Text to Columns
Split delimited or fixed-width text into columns.
Text to Columns splits pasted text into a table the way a spreadsheet does: by a delimiter you choose, treating repeated delimiters as one, respecting quoted fields, or by fixed character positions. Preview the columns, then export as CSV or copy as TSV to paste straight into a sheet.
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Runs entirely on your device. No file or text you enter here is uploaded. How to verify it.
How to use Text to Columns
- Paste the text you need to split.
- Choose a delimiter, or set the character positions for fixed-width text.
- Check the preview, then copy as TSV or download a CSV.
Questions about Text to Columns
What is a text qualifier for?
It is the quote character that lets a field contain the delimiter itself, so "Smith, John" stays one field in a comma-separated line. Without it, that row silently gains a column and everything after it shifts, which is the classic way a clean-looking import goes wrong.
When would I use fixed width instead of a delimiter?
For output from older systems and mainframe reports, where columns are aligned by padding rather than separated by a character. You set the character positions to break at, and the tool shows a ruler so you can line them up against the text.
Why treat repeated delimiters as one?
Because text aligned with runs of spaces has a variable number of them between columns. Treating a run as a single delimiter turns that into clean columns; leaving the option off produces a column of empty cells between every real one.
Can I paste the result into Excel or Google Sheets?
Yes, use Copy as TSV. Tab-separated text pasted into a spreadsheet lands in separate columns without an import dialogue, which is faster and more predictable than pasting comma-separated text.
Is the text sent anywhere?
No. Splitting is string handling done in the tab. Nothing is uploaded, which matters because the text people split is often a report or an export with real names and figures in it.
Is Text to Columns really free, with no limits?
Yes. There is no account, no daily cap, no file-size tier and no watermark, because there is no server cost to recover. The site is funded by clearly disclosed partner recommendations on the Partners page, never by metering the tools.
Are my files or text uploaded when I use Text to Columns?
No. Everything is processed by JavaScript running in your browser, on your device. You can verify it: open your browser's developer tools, switch to the Network tab, and use the tool. You will see no request carrying your data — because there is nowhere for it to go.