Extract Resources from PDF using n8n action
PDF4me Extract Resources extracts text content and embedded images from PDF documents through n8n automation workflows. Process PDFs via n8n triggers, binary data, base64 strings, or public URLs to automatically extract text, images, graphics, and visual elements with page-specific targeting, selective extraction options (text only, images only, or both), and structured output formatting. This solution is ideal for content reuse, image extraction, text analysis, document digitization, content migration, and resource recovery workflows that require accurate content extraction with flexible targeting and seamless integration.
Setup
Add the PDF4me "Extract Resources" node to your n8n workflow and configure the required parameters. For initial setup instructions, see our n8n Integration Guide.
Prerequisites:
- PDF4me API credentials
- n8n workflow access
Configuration:
- Add PDF4me node to workflow
- Select "Extract Resources" action
- Configure input parameters (see below)
Parameters
Complete list of parameters for the Extract Resources action. Configure these parameters to control resource extraction.
Important: Parameters marked with an asterisk (***) are required and must be provided for the action to function correctly.
| Parameter | Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Input Data Type*** | String | PDF Input Format Selection • Choose the format of your PDF data input • PDF4me supports multiple input types • Options: Binary Data, Base64 String, or URL | Binary Data |
| Input Binary Field | Binary | Binary PDF File Input (Required if Binary Data) • Reference PDF file from previous n8n node or file upload • PDF4me processes binary PDF files with automatic format detection • Required when Input Data Type is "Binary Data" | {{ $binary.data }} |
| Base64 PDF Content | String | Base64 Encoded PDF Input (Required if Base64 String) • Provide PDF content as base64 encoded string • PDF4me automatically decodes and processes the PDF content • Required when Input Data Type is "Base64 String" | JVBERi0x... |
| PDF URL | String | Public PDF URL Input (Required if URL) • Provide a public/open permission URL to the PDF file • PDF4me downloads and processes the file from URL • Required when Input Data Type is "URL" | https://abc.com/xyz.pdf |
| Document Name*** | String | Input Filename • Specify the name of the input PDF file • Used for format detection and processing optimization • Must include .pdf extension | document.pdf |
| Extract Text | Boolean | Text Extraction Toggle • Enable or disable text content extraction • When enabled, extracts all readable text content • Preserves formatting information | true |
| Extract Images | Boolean | Image Extraction Toggle • Enable or disable image extraction • When enabled, extracts all embedded images and graphics • Visual elements saved as separate files | true |
Advanced Options
The following parameters are available in the Advanced Options section and are optional:
| Parameter | Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pages | String | Page Range Specification • Define which pages to process for resource extraction • Use "all" for entire document, specific numbers, or ranges • Examples: "1,3,5" (specific pages), "1-5,10-15" (ranges) | all |
| Custom Profiles | String | Custom Configuration Profiles • Set additional options using custom profiles • JSON-like format containing predefined parameters • Enables advanced extraction processing settings • Optional for specialized requirements | { "outputDataFormat": "json" } |
Output
Output Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| fileName | String | PDF4me generated filename - The complete filename of the successfully processed document with proper extension and timestamp. PDF4me ensures unique naming and validates file format compliance for seamless integration with downstream processes | extracted_resources_1756999816629.json |
| mimeType | String | PDF4me MIME type identifier - The standardized MIME type for the extracted content file, typically application/json for structured data or application/zip for multiple files. This ensures proper file handling and recognition across all systems and applications | application/json |
| fileSize | Number | PDF4me file size in bytes - The exact size of the extracted content file in bytes, provided for storage planning, bandwidth optimization, and file transfer monitoring. Essential for enterprise document management and workflow automation | 1945 |
| success | Boolean | PDF4me extraction status indicator - Boolean flag indicating the success or failure of the resource extraction process. Returns true for successful extractions and false for any errors, enabling robust error handling in automated workflows | true |
| message | String | PDF4me extraction status message - Descriptive message indicating the result of the resource extraction process. Provides clear status messages for successful extractions and detailed error information for troubleshooting purposes | Resource extraction completed successfully |
| docName | String | PDF4me original document name reference - The original filename of the input PDF file that was processed. This reference is maintained for audit trails, debugging purposes, and tracking the source of extracted content in enterprise workflows | document.pdf |
N8N Action Response
The PDF4me Extract Resources API returns a response that can be viewed in multiple formats. Choose the view that best fits your needs:
- JSON
- Table
- Schema
- Binary
JSON Response Format
The raw JSON response from the API:
{
"fileName": "extracted_resources_1756999816629.json",
"mimeType": "application/json",
"fileSize": 1945,
"success": true,
"message": "Resource extraction completed successfully",
"docName": "document.pdf"
}
Table View
Response data in a structured table format:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| fileName | extracted_resources_1756999816629.json |
| mimeType | application/json |
| fileSize | 1945 |
| success | true |
| docName | document.pdf |
| message | Resource extraction completed successfully |
Schema View
The data structure and types of the response:
fileName: AB extracted_resources_1756999816629.json
mimeType: AB application/json
fileSize: # 1945
success: ✓ true
docName: AB document.pdf
message: AB Resource extraction completed successfully
Type Indicators:
AB= String#= Number✓= Boolean
Binary Data View
The actual extracted content data and metadata:
data
─────────────────────────────────────────
File Name: extracted_resources_1756999816629.json
File Extension: json
Mime Type: application/json
File Size: 1.9 KB
Use Cases
Content Management Systems: Extract text and images from PDF documents for centralized content repositories, enabling searchable databases of document content.
Data Processing Pipelines: Automatically extract structured data from PDF reports, invoices, and forms for integration with business intelligence tools and analytics platforms.
Document Analysis: Process large volumes of PDF documents to extract specific information for compliance monitoring, research, and automated reporting.
Archive Digitization: Convert legacy PDF archives into searchable, structured data for modern content management and knowledge discovery systems.