Convert tabs to spaces in Notepad++

Question

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.

Answer 1

There is no 'Edit Components' tab in the preferences setup. You need to go 'Language Menu/Tab Settings', there is an option in there to control tab behavior. You can even set it to work differently depending on the language of the file.

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

CLR Tabs to Spaces plugin should be a good option. I have used it and it worked.

Answer 4

Follow this procedure to convert spaces to tabs or vice-versa:

Answer 5

I just posted a Notepad++ plugin to convert tabs to spaces. Yes, it converts tabs in the middle of a line. Yes, it takes into account other characters within the tabbed field. Check it out.

Answer 6

I did not read all of the answers, but I did not find the answer I was looking for.

I use Python and don't want to do find/replace or 'blank operations' each time I want to compile code...

So the best solution for me is that it happens on the fly!

Here is the simple solution I found:

Go to:

1. Menu Settings -> Preferences
2. Choose Tab Settings
3. Choose your language type (e.g. Python)
4. Select checkbox 'Use default value'
5. Select checkbox 'Replace by space'