1. The Three Modes Explained
Auto adapts the column-gap threshold per line using average whitespace — best default. Lines uses a tight Y tolerance (2px) for ruled tables where rows are crisp. Spaced widens column splitting for borderless reports where alignment comes only from spaces.
2. When Each Mode Wins
- Invoices & statements (ruled): Lines — keeps Debit/Credit from merging.
- Research & survey reports (no rules): Spaced — respects wide gutters between columns.
- Mixed PDFs (text + tables): Auto — per-line adaptive thresholds handle both.
3. Fixing Merged Columns Fast
If two columns merged, re-run with the next mode before manual cleanup — mode switching is one click and usually fixes it. If one stubborn column persists, use Excel Flash Fill (Ctrl+E) on 2–3 examples to split it in seconds rather than retyping.
