Why is my bill not parsing correctly?

If your bill isn't parsing as expected, it usually means Sledge couldn't confidently extract key details like line items, totals, or vendor information. This can happen for a few common reasons. Below is how to quickly identify the issue and fix it.

Common Causes

Parsing issues typically happen when:

The document quality is low

Blurry scans, low resolution images, or poor lighting can make text hard to read.

The format is inconsistent

Unusual layouts, handwritten notes, or non-standard invoice formats can confuse extraction.

The file type isn't ideal

Images or PDFs that are flattened (no text layer) are harder to process than clean digital PDFs.

Missing or unclear data

If key fields like totals or vendor names aren't clearly labeled, they may not be detected.

How to fix it

Try these steps:

Upload a clearer version

  • Use a high-quality PDF when possible
  • Avoid screenshots or compressed images

Check the document layout

  • Make sure totals, dates, and vendor info are clearly visible
  • Avoid cropped or cut-off sections

Re-upload the file

Small changes in quality or format can improve results.

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Why is my bill not parsing correctly? | Troubleshooting | Sledge