Step by step instructions

1. Open Command Prompt: Press the Windows Key, type cmd, and press Enter.

2. Check for Python: Type the following command and press Enter:

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   python --version

3. If Python is already installed, you will see something simiar to: Python 3.14.0

   

4. If Python is not installed, you will likely see the message: 'python' is not recognized as an internal or external command

   

5. Check pip (Package Manager): You should also check the version of pip, Python's package installer, which is installed alongside Python:

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   pip --version

6. If pip is already installed, you will see something simiar to: pip 25.2 from...

   

7. If pip is not installed, you will likely see the message: 'pip' is not recognized as an internal or external command

   

Visual steps

Step by step instructions

Download the Installer

1. Go to the Official Python Website: Navigate to the Python Downloads page for Windows. E.g. https://www.python.org/downloads/windows/

2. Select the Latest Stable Version: In our example, it was the Windows Installer (64-bit).

3. Download the Installer: Click the appropriate Windows installer link for your system (usually 64-bit is recommended for modern PCs). This downloads an executable file (.exe).

Run the Installer and Enable PATH

1. Run the Executable: Double-click the downloaded Python installer file (e.g., python-3.x.x-amd64.exe).

2. Crucial Step - Enable PATH: On the very first installation screen, BEFORE clicking "Install Now" or "Customize installation," ensure you check the box at the bottom that says "Add python.exe to PATH". This step is vital as it allows you to run Python and its package manager, pip, from any command prompt window.

3. Choose Installation Type:

   • For a simple, default installation with common features, click "Install Now" (recommended for beginners).

   • Alternatively, you can click "Customize installation" to select specific features or change the installation location, but ensure "Add python.exe to PATH" remains checked.

4. Complete Installation: Allow the installation process to finish. Once complete, you should see a "Setup was successful" message.

Verify the Installation and PATH Update

1. Open the Command Prompt: Click the Start menu, type cmd, and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.

2. Check Python Version: In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:

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   python --version

   If the installation and the PATH update were successful, you'll see the installed Python version (e.g., Python 3.14.0).

3. Check pip (Package Manager): You should also check the version of pip, Python's package installer, which is installed alongside Python:

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   pip --version

   If you see a version number for pip, your installation is complete and ready to use!

NOTE:

Visual steps

Step by step instructions

1. Open Command Prompt: Press the Windows Key, type cmd, and press Enter.

2. Install the libraries: Type the following command and press Enter:

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   pip install pyautogui pyperclip pypdf fpdf2 requests

NOTE: This is only required if you want to use a more advanced text editor for your scripting. For completing these activities, the default Notepad application (which should already be installed on your system) will be more than sufficient.

Visual steps

1. Download the zip archive containing 10 sample PDF invoice documents:
   
   Download

2. Extract the 10 invoices from the zip file directly into your Downloads folder.

1. Create the script file:

   • Open Notepad (or your text editor).

   • Copy and paste the full Python script code into the blank document.

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     import os
     from pypdf import PdfReader
     import csv
     
     all_invoice_data = [["COMPANY","ADDRESS","PHONE","EMAIL","INVOICE_NO","TOTAL"]]
     SEARCH_LABELS = ["Company:","Address:","Phone:","Email:","Invoice No.","TOTAL"]
     for filename in os.listdir('.'):
         if filename.lower().endswith(".pdf") and 'SBS Invoice' in filename:
             pdf_reader = PdfReader(filename)
             page_text = pdf_reader.pages[0].extract_text()
                     
             invoice_values=[]
             for label in SEARCH_LABELS:
                 start_index = page_text.find(label)
                 extraction_start = start_index + len(label)
                 break_index = page_text.find("\n", extraction_start)
                 invoice_values.append(page_text[extraction_start:break_index].strip())
                 
             all_invoice_data.append(invoice_values)
             
     with open('output_sbs_invoice_data.csv', 'w', newline='', encoding='utf-8') as csv_file:
         csv_writer = csv.writer(csv_file, delimiter=',')
         csv_writer.writerows(all_invoice_data)        
         print("File output_sbs_invoice_data.csv was generated in the current directory.")
     

