the data. Linework does not convert a case price into a each-price, and it does not apply VAT. The currency selector fills a default when the cell has no symbol; it does not convert EUR to USD.

Numeric formatting

Decide whether the PDF uses a decimal comma or a decimal point before you mark rows checked. Examples:

• 42,90 with format 1.234,56 is forty-two euros and ninety cents.
• 1.249,00 with the same format is one thousand two hundred forty-nine.
• 1,249.00 with format 1,234.56 is the same thousands grouping in US style.

If you pick the wrong format, validation and Excel numbers will disagree with the page. Changing the format in Linework unchecks every row on purpose.

A compact working method

1. Open the PDF in the converter.
2. Select the real header, not the letterhead.
3. Map code and unit price; add description and pack if present.
4. Set decimal comma or point.
5. Fix or delete non-product lines; merge wrapped descriptions.
6. Compare each code and price with the preview; then export.

For scans, follow scanned PDF to Excel. For layout failures, read why tables convert incorrectly. Supplier-focused steps live in converting a PDF price list and the price list landing page.