There are many applications that use the XML file format. Sometimes we find ourselves in the situation of having to convert a PDF document to this format to be able to work with it and we don't know what the correct way to do it is. That is what we are going to explain in this post: the best ways to convert a PDF document to XML.
The number one objective in this type of conversion is to avoid the numerous compatibility problems that may appear. The good news is that there are very good tools that can be used by both Mac users and those who work with a Windows PC. Some of them are free, although with advanced paid functions.
Before going on to present the different means of conversion, we will remember what exactly an XML file (.xml) is. Its acronym corresponds to the definition of Extensible Markup Language File (Extensible Markup Language). This is a plain text file in which the structure and other characteristics of the document are described using a series of custom tags.
To some extent, XML is comparable to HTML language used in web pages, since both languages use a set of predefined markup symbols. The difference is that XML offers users the option to generate their own markup symbols for content description.
The advantages and utilities of the XML language They are very important, especially within the field of programming. Among other things, it makes the data exchange process easier, simplifies the change to a new application or system, and is very suitable when creating new data markup languages.
Selection of the best PDF to XML conversion tools
Although there are many tools that can carry out this process more or less easily, not all of them work the same or offer the same level of quality in their results. We have selected three options, you just have to choose the one that best suits your tastes and needs:
Adobe Acrobat
As we have already said on numerous occasions, when it comes to performing any type of action with a PDF, it is always best to turn to the company that created that format. Of course, also Adobe Acrobat It is going to offer us a valid solution to convert a PDF to XML.
These are the steps to follow to perform this conversion:
- First we start Adobe Acrobat and we open the PDF file that we want to convert.
- Then we go to the menu "Archive", where we click "Save as".
- We look for the location where to save the new file.
- Then in the options "Save as type", Select "XML".
- The next step is to use the button "Settings" to set the parameters of the XML document according to our priorities (tags, images, etc.). Once this is done, we press "OKAY".
- To finish, we click on "Save".
Link: Adobe Acrobat
Able2Extract PDF Converter
Our next proposal is Able2Extract PDF Converter, which we can use on both Mac and Windows. It is an all-terrain tool with which we can convert from PDF to any type of formats. Naturally, also to XML.
The most notable feature of this converter is that uses sophisticated optical color recognition technology. This means that it is capable of converting PDF images and symbols without altering its composition. If the PDF we want to convert contains images, this is one of the best options. Furthermore, it is very easy to use.
It should be noted that this is a paid tool, although it offers an interesting free trial version.
Link: Able2Extract PDF Converter
2pdf.com
One of the best online converters available today. Wear 2pdf.com to convert a PDF file to XML offers many advantages. One of them is simplicity: all you have to do is drag the file to the center box of the page and select the corresponding action. All services are free and work online, without having to install any program on your computer.
In the case at hand, the steps to follow would be the following:
- First we select the PDF file or drag it to the page.
- Then we select XML as the destination format to which we want to convert the PDF file.
- Next we choose the desired orientation, page size and other conversion options.
After conversion, the new converted file can be downloaded in XML format or exported to Dropbox or Google Drive, among other possibilities.
Link: 2pdf.com
Conclusion
Converting PDF to XML is not an overly complex operation. In this article we have reviewed three ways to do it that contemplate, more or less, the most common possibilities: through your own PDF software, with an external program or through an online converter. All of them are completely safe and reliable, offering good results in all cases.