   • Go to File -> Save As...

   • Navigate to your Downloads folder.

   • Set the "Save as type" to All Files (*.*).

   • Save the file exactly as check_pdfs.py.

Before running the script, try extracting the required data from the 10 PDF invoices yourself and compiling it into a spreadsheet. This will establish a baseline to compare against the script's speed.

We want to extract the below data points from each of the files:

1. Open Command Prompt: Press the Windows Key, type cmd, and press Enter.

2. Navigate to your files: Type the following command and press Enter to move to the folder where your files are:

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   cd %userprofile%/downloads

3. Execute the script: Run the automation by typing the command below and pressing Enter:

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   python check_pdfs.py

4. The Command Prompt should print: "File output_sbs_invoice_data.csv was generated in the current directory."

1. Go to your Downloads folder.

2. Find and open the new file, output_sbs_invoice_data.csv, in Excel or a similar program.

3. Observe the result: All the invoice data from the 10 PDFs has been extracted and organised for you instantly!

You'll see that the script instantly extracted all the required data! Compare this to your manual effort—imagine the time saved and the complete elimination of copy/paste errors as the number of invoices grows.

1. Click the link below to download the data file.
   
   Download

2. Ensure the downloaded file is present in your Downloads folder.

1. Create the script file:

   • Open Notepad (or your text editor).

   • Copy and paste the full Python script code into the blank document.

     ⎘ Copy

     import pyperclip
     import csv
     import pyautogui
     import time
     
     print("Script paused until you click in the 'Company' data entry field on the mock CRM form.")
     while True:
         check=pyperclip.paste()
         if check=="ready_to_go":
             pyperclip.copy(' ')
             break
     
     chooser_x, chooser_y = pyautogui.position()
     
     with open('input_form_data.csv', 'r', newline='') as csv_file:
         csv_reader=csv.reader(csv_file)
         next(csv_reader)
         start=time.time()
         for data_row in csv_reader:
             input_data=[]
             input_data.append(data_row[0])
             input_data.append(data_row[2].split(",")[0])
             input_data.append(data_row[2].split(",")[1].strip().split(" ")[0])
             input_data.append(data_row[2].split(",")[1].strip().split(" ")[1])
             input_data.append(data_row[2].split(",")[1].strip().split(" ")[2])
             input_data.append(data_row[1].split(" ")[0])
             input_data.append(data_row[1].split(" ")[1])
             input_data.append(data_row[3])
             input_data.append(data_row[4])
             
             pyautogui.write(input_data[0])        
             for data_item in input_data[1:]:    
                 pyautogui.press(['tab'])
                 pyautogui.write(data_item)     
             
             pyautogui.press(['tab'])        
             pyautogui.press(['enter'])
             
             pyautogui.click(x=chooser_x, y=chooser_y)
         
         pyperclip.copy(' ')    
         print("Automation Complete. Total time: {} seconds.".format(int(time.time()-start)))
     

   • Go to File -> Save As...

   • Navigate to your Downloads folder.

   • Set the "Save as type" to All Files (*.*).

   • Save the file exactly as form_data.py.

Before running the script, manually enter the data from the form_data.csv file (downloaded in Step 1) into the mock CRM form at the bottom of this page to establish a baseline for comparison with the script's speed.

1. Open Command Prompt: Press the Windows Key, type cmd, and press Enter.

2. Navigate to your files: Type the following command and press Enter to move to the folder where your files are:

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   cd %userprofile%/downloads

3. Execute the script: Run the automation by typing the command below and pressing Enter:

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   python form_data.py

4. The script will pause until you click into the 'Company' data entry box in the mock CRM form at the bottom of the page.

   ⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING

   The script is designed to take control of your keyboard and mouse. It will start typing and clicking immediately after you click the first form field. Do not touch your keyboard or mouse until the script is finished (it will enter 10 records in total)!

   If anything goes wrong, or you need to stop it immediately, simply move your mouse cursor to the very top-left corner of your screen. This is a built-in "emergency stop" for the script.

