Convert Text Columns to CSV
Quickly convert text columns to a CSV file. Runs entirely in your browser, so your data never leaves your device.
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Output
The result appears here as you type.
How to use Convert Text Columns to CSV
- 1. Paste the aligned text. Drop the space-padded table into the input pane, for example output from a CLI tool, a log file or a README. Each line should represent one record with columns aligned by spaces.
- 2. Choose the split rule. Columns are separated by controls parsing. Pick 'Two or more spaces / a tab' when values may contain single spaces, like 'Ada Lovelace'. Pick 'Any whitespace' for dense output where every gap is a separator.
- 3. Copy the CSV. Copy the comma-separated result and load it into a spreadsheet or script. Check a row with multi-word values first; if it split wrong, switch the separator rule and the output reparses instantly.
When to use Convert Text Columns to CSV
Convert Text Columns to CSV reverses pretty-printing. Tools like ps, kubectl, docker ps and df print aligned columns that are pleasant to read but painful to process. Pasting that output here turns it back into structured CSV, with a separator rule that keeps multi-word values in one piece.
- Capturing kubectl or docker output. You ran kubectl get pods and want the table in a spreadsheet for an incident review. Paste the terminal output, use the two-or-more-spaces rule, and the STATUS column survives intact.
- Parsing a fixed-width report. A nightly batch job emits space-padded reports with no delimiter in sight. Converting them to CSV lets your Python script use the csv module instead of counting character offsets.
- Extracting tables from documentation. A README or man page contains an aligned table of flags and defaults. Turn it into CSV here, then into whatever format your docs generator wants, without retyping each cell.
Examples
Convert aligned columns back to CSV
Input
name age Ada Lovelace 36 Grace 45
Output
name,age Ada Lovelace,36 Grace,45
About the Convert Text Columns to CSV tool
Convert Text Columns to CSV runs as plain JavaScript in your browser tab, with no server behind it. Quickly convert text columns to a CSV file. Whatever you put in stays on your device from start to finish.
The tool is part of EditSafely's CSV Tools section, 133 single-purpose utilities built around the same idea: open the page, get the result, keep your data to yourself.
You can shape the output with the Columns are separated by setting, and the result refreshes the moment you change it. A worked example further down the page shows exactly what the tool produces for a real input.
That local-first design has practical benefits beyond privacy. The tool keeps working on a flaky connection once the page has loaded, results are instant because nothing round-trips to a server, and it is safe to use with confidential material.
Frequently asked questions
Is Convert Text Columns to CSV free to use?
Yes, it is completely free. All 2,658 tools on EditSafely work without an account, a subscription or usage limits.
Is it safe to paste sensitive or confidential data?
Everything happens locally. Your browser downloads the tool's code once, then does all the processing itself; nothing you enter is transmitted, stored or logged. You can even go offline after the page loads and it will still work.
How much text can I process at once?
There is no fixed limit. Because the work happens on your own device rather than on a shared server, the practical ceiling is your machine's memory, which comfortably handles inputs far larger than typical online tools allow.
Do I need to sign up or install anything?
No. The tool works in any modern browser on desktop, tablet or phone. There is no account to create, no extension to add and no software to install.
How do I use the result?
The output panel has a one-click copy button, and you can keep refining the input while you work; the result updates in place as you type.