The scope of this study is limited to focus on an implementation of a conversion tool (P2X); developed to automatically convert large batches of PDF tabular data (PDF tables) to spreadsheet format (MS Excel). We begin by introducing the PDF specification standards on table structure. A scenario example of the problem and a description of the conversion tool (P2X) architecture. Specific details of the algorithms and applications used during the PDF to plain text format (PTF) conversion process follows. A brief overview of the reformatting process and a formalization of the table tags that we identified using regular expressions will be introduced. Lastly, a description of the GUI, its images, and functionality will be discussed in the User Interface section.

Findings and conclusions. We have implemented a working conversion tool to show the conversion of PDF tabular data to MS Excel spreadsheets can be simple by use of a graphical user interface with user interaction. This system was produced using the high-level programming languages Java and Visual Basic 6.0. These implementations are presented. A user's manual has been incorporated to validate the use of the system and reduce user error. More visuals of the P2X tool to further assist the user with the problems presented throughout this research. Although P2X proved to be a successful conversion approach, it was discovered at the end of the final testing phase that the final output of the text data stored in the Excel spreadsheet file will need minimal manual editing by the user to dispose of unwanted non-breaking space and to suit the individual user's storage preferences. These preferences are expected to vary on a case-by-case basis.