   Go to form

5. The script will stop automatically after submitting our 10 sample records.

1. Watch as the script automatically enters all the data records into the form one by one. It will be incredibly fast!

2. When the script is finished, it will stop typing, and you should see a message in the Command Prompt should print Automation Complete. Total time: x seconds..

Congratulations! You've just performed your first automated data entry job, saving a lot of time and ensuring perfect accuracy!

1. Download the csv file contaning the receipt data and the company logo for diaplying on the receipts.
   
   Download Data

   
   Download Logo

1. Create the script file:

   • Open Notepad (or your text editor).

   • Copy and paste the full Python script code into the blank document.

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     from fpdf import FPDF
     from fpdf.enums import XPos, YPos
     from fpdf.fonts import FontFace
     import csv
     from datetime import date
     
     with open('input_pdf_receipt_data.csv', 'r', newline='') as csv_file:
         csv_reader = csv.reader(csv_file)
         next(csv_reader)
         for data_row in csv_reader:
             pdf = FPDF()
             pdf.add_page()
             pdf.set_font("helvetica", size=20)
     
             pdf.set_fill_color('#1C2A38')
             pdf.rect(0, 0, pdf.w, pdf.h/8, style="F")
             pdf.set_fill_color(255,255,255)
     
             pdf.image("sbs_logo.png", w=50)
     
             pdf.set_text_color(255, 255, 255)
             pdf.set_xy(60,pdf.h/16-2)
             pdf.cell(text="Simple Business Services - Tax Receipt")
     
             pdf.set_text_color(0, 0, 0)
             pdf.set_font("helvetica", size=12)
             pdf.ln(30)
             pdf.cell(0, 10, "Receipt No. {}".format(data_row[20]), 0, new_x=XPos.RIGHT, new_y=YPos.TOP, align='R')
             pdf.ln(8)
             pdf.cell(0, 10, "Date: {}".format(date.today().strftime("%d/%m/%Y")), 0, new_x=XPos.RIGHT, new_y=YPos.TOP, align='R')
             pdf.ln(20)
     
             text_with_breaks = "From\nSimple Business Services\n123 Nowhere Rd\nMELBOURNE VIC 3000\nJohn Doe"
             pdf.multi_cell(w=pdf.w/2, h=5, text=text_with_breaks, border=0, new_x=XPos.RIGHT, new_y=YPos.TOP, align="L")
             text_with_breaks = "Bill To\n{}\n{}\n{}".format(data_row[0],"{}\n{}".format(data_row[2].split(",")[0], data_row[2].split(",")[1].strip()), data_row[1])
             pdf.multi_cell(w=pdf.w/2, h=5, text=text_with_breaks, border=0, new_x=XPos.RIGHT, new_y=YPos.NEXT, align="L")
             pdf.ln(20)
     
             blue= (0, 0, 255)
             grey= (235, 235, 235)
     
             with pdf.table(headings_style=FontFace(emphasis="ITALICS", fill_color=grey), borders_layout="SINGLE_TOP_LINE") as table:
                 header_row = table.row()
                 header_row.cell("QTY")
                 header_row.cell("DESCRIPTION")
                 header_row.cell("UNIT PRICE")
                 header_row.cell("AMOUNT")
                 total = 0
                 for i in range(0, 5):
                     item_row = table.row()
                     item_row.cell(data_row[6 + (i * 3)])
                     item_row.cell(data_row[5 + (i * 3)])
                     item_row.cell("${}.00".format(data_row[7 + (i * 3)]))
                     total += int(data_row[6 + (i * 3)]) * int(data_row[7 + (i * 3)])
                     item_row.cell("${}.00".format(str(int(data_row[6 +(i * 3)]) * int(data_row[ 7 + (i * 3)]))))
                     
                 total_row = table.row()
                 total_row.cell('TOTAL', border="TOP")
                 total_row.cell('', border="TOP")
                 total_row.cell('', border="TOP")
                 total_row.cell("${}.00".format(total), border="TOP")
                 bottom_row=table.row()
                 bottom_row.cell('', border="TOP", colspan=4)
     
             pdf.cell(0, 10, 'Thank you for your business!', 0, new_x=XPos.RIGHT, new_y=YPos.TOP, align='R')
             pdf.ln(20)
             pdf.cell(text = "NOTES:")
             pdf.cell(text = "There are no notes for this invoice!")
     
             pdf.output('OUTPUT-RECEIPT-{}-{}.pdf'.format(data_row[20],data_row[0]))
             
     print("10 Sample PDF Receipts were created in the current directory.")        
     
