How to Automatically Extract Details from PDF/Image Using Pabbly Connect and Add to Google Sheets

Learn how to use Pabbly Connect to automatically extract details from PDF/Image files and add them to Google Sheets with this detailed tutorial. Develop expertise in application integration and learn how to design streamlined automation workflows using proven, simplified approaches.

Watch Step By Step Video Tutorial Below

1. Setting Up Pabbly Connect for PDF/Image Extraction

To begin using Pabbly Connect for extracting details from PDF or image files, you first need to create an automation workflow. Start by selecting Google Drive as your trigger application and choose the event ‘New File in Specific Folder’. This setup allows Pabbly Connect to monitor a specific folder in Google Drive for any new files uploaded.

Once you’ve configured the trigger, specify the folder where your PDF or image files will be uploaded. This is crucial as Pabbly Connect will automatically capture these files when they are added. Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to access the folder where the files will be stored.

2. Sharing File Permissions with Pabbly Connect

After setting up the trigger in Pabbly Connect, the next step is to change the sharing permissions of the uploaded file. Use the Google Drive action event ‘Share a File with Anyone’ to update the permissions. This is important as it allows Pabbly Connect to send the file to OpenAI for processing.

• Select the file you want to share.
• Change the permission to ‘Anyone with the link’.

This step ensures that OpenAI can access the file for content extraction. Once the sharing permissions are updated, you can proceed to the next action step in your Pabbly Connect workflow.

3. Connecting OpenAI to Pabbly Connect for Content Extraction

In this section, you will connect OpenAI with Pabbly Connect. Click on ‘Add Action Step’ and select OpenAI from the list of applications. Choose the action event ‘Extract Content from PDF or Image’. This integration allows you to leverage OpenAI’s capabilities to extract information from your uploaded files.

To establish this connection, you will need to enter your OpenAI API key. You can find this key in your OpenAI account under the API key section. Make sure to create a new secret key specifically for this integration, naming it appropriately, such as ‘PDF Extractor’. Copy this key and paste it into Pabbly Connect to complete the connection.

4. Configuring Extraction Details in Pabbly Connect

Once OpenAI is connected, you need to configure the extraction details within Pabbly Connect. Specify the OpenAI model you wish to use for processing the PDF or image files. Currently, options include GPT-4, GPT-4 Turbo, and others. Select the one that best suits your needs.

Next, you will need to provide the publicly accessible URL of the PDF or image file. For Google Drive files, ensure the URL is formatted correctly by appending the unique file ID at the end of the link. This mapping is essential as it allows Pabbly Connect to send the correct file to OpenAI for extraction.

• Enter the prompt for OpenAI, specifying what details to extract.
• Request the output in JSON format for easier data handling.

After entering all necessary details, click on ‘Save and Send Test Request’ to initiate the extraction process. You should receive a response that includes the extracted details in JSON format.

5. Adding Extracted Data to Google Sheets via Pabbly Connect

In the final step, you will add the extracted details to Google Sheets using Pabbly Connect. Click on ‘Add Action Step’ and select Google Sheets as the application. Choose the action event ‘Add New Row’. This step integrates the extracted data directly into your chosen spreadsheet.

To connect your Google Sheets account, click ‘Sign in with Google’ and select your account. Once connected, you will need to select the specific spreadsheet where you want the extracted data to be saved. Map the fields from the JSON response you received from OpenAI to the corresponding columns in your Google Sheets.

Map all relevant fields such as name, email, payment method, and amount. Ensure all data is correctly aligned with the respective columns.

After mapping all necessary fields, click on ‘Save and Send Test Request’. Upon successful completion, check your Google Sheets to confirm that the new row with the extracted details has been added.

Conclusion

Using Pabbly Connect, you can effortlessly automate the extraction of details from PDF and image files and add them to Google Sheets. This integration streamlines the process, allowing for efficient data management and organization. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can harness the power of automation to enhance your workflow.