Convert Tabs to Spaces
Replace every tab character in a string with spaces. Runs entirely in your browser, so your data never leaves your device.
0 chars · 0 lines
Output
The result appears here as you type.
How to use Convert Tabs to Spaces
- 1. Paste the tab-indented text. Enter the text containing tab characters into the input pane, whether it is code, a table, or any tab-indented content.
- 2. Set spaces per tab. Choose how many spaces each tab character should expand into, matching the indentation width your editor or style guide expects.
- 3. Copy the untabified result. Copy the converted text and paste it into your file or editor, replacing tabs with the consistent number of spaces you specified.
When to use Convert Tabs to Spaces
Convert Tabs to Spaces replaces every tab character in a string with a chosen number of spaces. It is the standard fix for files that mix tabs and spaces or need to match a spaces-only style guide.
- Standardizing indentation before a code review. A pull request mixes tabs and spaces because a contributor's editor was configured differently, and converting tabs to spaces first avoids a noisy whitespace-only diff in review.
- Matching a spaces-only linter rule. A linter or style guide enforces two-space or four-space indentation and rejects tab characters; converting a pasted snippet first gets it past that check.
- Fixing misaligned text copied from a terminal. Text copied from a terminal that used tab-stops looks misaligned once pasted somewhere with different tab settings; converting to fixed spaces keeps the alignment consistent everywhere.
- Preparing a tab-separated file for a spaces-based tool. A downstream tool or website renders tab characters inconsistently, so converting them to a fixed number of spaces first guarantees predictable spacing on every viewer.
Examples
Untabify
Input
indented
Output
indented
About the Convert Tabs to Spaces tool
Convert Tabs to Spaces runs as plain JavaScript in your browser tab, with no server behind it. Replace every tab character in a string with spaces. Whatever you put in stays on your device from start to finish.
The tool is part of EditSafely's String Tools section, 159 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 Spaces per tab 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 Tabs to Spaces 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.