What is a parsing rule and how do I create one?

What is a parsing rule?

A parsing rule tells Docparser what data to extract from your document.

For example:

• Invoice date
• Total amount
• Line items in a table

In most cases, you’ll create one parsing rule per field you want to extract.

How parsing rules work (simple view)

Each rule follows the same basic idea:

1. Choose what kind of data you want
2. Show Docparser where to find it
3. (Optional) clean up the result

That’s it.

Step-by-step: Creating a parsing rule

Step 1: Click to Create First Parsing Rule or Add Parsing Rule

Step 2: Choose a Preset

Select a preset that matches your data. If you are parsing a single line of data (such as an invoice number) then presets like the Text Fixed Position and Text Variable Position are great. If you need a table try the Table Data. 

Docparser will suggest options based on your document type, such as:

• Invoice
• Purchase Order
• Bank Statement

You can also choose:

• Generic presets for flexible extraction
• Advanced presets for more control

💡 Tip Presets are Shortcuts! Presets give the option to create a rule with different functionality or starting filters based on which one you choose. Text Fixed Position (selection area), Text Variable Position (keyword) and Table Data (table) are our go to parsing rules.

Select the data: Click, Keyword, or Table

There are three main ways to extract data, depending on your document - Click to Expand for more information.

💡 Choose How to Extract your Data

🖱️ Click and Drag

Use this when the data appears in the same place on each document. You can click and drag to highlight the area you want to extract. This works best for structured, non-scanned documents with a consistent layout.

🔎 Use a Keyword

Use keyword-based parsing when the value may move around but has a label nearby, such as Invoice Number, Total, or Date. Docparser can find the keyword and extract the related value.

📊 Use a Table Rule

Use a table rule when your document contains repeating rows such as line items, transactions, or lists of entries. This is the best option for extracting multiple rows of structured data from the same area.

Which one should you use?

• Same position every time → Click and Drag with a Text Fixed Position
• Label next to the value → Type or Copy a keyword with the Text Variable Position
• Multiple repeating rows → Table rule with a Table Data or Line Items preset
• Something else? → Docparser has dozens of presets available

Some advanced rules can extract data without needing a fixed position, depending on the preset you choose.

💡 Tip Text or Table Filters? There are two main types: Single value rules (e.g. date, total, reference number) Table rules (e.g. line items, rows, repeating data)

Refine your results

If needed, you can improve your extracted data using filters.

For example:

• Clean up unwanted text
• Format dates or numbers
• Extract only part of a value

This step is optional and only needed if your results need adjusting. We have an entire section on filters that can be used to help you extract only the data you need.

See it in action

Watch the screencast below to see how to create your first parsing rule step by step.

Need help?

If you get stuck, our support team is always happy to help you set things up.

✔ Next Up Export your Data On the following page you'll learn how to download your data or send that data to a service such as Google Sheets 👉Click to Proceed