PDF Processing

Extract text and tables from native and scanned PDFs using pdfplumber.

4|Updated Dec 23, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/89jobrien/steve --skill pdf-processing-89jobrien
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: PDF Processing
Source: https://github.com/89jobrien/steve/tree/main/steve/skills/pdf-processing
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/89jobrien/steve --skill pdf-processing-89jobrien

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Automates extraction and manipulation of PDF content, including text, tables, and form fields.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Text Extraction: Pulls plain text from PDFs.
  • Table Extraction: Detects and exports tables.
  • Form Handling: References forms.md for form filling guidance.
  • Merging & Splitting: Combines or splits PDFs as needed.

Quick Start

Run the quick start against a sample PDF to extract text and tables.

Frequently Asked Questions about PDF Processing

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I extract text and tables from PDF documents?

Text and table extraction from PDFs pulls plain text and detects tabular data using pdfplumber for content analysis. It applies to native and scanned PDFs, automating data retrieval from reports, invoices, and structured documents without manual copying.

Can I merge and split PDF files programmatically?

PDF merging and splitting combines or divides documents as needed using PyPDF/pypdf. This automates document assembly workflows, combining multiple reports into single files or extracting specific pages for distribution.

Does this work with scanned PDFs and image-based documents?

Yes, PDF processing supports both native and scanned PDFs, extracting text and tables from image-based documents. This enables data recovery from photocopies, faxes, and camera captures where text isn't selectable.

How do I handle form fields in PDF documents?

Form handling references form fields within PDFs using PyPDF/pypdf capabilities. This supports basic form operations and field referencing for automated data population workflows on structured PDF forms.

What's the best approach to automate data extraction from invoices and reports?

Automated extraction combines text and table detection to pull structured data from invoices, reports, and similar documents. Using pdfplumber for content analysis, it reduces manual data entry and enables batch processing of document collections.

When should I use PDF extraction instead of manual copying or CSV exports?

PDF extraction automates workflows when dealing with multiple documents, tabular data requiring preservation, or structured forms needing programmatic processing. It eliminates manual copying errors and scales to large document volumes efficiently.