How to Extract Data from PDF in C#
Extracting data from PDFs is crucial for saving time on manual inputting. This article explains how developers can use the IronPDF library to extract text and images from PDF documents.
How to Extract Data from PDF in C#
- Download Extract Data from PDF C# library
- Create a New Project in Visual Studio
- Install Library to your Project
- Extract the data from specific pages and extract specific from PDF
- View Data Output from PDF Document
IronPDF: C# PDF Library
IronPDF is a .NET library that can be used to create, edit, and convert PDF files. It provides an easy-to-use API for developers to use in their applications. It is one of the most popular libraries for creating, editing, and converting PDF files globally. With IronPDF, you can create a straightforward and quick solution to PDFs. Your text will be customized for each document, your layout will be set up for easy reading, and your graphics will be designed with help from the accompanying .NET program.
The IronPDF library has a fantastic feature for extracting data from PDF files. This article will look at how to extract data using IronPDF. First, a C# Project needs to be created or opened. Let's move on to the next section.
Create or Open a C# Project in Visual Studio
This tutorial recommends using the latest version of Visual Studio.
Once Visual Studio is opened, follow the steps below to create a new C# Project. If there is an existing project that you would like to use, then skip these next steps and proceed to the next section directly.
- Open Visual Studio
- Click on the "Create a new project" button.
Visual Studio opening UI
- Select the "C# Console Application" from the templates.
Create a new project
- Give a name to the Project and click on the Next button.
- Select a .NET Framework according to your project's requirements and click on the Create button.
.NET Framework selection
Visual Studio will now generate a new C# .NET project.
Install the IronPDF Library
The IronPDF library can be installed in multiple ways.
Using Package Manager Console
- Open the Package Manager Console by going to Tools > NuGet Package Manager > Package Manager Console.
- Run the following command to install the IronPDF library:
Install-Package IronPdf
Installation progress in the Package Manager Console tab
After installation, you will see the IronPDF dependency in the dependencies section of the Solution Explorer, as shown below.
Reference IronPdf package in Solution Explorer
Using the NuGet Package Manager
Another way to install the IronPDF library is by using Visual Studio's integrated NuGet Package Manager UI.
- Go to the Tools from the main menu. Hover on "NuGet Package Manager" from the drop-down menu and select the "Manage NuGet Packages for Solution...".
Navigate to NuGet Package Manager
- This will open the NuGet Package Manager window. Go to the Browse tab, write
IronPdfin search, and press Enter. - Select IronPDF from the search results and click on the "Install" button to begin the installation.
Install the IronPdf package from the NuGet Package Manager
Extract Data from PDF Files
Let's have a look at the following code on how to extract data using IronPDF:
// Import necessary namespaces
using IronPdf;
using System.Collections.Generic;
using System.Drawing;
public class PDFExtractor
{
public void ExtractDataFromPDF()
{
// Open a 128-bit encrypted PDF file by providing the filename and password
using PdfDocument pdf = PdfDocument.FromFile("encrypted.pdf", "password");
// Extract all text from the PDF document
string allText = pdf.ExtractAllText();
// Extract all images from the PDF document
IEnumerable<Image> allImages = pdf.ExtractAllImages();
// Iterate over each page in the PDF document
for (var index = 0; index < pdf.PageCount; index++)
{
int pageNumber = index + 1;
// Extract text from the specific page
string text = pdf.ExtractTextFromPage(index);
// Extract images from the specific page
IEnumerable<Image> images = pdf.ExtractImagesFromPage(index);
// Code to process the extracted text and images
//...
}
}
}// Import necessary namespaces
using IronPdf;
using System.Collections.Generic;
using System.Drawing;
public class PDFExtractor
{
public void ExtractDataFromPDF()
{
// Open a 128-bit encrypted PDF file by providing the filename and password
using PdfDocument pdf = PdfDocument.FromFile("encrypted.pdf", "password");
// Extract all text from the PDF document
string allText = pdf.ExtractAllText();
// Extract all images from the PDF document
IEnumerable<Image> allImages = pdf.ExtractAllImages();
// Iterate over each page in the PDF document
for (var index = 0; index < pdf.PageCount; index++)
{
int pageNumber = index + 1;
// Extract text from the specific page
string text = pdf.ExtractTextFromPage(index);
// Extract images from the specific page
IEnumerable<Image> images = pdf.ExtractImagesFromPage(index);
// Code to process the extracted text and images
//...
}
}
}In this code example:
- The
FromFilemethod is used to load the input PDF document, which is encrypted and requires a password. - The
ExtractAllTextmethod extracts all textual content from the PDF. - The
ExtractAllImagesmethod fetches all embedded images. - A loop iterates over each page of the document to extract text and images from that specific page using
ExtractTextFromPageandExtractImagesFromPage.
Conclusion
IronPDF allows developers to extract text and images from PDF files with ease. Using ExtractAllText and ExtractAllImages, the entire contents of a PDF file can be extracted instantly. Alternatively, these methods can be used to extract content from a specific page. The previous code demonstrated how to use both methods to read text and images from a range of pages.
Additionally, IronPDF offers features like rendering charts, adding barcodes, enhancing security with passwords, watermarking, and handling PDF forms programmatically.
IronPDF is available for free during development, with payment required for commercial use. A free trial of IronPDF is available for production use without payment.
Purchase the full suite of Iron Software's document libraries for the cost of two IronPDF Lite Licenses.
Download IronPDF now to start extracting data from PDFs today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I extract text from a PDF in C#?
You can use IronPDF's ExtractAllText method to extract all text from a PDF document. This method simplifies the process by allowing easy access to the textual content of the PDF.
What is the process to extract images from a PDF using C#?
With IronPDF, you can extract images from a PDF by utilizing the ExtractAllImages method. This method retrieves all embedded images from the PDF file efficiently.
How do I install a PDF manipulation library in a C# project?
To install IronPDF in a C# project, you can use the Package Manager Console with the command Install-Package IronPdf or navigate through the NuGet Package Manager UI in Visual Studio to install the package.
Is it possible to handle encrypted PDFs in C#?
Yes, IronPDF allows you to open and manipulate encrypted PDF files by using the FromFile method, where you can provide the filename and password to access the content.
Can I extract data from specific pages of a PDF in C#?
IronPDF enables you to iterate over each page of a PDF document and use methods like ExtractTextFromPage and ExtractImagesFromPage to extract data from specific pages.
What additional features does the C# PDF library provide?
Besides data extraction, IronPDF offers features such as rendering charts, adding barcodes, enhancing document security with passwords, watermarking, and handling PDF forms programmatically.
How can I convert HTML to PDF in C#?
You can use IronPDF's RenderHtmlAsPdf method to convert HTML strings into PDFs, which is particularly useful for creating PDF documents from web content.
Is there a trial version available for the C# PDF library?
IronPDF is free to use during development, allowing you to test its capabilities. For production use, a commercial license is required, but a free trial is also available.
How can I start using the C# library for data extraction from PDFs?
To begin using IronPDF for data extraction, download the library, create or open a C# project in Visual Studio, install IronPDF, and follow code examples to extract text and images from PDFs efficiently.
.NET 10 compatibility: Can I use IronPDF’s data extraction features with .NET 10?
Yes — IronPDF is fully supported on .NET 10, including its data extraction features like extracting text and images. You can use IronPDF on .NET 10 projects without special configuration. It supports .NET 10, .NET 9, .NET 8, and earlier versions plus .NET Standard and .NET Framework. (ironpdf.com)









