The Difference Between Document Parsing and Data Extraction

"Can you parse this document?"

"Can you extract data from this document?"

Are these the same thing? No.

Document Parsing = Structure

Parsing means converting a document into a structured format.

Input: A PDF invoice (unstructured). Output: JSON with sections identified.

{
  "header": {...},
  "line_items": [...],
  "footer": {...}
}

Parsing understands layout, but doesn't extract specific values.

Data Extraction = Values

Extraction means pulling specific data points from a document.

Input: A PDF invoice. Output: Specific fields.

{
  "invoice_number": "12345",
  "total": "$500.00",
  "date": "2025-01-15"
}

Extraction finds values, often after parsing.

Why the Difference Matters

If you just need structure (e.g., "Give me all the sections"), use a parser.

If you need values (e.g., "What's the invoice total?"), use an extractor.

Most projects need both:

1. Parse the document (identify sections).
2. Extract specific fields (invoice number, total, etc.).

Tools for Each

Parsing:

• pypdf (Python)
• pdfplumber

Extraction:

• Google Document AI
• AWS Textract
• Regex (for structured text)

Conclusion

• Parsing = "What is this document made of?"
• Extraction = "What are the values I care about?"

Know the difference. Use the right tool.