How to Convert PDFs to JSON

PDFs are a common file format for business documents used across industries to store, share, and present information. However, extracting specific data from PDFs for use in other programs or workflows can be challenging. Document conversion solves this by transforming static PDFs into more accessible formats that are easier to process and integrate.

Among the many export formats out there, JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) has become the industry standard for structuring and exchanging data. But here’s the challenge: converting thousands of unstructured PDFs such as invoices, contracts, or forms takes more than just a basic converter. You need AI-powered Intelligent Document Processing (IDP). By combining advanced OCR with Large Language Models (LLMs), you can transform even the most complex document layouts into structured JSON schemas in seconds. And unlike generic online tools, enterprise-grade IDP ensures strict data security and compliance every step of the way.

So, if you need to process and utilize data from PDFs in other programs or workflows, converting them to JSON is often the best approach. But how can you convert PDF to JSON efficiently? In this blog, we’ll cover methods ranging from free tools for basic conversions to advanced OCR-powered solutions.

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Key Takeaways

• PDFs can be a bottleneck for data‑driven businesses: Their static structure makes automated data capture difficult, slowing down processes.
• JSON is the standard for structured data output: It is ideal for integration into APIs, databases, and automated workflows.
• Free converters have limitations: They offer no batch processing, struggle with unstructured data, and pose significant security risks.
• AI‑powered Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) is the solution: With OCR and Large Language Models (LLMs), even complex layouts can be transformed in seconds into clean, structured JSON schemas.
• Seamless integration: The output can be instantly transferred into ERP systems, accounting software, or cloud storage.
• Maximum data security: Fully GDPR compliant, ISO certified, and processed regionally, with no data ever used to train external AI models.

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Free Tools for PDF to JSON Conversion

If you only need to convert a handful of simple PDF files, standard online converters can be a good starting point. Tools such as ILovePDF, Vertopal, ComPDFKit, and PDFFiller are useful for occasional one-off conversions where the document has a standardized layout and no complex formatting.

For professional workflows, however, these basic tools fall short in three critical areas:

• No batch processing: Most standard converters require you to upload files one by one through the browser. This becomes a major bottleneck when your business needs to process hundreds or even thousands of documents at the same time.
• Low accuracy with unstructured data: Without advanced OCR technology and AI-powered Large Language Models (LLMs), simple tools struggle to recognize scanned documents, skewed images, or complex nested tables. The result is “dirty data” that must be manually corrected, costing time and resources.
• Data security risks: Free online tools rarely offer the GDPR compliance, ISO certification, or data encryption required for handling sensitive business information. In many cases, uploaded documents are even used to train their models, creating a serious privacy risk.

To convert PDFs quickly, at scale, and securely into JSON, businesses need to go beyond basic file converters and adopt an automated, AI-powered approach.

Challenges with Converting PDF to JSON

When attempting to convert PDFs to JSON at scale, simple online tools pose significant operational risks. While they may work for a single file, scaling these methods creates bottlenecks that impact both speed and security.

Here are the five biggest challenges businesses face:

1. Inaccuracy with unstructured data

Basic converters lack the AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) needed to understand complex, unstructured layouts.

Why it matters: When OCR fails to detect nested tables or skewed text, the generated JSON will contain errors. In automated systems such as APIs or databases, this kind of “dirty data” can cause downstream workflows to break and require hours of manual rework.

2. Manual document uploads instead of bulk processing

Free tools often require users to upload files one by one, which is time-consuming and inefficient for handling large volumes of documents.

Why it matters: For businesses managing high-volume workflows, bulk processing capabilities are crucial for efficiency. Tools that automate and batch-process documents save time and reduce the likelihood of manual errors, enabling teams to focus on higher-value tasks.

3. Professional friction and security risks

Free platforms often rely on intrusive advertising and third-party trackers to remain profitable.

Why it matters: In addition to a poor user experience, such advertisements can also pose security risks (malvertising). For a professional finance or legal team, using ad-supported tools introduces a risk that can compromise workplace integrity.

4. Lack of data sovereignty and privacy

Basic online tools rarely disclose where your data is stored or whether it is used to train public AI models.

Why it matters: For businesses, data security is non-negotiable. Using non-compliant tools can risk violations of GDPR or HIPAA regulations. Professional solutions ensure that your data is encrypted, processed on secure servers, and never shared or used for model training.

5. Static outputs vs. dynamic JSON schemas

Free tools often deliver a “one-size-fits-all” conversion that rarely provides the structure modern software needs.

Why it matters: To integrate data effectively, you need a custom JSON schema that matches your specific database fields exactly. Standard tools do not offer the flexibility to map data points, apply data masking, or set up integrations via webhooks (such as Zapier or Make).

By addressing these potential issues, you can ensure that your data remains protected and is transferred accurately. However, if you need to convert PDF files to JSON in large volumes, prioritize data security, and require precise data for decision-making, document management software is the right solution.

With software like Doxis AI.dp, your business can optimize secure and reliable file conversion workflows. Curious how it works? Keep reading!

How to Convert PDF to JSON with Doxis AI.dp

Doxis AI.dp is an Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) platform that enables you to automate all of your document workflows, including converting PDF files into JSON. And the best part? You can try it for free!

