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Text Head / Tail

Extract the first or last N lines from any text - like Unix head and tail.

Text Head / Tail logo
by
CHUNKY
MUNSTER
Lines:
TEXT INPUT0 LINES
OUTPUT0 LINES

About Text Head / Tail

Extract lines from the start (head) or end (tail) of a text - just like the Unix commands. Useful for previewing large datasets, log files, or any multi-line content. Runs entirely in your browser.

Slicing Logs with the Line Extraction Tool

  1. Paste your multi-line data into the input field for file preview utility processing.
  2. Enter the number of lines (N) you wish to isolate.
  3. Select Head (top N) or Tail (bottom N) to perform the line extraction tool operation.
  4. The results render instantly in the output window for you to copy or download.

Text Head / Tail provides a simple yet effective way to isolate specific sections from the start or end of your documents. This free online line extraction tool functions as a web-based unix head online and unix tail online utility, allowing you to quickly grab first lines extractor or last lines tool results without touching a terminal. Whether you are managing large datasets or need a fast log previewer for debug files, this tool processes your text locally in the browser to ensure speed and privacy.

Technical File Preview Utility Analysis

This comprehensive line extraction tool is designed for efficiency when working with oversized text blocks. Use the top n lines mode to verify headers or the bottom n lines mode to check for recent entries in a build log. The tool's file preview utility handles thousands of rows with ease, reporting total line counts and preserving your original line breaks, making it an essential companion for developers and data analysts who need a reliable text head tail service on any device.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if N is larger than the number of lines?

You get the entire input back. The summary row tells you the actual line count so you know whether N was the limiting factor.

Does it preserve CRLF line endings?

Yes - line endings are detected and preserved on output. Windows-style CRLF and Unix LF inputs both round-trip correctly.

Can I do head and tail at the same time, like 'first 5 and last 5'?

Not directly - you'd need to run head, copy the result, then run tail on the original separately. A combined mode is on the roadmap.

Is there an offset / skip-first-N option?

Use the Text Line Range tool for that - it lets you extract any contiguous range like lines 50–150.

Quickly isolate the data you need and skip the command line with this efficient Text Head / Tail tool.