7.2.3. Layout Analysis

Layout analysis extracts document structure without field-specific extraction. Use when you need to understand document organization rather than extract specific values.

Layout extracts:

• Text: All text content with reading order
• Tables: Rows, columns, cells with spanning
• Selection marks: Checkboxes, radio buttons (selected/unselected)
• Paragraphs: Text blocks with roles (title, section heading, footnote)

When to use layout vs. pre-built models:

• Layout: Generic document understanding, table extraction, structure analysis
• Pre-built: Specific document types where you need named fields

Layout is the foundation: Custom and pre-built models build on layout analysis. Understanding layout helps you troubleshoot extraction issues.