Skip to main content
Glama
pdfdotco

PDF.co MCP Server

Official
by pdfdotco
OverviewSchemaSourceRelated ServersDiscussionsAdmin
Python
Remote

pdf_to_xlsx

Convert PDFs and scanned images to XLSX (Excel) files, extracting tables and text with OCR for spreadsheet editing and analysis.

Instructions

Convert PDF and scanned images to XLSX (Excel 2007+) format.
Ref: https://developer.pdf.co/api/pdf-to-excel/xlsx.md

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
urlYesURL to the source file. Supports publicly accessible links including Google Drive, Dropbox, PDF.co Built-In Files Storage. Use 'upload_file' tool to upload local files.
langNoLanguage for OCR for scanned documents. Default is 'eng'. See PDF.co docs for supported languages. (Optional, Default: 'eng')eng
nameNoFile name for the generated output. (Optional)
rectNoDefines coordinates for extraction (e.g., '51.8,114.8,235.5,204.0'). (Optional)
pagesNoComma-separated page indices (e.g., '0, 1, 2-' or '1, 3-7'). Use '!' for inverted page numbers (e.g., '!0' for last page). Processes all pages if None. (Optional)
unwrapNoUnwrap lines into a single line within table cells when lineGrouping is enabled. Must be true or false. (Optional)
api_keyNoPDF.co API key. If not provided, will use X_API_KEY environment variable. (Optional)
passwordNoPassword of the PDF file. (Optional)
profilesNoExtra engine options for this endpoint as a JSON object encoded in a string. The options differ per endpoint; see https://developer.pdf.co/api/profiles. (Optional)
expirationNoLifetime of the output link in minutes; the output file is deleted afterwards. API default is 60; the maximum depends on the plan. (Optional)
httppasswordNoHTTP auth password if required to access source url. (Optional)
httpusernameNoHTTP auth user name if required to access source url. (Optional)
line_groupingNoEnables line grouping within table cells when set to '1'. (Optional)0

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. Changed2 schema fields changedv0.0.11
    • addedInput schema / properties / expiration
      Added value: +{
+  "anyOf": [
+    {
+      "type": "integer"
+    },
+    {
+      "type": "null"
+    }
+  ],
+  "default": null,
+  "description": "Lifetime of the output link in minutes; the output file is deleted afterwards. API default is 60; the maximum depends on the plan. (Optional)",
+  "title": "Expiration"
+}
    • addedInput schema / properties / profiles
      Added value: +{
+  "default": "",
+  "description": "Extra engine options for this endpoint as a JSON object encoded in a string. The options differ per endpoint; see https://developer.pdf.co/api/profiles. (Optional)",
+  "title": "Profiles",
+  "type": "string"
+}
  2. First observed

TDQS

C2.9/5.0
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full behavioral burden and discloses almost nothing. It does not say whether the call is synchronous, what it returns (a download link?), how long that link lives (the expiration param implies deletion), or that OCR is applied to scanned input. The external doc reference helps slightly but isn't self-contained.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Two short lines with the capability stated first and a documentation pointer second — no filler. It is arguably too terse for a 13-parameter conversion tool, but it is well front-loaded and wastes nothing.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness2/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a 13-parameter conversion tool with no annotations and no output schema, the description omits what an agent most needs: the return value shape and whether the result is a job or a direct link. Ambiguity with pdf_to_xls is also left unresolved, so the definition is incomplete relative to the tool's complexity.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100% across 13 parameters, so the schema already explains url, lang, rect, pages, unwrap, line_grouping, and expiration. The description adds no extra semantic detail on any parameter, so the baseline of 3 applies.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose4/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

States a specific verb ('Convert'), concrete sources (PDF and scanned images), and a concrete output format (XLSX/Excel 2007+). However it does nothing to distinguish itself from the sibling pdf_to_xls, which an agent could easily mistake for the same operation, so it stops short of a 5.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

There is no guidance on when to use this tool versus pdf_to_xls, pdf_to_csv, or other conversions, and no mention of prerequisites such as supplying an API key or uploading local files first. The only usage hint lives in the schema's url description ('Use upload_file tool to upload local files'), not in the description itself.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

Deploy Server

Other Tools