PDF Parsing Issues

PDF parsing is more complex than CSV. Here are solutions to common issues.

Timeout error

Cause: The PDF took too long to process (over 60 seconds).

Fixes:

• Try uploading again — server load varies
• If the PDF has many pages, try splitting it into smaller files
• Use CSV format instead if your bank offers it (faster and more reliable)

"No transactions found"

Cause: The parser couldn't locate transaction data.

Fixes:

• Make sure this is a real bank statement PDF (not a screenshot or photo)
• Check that the PDF contains selectable text (try highlighting text in a PDF viewer)
• Scanned or image-based PDFs need OCR first — GigBooks doesn't support OCR
• The built-in parser may not support your specific statement layout — try allowing AI extraction

"Unsupported bank"

Cause: No built-in parser matches your statement.

Fixes:

• Allow AI extraction when prompted — it works with most formats
• Or export as CSV from your bank's website instead

Password-protected PDF

Cause: The PDF requires a password to open.

Fixes:

• Remove the password protection first using a PDF tool
• Most bank PDFs use your date of birth or last 4 digits of your account number as the password
• Upload the unlocked version

Incorrect amounts

Cause: The parser may have misread some numbers.

Fixes:

• Compare the total in GigBooks against your statement's summary
• Spot-check individual transactions in the Review tab
• Report persistent issues to support@gigbooks.ca