Let’s walk through the process step by step.

Would you to see it in action? Then check out our detailed tutorial that explains exactly how the process works with our platform.

Step 1: Sign up on the platform

To get started, sign up for free on the AI.dp platform by entering your email address and password. After that, you’ll need to provide some basic details, such as your full name, company name, intended use case, and document volume. Once registered, you’ll receive €25 in free credits to explore the platform’s features and capabilities.

After signing up, create an organization within the platform and set up your first project to access the available services. If your goal is, for instance, to convert PDF invoices into JSON, simply enable the Financial Model and the Flow Builder services. With this setup, you’re ready to begin your document processing journey!

Step 2: Create a preset

The next step in converting your PDF invoices into JSON is to create a document-capturing preset. A preset is a custom configuration that defines which data fields to extract from your documents, tailored to your specific needs.

Setting up a preset is straightforward. Begin by clicking on the Financial Model within the AI.dp platform. From there, create a new preset and give it a name: let’s call it “PDF to JSON”. This preset will serve as the foundation for your data extraction workflow.

Next, select the components you wish to include. For this example, choose “financial“, which contains commonly used financial fields like supplier details, amounts, VAT information, and more. Additionally, enable the “line items” component to extract detailed data such as purchased products and quantities from your invoices.

Once you’ve configured the preset to suit your requirements, click “Save” to finalize your settings. With your custom preset in place, you’re now ready to proceed to the next step: building your flow for automated data extraction.

Step 3: Building your flow in the Flow Builder

Now that your preset is ready, it’s time to create a flow in the Flow Builder to automate the conversion process. A flow is essentially a sequence of steps that define how your PDF invoices are processed and converted into JSON.

Start by navigating to the Dashboard and clicking on Flow Builder and then New Flow. Choose the From Scratch option to build your flow from the ground up. The first step is to select a trigger, a condition that initiates the process. This could be a new file uploaded to Google Drive, an email attachment, or an event in your database.

For this example, let’s use Google Drive as the trigger. Select New File, connect your Google account, and choose the parent folder where your invoices are stored. Make sure to check the box for Include File Content, which ensures the system processes the file’s data.

Test this step by clicking on Load Sample Data: remember to have at least one sample document in your input folder while setting up your flow. Test this step by clicking on Load Sample Data: remember to have at least one sample document in your input folder while setting up your flow.

Next, it’s time to extract data from your PDF invoices. Add another step, scroll until you see Doxis AI.dp, and select a Document Capture model. This step involves choosing the document type you’re working with. Since we’re processing invoices, select Financial Document Capture. Connect it to AI.dp and choose the preset you created in Step 2.

Then, configure the File or URL field by selecting New File and inserting the file content. Use the data selector to define the content to be processed and run a test to ensure everything is working correctly. Once the test is successful, you’re ready to move on to the next step: setting up your output destination.

Step 4: Set Up the Output Destination

With your flow taking shape, the final step is to configure where the processed data will be sent. AI.dp allows you to store the extracted JSON data in cloud storage, integrate it with an ERP system, or send it to an accounting platform like QuickBooks or Xero. For this example, let’s use Google Drive as the output destination and then click on Create New File.

Connect your Google account and specify the file name. To make the file easily identifiable, let’s name it using the invoice number. In the data selector, navigate to Document Capture → Components → Financial and insert the invoice number field. Make sure to append .json to the folder name by clicking on it and typing it in there to save it as a JSON file.

Next, choose the content to include in the JSON file. Select all data captured by your preset by navigating to Document Capture: Financial Document and inserting the Components. Test this step to ensure the JSON file is created correctly with all the required data.

Finally, test the entire flow to confirm everything is functioning as expected. And that’s it! Your automated flow for converting PDF invoices to JSON is complete. 

Now, it’s your turn to try creating a flow tailored to your specific use case. If you need help, check out our documentation or video tutorials for additional guidance.

Automate PDF to JSON Conversion with Doxis

Looking to simplify your PDF to JSON conversion? Doxis AI.dp is here to make the process effortless and efficient.

Doxis AI.dp is a powerful automated document processing platform. It retrieves PDFs from your chosen input source, extracts the necessary data, and converts it into structured JSON files. The processed JSON is then forwarded to your desired destination—all without any manual effort.

While free tools may seem convenient, Doxis AI.dp provides the complete solution for businesses that need more than just basic functionality. Here’s why Doxis stands out:

• Advanced OCR Technology: Extract data with precision, even from scanned or complex PDF layouts.
• Customizable Outputs: Tailor your JSON files to meet specific requirements seamlessly.
• Scalable and Secure: Process thousands of files efficiently while ensuring data security.
• Seamless Integration: Connect with APIs, cloud storage, and existing systems effortlessly.

Free tools may work for occasional use but often struggle with scalability, accuracy, and customization. Doxis AI.dp eliminates these limitations, providing a reliable and advanced solution for businesses of any size.

With clear documentation and an easy setup process, implementing Doxis is simple. Beyond ease of use, it helps save costs, improve workflows, and speed up processing times, boosting productivity and business outcomes.

Take the next step to optimize your workflows. Contact our team for more information or book a free demo today to see Doxis AI.dp in action!

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