google sheets

How To Import Data From Picture In Google Sheets

Boost your productivity with Sourcetable's AI spreadsheet assistant. Work like a spreadsheet power user and answer all your questions in seconds.


Jump to

Introduction

Importing data from a picture into Google Sheets can save time and reduce errors. This guide will walk you through the steps to efficiently transfer data from an image to your spreadsheet.

We'll also explore why Sourcetable is a better alternative to using Google Sheets. Instead of dealing with complex functions and tedious manual processes, Sourcetable's AI chatbot lets you create spreadsheets, analyze data, and generate visualizations through simple conversation. Sign up for Sourcetable to instantly answer any spreadsheet question with AI.

google sheets

How to Import Data from Picture to Google Sheets

Bardeen Automation

Bardeen automates the process of importing data from images into Google Sheets. This tool simplifies data extraction, making the process efficient and streamlined.

Using Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Excel's "Insert Data from Picture" feature allows you to take a photo of a data table and convert it into an editable Excel spreadsheet. After inserting data into Excel, you can import the Excel file into Google Sheets.

Online OCR Tools

Online OCR tools like Nanonets and ExtractTable convert images into text or spreadsheet formats, which can then be imported into Google Sheets. These tools offer an indirect way of using Google Sheets OCR to import data.

ExtractTable - Image to Spreadsheet

The ExtractTable - Image to Spreadsheet Add-on from the Google Workspace Marketplace directly imports data from images into Google Sheets. Install the add-on, obtain an API key from ExtractTable.com, and use the add-on to extract table data from an image or clipboard to Google Sheets.

Using Google Docs and FileDrop

Google Docs can extract text from images using the FileDrop add-on, which employs OCR technology. FileDrop supports multiple languages and various image formats, including jpg, jpeg, png, and PDF. It can also handle screenshots and handwritten text.

Additional Methods and Considerations

Google Drive can be used to extract text from images, but the image should be no larger than 2 MB, correctly oriented, and with text at least 10 pixels high. Third-party add-ons like Img to Docs and OCR Text Recognition also provide OCR capabilities for converting images to text in Google Docs.

Reviewing Imported Data

After importing data from images into Google Sheets, it is important to review the data for accuracy to ensure fidelity and correctness.

google sheets
google sheets

Use Cases for Importing Data from Picture to Google Sheets

1. Managing Invoice Data Efficiently

By using ExtractTable or other OCR tools, businesses can quickly extract data from scanned or photographed invoices. This streamlines the process of tracking expenses, enhancing productivity and accuracy in financial record-keeping.

2. Digitizing Text from Print Materials

OCR tools and Google Sheets add-ons like ExtractTable allow educators and researchers to digitize text from books, journals, and other print materials. This minimizes manual data entry and makes large volumes of textual data more manageable and searchable.

3. Automating Data Entry for Receipts

Using ExtractTable's high layout accuracy and character detection, users can automatically import data from receipts into Google Sheets. This is particularly useful for personal finance management and expense tracking for small businesses.

4. Importing Contact Information

OCR tools such as Nanonets help professionals digitize contact information from business cards. This can be seamlessly imported into Google Sheets, enabling efficient contact management and networking.

5. Streamlining Research Data Collection

Researchers can use tools like ExtractTable to convert data tables from research papers and images into Google Sheets. This enhances data analysis capabilities and ensures high accuracy in data compilation.

6. Enhancing Classroom Management

Teachers can employ ExtractTable to manage student data from paper forms more effectively. The data can be quickly imported into Google Sheets for better organization and tracking of student progress.

7. Converting Handwritten Notes

OCR tools assist in converting handwritten notes and images into editable text in Google Sheets. This allows students and professionals to digitize lecture notes or meeting minutes instantly.

8. Extracting Data from Forms

ExtractTable and similar tools can extract and digitize data from various forms, such as surveys or feedback forms. This data can then be imported into Google Sheets for analysis and reporting purposes.

sourcetable

Comparing Google Sheets and Sourcetable

Sourcetable is an AI-first spreadsheet designed to streamline advanced data tasks. Unlike Google Sheets, Sourcetable comes equipped with an AI assistant that writes complex spreadsheet formulas and SQL queries for you. This feature greatly enhances productivity and accuracy in data management.

