Convert tabs to spaces in Notepad++

Helephant_13028 0
Viewed 892880

How do I convert tabs to spaces in Notepad++?

I found a webpage that suggests it's possible, but I couldn't find any information about how to do it.

I would like to be able to do that, because some web forms don't respect code with tabs in them.

indentation whitespace notepad++
12 Answers

Obsolete: This answer is correct only for an older version of Notepad++. Converting between tabs/spaces is now built into Notepad++ and the TextFX plugin is no longer available in the Plugin Manager dialog.

  • First set the "replace by spaces" setting in Preferences -> Language Menu/Tab Settings.
  • Next, open the document you wish to replace tabs with.
  • Highlight all the text (CTRL+A).
  • Then select TextFX -> TextFX Edit -> Leading spaces to tabs or tabs to spaces.

Note: Make sure TextFX Characters plugin is installed (Plugins -> Plugin manager -> Show plugin manager, Installed tab). Otherwise, there will be no TextFX menu.

user_488210

Settings -> Preference -> Edit Components (tab) -> Tab Setting (group) -> Replace by space

In version 5.6.8 (and above):

Settings -> Preferences... -> Language Menu/Tab Settings -> Tab Settings (group) -> Replace by space

Aron_115680

You need to replace \t - make sure you use extended mode!

Replace

user_483170

The easy way:

  1. Highlight a single tab area
  2. Copy
  3. Bring up find/replace
  4. Paste into the find field
  5. Click into the replace field and hit the space bar
  6. Then replace all.
matt_lohkamp_140260
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