# Parsley

> AI document parser that transforms PDFs or images into structured JSON or CSV data

- **Year**: 2025
- **Links**: [GitHub](https://github.com/bgwastu/parsley), [Try Parsley](https://parsley.wastu.net)

I used to build custom OCR systems for every document type I needed to parse. Bank statements were especially tedious: hardcoded pixel positions, regex patterns for each bank's format, and brittle parsing logic that broke with every minor PDF template change. Then I'd need similar setups for invoices, receipts, forms.

## The solution

Rather than keep fighting with OCR, I built Parsley with LLMs. It understands the content directly and structures it as needed. If you ask for "customer name" it finds it, whether it's labeled "Bill To:", "Customer:", or hidden in a paragraph. No hardcoded positions or regex.

Your API keys are used directly in the web app, so documents go straight to Google or OpenRouter. I can't access them. Everything stays stateless.

## Features

- Custom schemas (define your own structure, or let AI generate it)
- Supports PDF (including password-protected) and images (PNG, JPEG, WebP)
- Multiple AI providers (Google Gemini, OpenRouter, your own keys)
- Demo mode with rate-limited free tier (no API key needed)
- Export as JSON or CSV
- API works with n8n, Zapier, or other automation tools

## How I use it

I run invoices through Parsley in n8n, extract the needed data, and send it straight to my accounting spreadsheet. Same approach for bank statements, receipts, forms, any document where I want structured data fast.