Another significant advantage of Sourcetable is its seamless integration with over five hundred data sources. This allows you to search and ask any question about your data with ease, making Sourcetable far more versatile than Google Sheets in handling diverse data inputs.

For tasks like importing data from a picture to a spreadsheet, Sourcetable is superior. Instead of manually searching "how to import data from picture to Google Sheets," Sourcetable's AI can automatically interpret and import your data, saving valuable time and reducing errors.

Sourcetable makes advanced spreadsheet tasks accessible to everyone, regardless of their technical background. This democratization of data analysis sets Sourcetable apart from Google Sheets, empowering users to perform complex data manipulations effortlessly.

sourcetable

How to Import Data from a Picture to Sourcetable

  1. Sourcetable's revolutionary AI chatbot makes importing data from pictures effortless. Unlike traditional spreadsheets that require complex functions and manual data entry, Sourcetable lets you simply talk to an AI to handle all your data needs. Whether you're importing from pictures, analyzing data, or creating visualizations, Sourcetable's AI assistant does the heavy lifting. Try Sourcetable today at <a href='https://app.sourcetable.com/signup'>app.sourcetable.com/signup</a> to transform how you work with spreadsheets.
  2. Upload Your Image

  3. Simply tell Sourcetable's AI chatbot that you want to extract data from a picture. The AI will guide you through uploading your image and automatically convert it into structured spreadsheet data.
  4. Analyze and Transform

  5. Once your image data is imported, use natural language commands to analyze, clean, or transform the data. Tell the AI exactly what insights you need, and it will handle the complex calculations and formatting.
  6. Visualize Results

  7. Ask the AI to create stunning visualizations of your imported data. No need to learn chart formatting or complex pivot tables - just describe what you want to see, and Sourcetable's AI will generate the perfect visualization.
  8. Share and Collaborate

  9. Your imported data and analysis can be easily shared with team members. Sourcetable handles files of any size and makes collaboration seamless through its AI-powered interface.
google sheets

Frequently Asked Questions

What tools can be used to import data from images into Google Sheets?

You can use OCR tools like Nanonets and ExtractTable, Microsoft Excel's 'Insert Data from Picture' feature, and Google Workspace Marketplace add-ons such as ExtractTable - Image to Spreadsheet, and OCR Recognition for docs, spreadsheets, PDF.

How do online OCR tools help in importing data into Google Sheets?

Online OCR tools convert images to text or spreadsheet formats. You upload your image to the tool, convert the image to a Google Sheets-compatible format, download the converted file, and import it into Google Sheets.

What is ExtractTable, and how does it work with Google Sheets?

ExtractTable is an add-on for Google Sheets that extracts structured table data from an image or clipboard, maintaining high layout and character detection accuracy. It can directly insert the extracted data into your Google Sheets document by following the add-on's instructions.

What types of files does Img to Docs - Image OCR support?

Img to Docs - Image OCR supports PNG, JPG, BMP, and PMB files, and allows users to convert images to text in Google Docs using OCR.

Can OCR Recognition add-on convert handwritten text to Google Sheets?

Yes, the OCR Recognition for docs, spreadsheets, PDF add-on can convert handwriting to text as well as extracting text from PDFs, forms, and images directly to Google Sheets.

What are the benefits of using ExtractTable for data import to Google Sheets?

ExtractTable offers high layout accuracy and character detection when extracting structured table data from images or clipboard to Google Sheets. It works with both bordered and borderless tables and requires only write access to the active spreadsheet.

How do you install and use the ExtractTable add-on in Google Sheets?

You install the ExtractTable add-on from the Google Workspace Marketplace. After installation, you follow the add-on's instructions to upload your image and extract the data, which will be automatically inserted into your Google Sheets document.

Conclusion

While importing data from pictures to Google Sheets requires multiple steps and technical knowledge, there's a simpler solution.

Sourcetable is an AI spreadsheet that lets you create, analyze, and visualize data through natural conversation with an AI chatbot.

Simply upload your files of any size and tell Sourcetable's AI what you want to analyze - no complex formulas or features required.

Sign up for Sourcetable today to instantly answer any spreadsheet question with AI.



Sourcetable Logo

Work smarter, not harder

Boost your productivity with Sourcetable's AI spreadsheet assistant. Answer all your questions about spreadsheets in seconds. Try for free to get started.

Drop CSV