how to import data from image to google sheets

How to Import Data from Image to Google Sheets

Importing data from an image into Google Sheets can be a powerful way to quickly convert printed or digital tables into editable spreadsheet data. This process involves extracting text and data from images using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology and then importing this data into Google Sheets. While Google Sheets does not directly support importing data from images, there are several methods and tools that can be used to accomplish this task.

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Using Microsoft Excel's "Insert Data from Picture" Feature

One indirect method involves using Microsoft Excel's "Insert Data from Picture" feature available on its mobile apps for Android and iOS. This feature allows you to take a photo of a data table and convert it into an editable Excel spreadsheet. Once the data is in Excel, you can then easily import the Excel file into Google Sheets.

1. Open the Excel mobile app and create a new workbook.
2. Tap the "Data from Picture" icon and take a photo of your data table.
3. Review and edit the captured data if necessary, then insert it into your workbook.
4. Save the Excel file and import it into Google Sheets.

Using Online OCR Tools

Several online OCR tools and services can convert images to text or spreadsheet formats, which you can then import into Google Sheets. Nanonets and ExtractTable are examples of such services that offer specialized OCR capabilities to extract table data from images and convert it into Google Sheets-compatible formats.

1. Upload your image to an online OCR tool like Nanonets or ExtractTable.
2. Use the tool's interface to convert the image to a Google Sheets-compatible format (usually CSV or Excel).
3. Download the converted file and import it into Google Sheets.

These tools may require you to sign up for an account or purchase credits to use their services. They also offer APIs for integrating OCR capabilities into custom applications.

Using Google Workspace Marketplace Add-ons

Google Workspace Marketplace offers add-ons like ExtractTable - Image to Spreadsheet, which can directly import data from images into Google Sheets. These add-ons typically require you to provide an API key from the service provider and may offer limited free trials or paid plans.

1. Install the add-on from the Google Workspace Marketplace.
2. Follow the add-on's instructions to upload your image and extract the data.
3. The add-on will automatically insert the extracted data into your Google Sheets document.

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Regardless of the method you choose, importing data from images into Google Sheets can save time and reduce manual data entry errors. Always review the imported data for accuracy and make any necessary corrections.