How to import data from a PDF / Word Document embedded in the Excel file as a source to power BI?

[Madhumitha_V]

Hi All,

The source for my Report is an Excel spreedsheet where in one of the columns, I have an embedded PDF / Word document. How can I import that PDF / Word document as an another source in the same report ? 

Is there any way or solution to implement this in power BI ?

Column with embedded PDF and Word documents in an Excel file

Please share your thoughts on this.

Any pointers on this would be of great help!

Thankyou in advance !!

[Madhumitha_V]

Thankyou in advance !!

[OwenAuger · Accepted solution]

Hi @Madhumitha_V , 

Yes you can do this. I just tested a small example at my end.

You can treat an .xlsx file as a zip file containing the embedded files.

The steps I followed are:

1. Use a function to "decompress" the contents of your .xlsx file. I used the function posted here:
   http://sql10.blogspot.com/2016/06/reading-zip-files-in-powerquery-m.html
2. After invoking the function above, you get a table listing the files contained in the .xlsx file. The embedded files are under xl/embeddings.
   Here's my example, with the .docx file being the Word document, and the .bin file actually being a PDF.
   
3. You can then click on the Binary items and transform them as you would the binary content of a standalone file.

Hopefully you can get this working in your case. Please post back if needed or if you would like a sample PBIX.

Regards,

Owen

[Madhumitha_V]

Hi @OwenAuger, Thanks for the solution. It worked in my case too.