Convert Picture to Excel Table: An Easy and Efficient Method
Microsoft Office has introduced a new all-in-one app that allows users to convert images into Excel tables effortlessly. Unlike other OCR apps that struggle with converting tables, the Office app can accurately interpret tabular data in just two simple steps. In this article, we'll explore how to use this feature and compare it to a web converter option.
How to Convert Picture to Excel Table
First, download and install the Office app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. After registering and signing in with your Microsoft account, navigate to the Actions tab and select “Image to Table.”
The Office app will launch the Office Lens. Point your camera at the picture and capture it. Ensure that the data is properly zoomed in and there are no unnecessary light flashes. Once captured, the app will display a selection tool that auto-detects the tabular area. You can adjust the selection if needed. Tap the Done button when you're finished.
The app will take a few seconds to process the image, depending on its size and complexity. Once done, it will present a preview of the data. You can edit the data before saving or copying it. Cells with a red background indicate areas where the app was unsure about the text. After correcting any mistakes, you can export the data as an Excel sheet or copy the table directly. Excel sheets can be shared via Slack or Gmail, and they can also be saved to OneDrive for quick access on your Windows PC.
It's worth noting that the Office app works best with printed fonts, while handwritten text may not be as accurately recognized.
EasyPDF as an Alternative
If you prefer not to use the Office app, you can rely on a web converter like EasyPDF. This online tool is free, fast, and offers unlimited conversions. However, it's advisable to crop and adjust the image before uploading it for conversion. Once the image is ready, simply drag and drop it onto the EasyPDF webpage. Choose “Excel” as the output format and click the “Convert Image” button.
The web app will take some time to process and convert the image. Once done, you can choose to download the converted table or save it to Dropbox or Google Drive. Unlike the Office app, EasyPDF has limited customization options. You won't be able to edit the converted table or copy text from the image.
Which Option is Superior?
In our testing, the Office app outperformed web converters in terms of accuracy and functionality. The side-by-side comparison below showcases the extraction results from both the Office app and EasyPDF. Additionally, the Office app allows you to rectify the extracted table before exporting it.
While the Office app is highly effective, it may struggle with merged or uneven cell structures, resulting in a success ratio of approximately 60-70%.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a quick and reliable method to convert images into Excel tables, the Office app is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a web converter, EasyPDF is a decent option despite its limitations.
For more OCR software options, check out our article on the best free OCR software for Windows 10.

Jim's passion for Apple products ignited in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. This was a canon event in his life. Noticing a lack of iPad-focused content that is easy to understand even for “tech-noob”, he decided to create Tabletmonkeys in 2011.
Jim continues to share his expertise and passion for tablets, helping his audience as much as he can with his motto “One Swipe at a Time!”