How do I convert tabs to spaces?

Select 'Tabs → Spaces', enter the number of spaces per tab (typically 2 or 4), and click Convert. Each tab character is replaced with the specified number of space characters.

How do I remove all whitespace?

Select 'Remove All Whitespace' to strip every space, tab, and newline from the text, producing a single unbroken string.

Whitespace Converter — Spaces, Tabs & Newlines

Whitespace inconsistencies are one of the most common sources of bugs and formatting issues in code and data files. Tabs vs. spaces conflicts cause Python indentation errors; trailing whitespace can break diffs and VCS comparisons; multiple spaces in data files corrupt column alignment. This tool converts between all common whitespace representations.

Common Whitespace Problems

Mixed tabs and spaces — causes IndentationError in Python and alignment issues in code editors
Trailing whitespace — invisible characters at end of lines that pollute git diffs
Multiple consecutive spaces — often caused by copying from PDFs or word processors
Windows-style line endings (CRLF) — can appear as ^M characters on Unix systems
Non-breaking spaces — U+00A0 spaces that look identical to regular spaces but behave differently

Frequently Asked Questions

How many spaces should I use per tab?

It depends on the language and style guide. Python PEP 8 recommends 4 spaces. JavaScript/TypeScript often uses 2. Most Go code uses tabs. Check your project's .editorconfig or ESLint rules.

What is the difference between trimming and stripping?

Trimming (or stripping) removes whitespace from the beginning (left/leading) and/or end (right/trailing) of each line. The 'trim each line' option removes both. Use the targeted options to strip only leading or only trailing spaces.

Whitespace Converter online

Convert between spaces, tabs, and newlines — normalise or remove all whitespace — runs in your browser

Common Whitespace Problems

Frequently Asked Questions

How many spaces should I use per tab?

What is the difference between trimming and stripping?