How to Convert a Picture of a Table into Excel Data

Step-by-step

Got a table only as a printout or a screenshot? Instead of retyping it, Excel’s Data from Picture feature uses OCR (optical character recognition) to read the image and turn it into editable cells.

1. Import the picture

Open a new workbook and go to Data > From Picture > Picture From File, then browse to your image. Depending on its size, Excel may take a moment to process it.

2. Review what Excel read

When it’s done, click Review. Excel flags cells it isn’t sure about. Click a flagged cell, correct the text if needed (in the video, “Components” was read with a stray space and a capital S) and click Accept.

Excel does a good job, but it isn’t infallible. Some errors are subtle and some may not be flagged at all, so check the important values yourself.

3. Insert the data

Click Insert Data. If you haven’t reviewed every flagged cell, Excel warns you; you can insert anyway and fix things in the sheet.

4. Tidy up

OCR won’t always put everything in exactly the right cells, so make any manual adjustments. It’s still far faster than typing it all in.

5. Run a spell check

As a final safety net, go to Review > Spelling to catch anything the review step missed.

Go further

My Excel Tips & Shortcuts: 100+ Powerful Hacks course collects a hundred time-saving techniques like this one.