     

   • Go to File -> Save As...

   • Navigate to your Downloads folder.

   • Set the "Save as type" to All Files (*.*).

   • Save the file exactly as pdf_create.py.

Before running the script, try using the data downloaded in Step 1 to create a sample receipt for each customer. This will establish a baseline to compare against the script's speed.

1. Open Command Prompt: Press the Windows Key, type cmd, and press Enter.

2. Navigate to your files: Type the following command and press Enter to move to the folder where your files are:

   ⎘ Copy

   cd %userprofile%/downloads

3. Execute the script: Run the automation by typing the command below and pressing Enter:

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   python pdf_create.py

4. The Command Prompt should print: "10 Sample PDF Receipts were created in the current directory."

1. Go to your Downloads folder.

2. Find and open one of the new PDF Receipts (file names begin with OUTPUT-RECEIPT).

3. Observe the result: All the 10 PDF Receipt files have been created for you instantly!

You'll see that the script instantly populated all the required data! Compare this to your manual effort—imagine the time saved and the complete elimination of copy/paste errors as the number of receipts grows.

1. Download the csv file containing the 10 sample postcodes requiring enrichment:
   
   Download

1. Create the script file:

   • Open Notepad (or your text editor).

   • Copy and paste the full Python script code into the blank document.

     ⎘ Copy

     import requests
     import csv
     
     output_data = [["POSTCODE","SUBURB","STATE","LATITUDE","LONGITUDE"]]
     
     with open('input_postcode_data.csv', 'r', newline='') as csv_file:
         csv_reader=csv.reader(csv_file)
         next(csv_reader)
         for data_row in csv_reader:
     
             postcode = data_row[0]
             url = "http://v0.postcodeapi.com.au/suburbs/{}.json".format(postcode)
     
             response = requests.get(url)
     
             if response.status_code == 200:
                 data = response.json()
                 output_data.append([postcode, data[0]['name'], data[0]['state']['abbreviation'], data[0]['latitude'], data[0]['longitude']])
             else:
                 print(f"Error: {response.status_code} - {response.text}")
             
     with open('output_postcode_data.csv', 'w', newline='', encoding='utf-8') as csv_file:
         csv_writer = csv.writer(csv_file, delimiter=',')
         csv_writer.writerows(output_data)        
         print("File output_postcode_data.csv was generated in the current directory.")
     

   • Go to File -> Save As...

   • Navigate to your Downloads folder.

   • Set the "Save as type" to All Files (*.*).

   • Save the file exactly as api_data.py.

Before running the script, try finding and compiling the enriched postcode data into a spreadsheet. This will establish a baseline to compare against the script's speed.

We want to find and populate the missing data points for the below postcodes:

1. Open Command Prompt: Press the Windows Key, type cmd, and press Enter.

2. Navigate to your files: Type the following command and press Enter to move to the folder where your files are:

   ⎘ Copy

   cd %userprofile%/downloads

3. Execute the script: Run the automation by typing the command below and pressing Enter:

   ⎘ Copy

   python api_data.py

4. The Command Prompt should print: "File output_postcode_data.csv was generated in the current directory."

1. Go to your Downloads folder.

2. Find and open the new file, output_postcode_data.csv, in Excel or a similar program.

3. Observe the result: Enriched data about the postcodes has been retrieved and collated for you instantly!

You'll see that the script instantly pulled all the required data! Compare this to your manual effort—imagine the time saved and the complete elimination of copy/paste errors as the number of data points grows.