Split lined-up text into columns
Fixed-width text to CSV converter
Turn reports and other neatly lined-up text into rows you can open in a spreadsheet.
Free browser tool
Paste your lined-up text
Paste lined-up text. The tool will find the columns.
Processed in your browser
Copy or download the result
No account. No signup.
Layout reference
When to use starts, widths, or automatic detection
All three methods slice the same pasted text; the best choice depends on what you know about the source layout.
| Layout information | Best setting | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You know where fields begin | Column starts: 1, 18, 25 | Uses exact one-based positions and is usually the clearest specification |
| You have a record layout or copybook | Column widths: 17, 7, 10 | Builds each next start by adding the field widths |
| Columns visibly line up across many rows | Leave starts and widths blank | Detects repeated transitions from whitespace to text |
| Rows contain blank fields or wrapped notes | Enter exact starts | Automatic whitespace boundaries can mistake gaps inside a field for a new column |
Character positions are counted from the pasted text. Tabs count as one character, and wrapped or proportional-font source displays can hide misalignment, so always preview several rows.
Optional guide Learn more about this tool Open the full explanation and detailed steps.
How to convert fixed-width text to CSV
Fixed-width data has no separator character. Instead, every field begins at the same character position on every row, so the converter slices each line at shared starting positions.
Paste rows with fixed positions
Mainframe exports, legacy reports, and aligned logs work when the same field starts at the same character on every row.
Use detection, starts, or widths
Try automatic detection first. For a known layout, enter one-based starts such as 1, 18, 25 or widths such as 17, 7, 10.
Choose CSV or another delimiter
Export commas, tabs, semicolons, or pipes. Check several short and long rows before relying on the converted columns.
Quick example
Convert an aligned three-column report
The example uses column starts 1, 18, and 25 to create a standard comma-separated table.
Common questions
Lined-up text to CSV FAQ
What is a one-based column start?
The first character is position 1. If the second field begins at the eighteenth character, include 18 in the start-position list.
Can the converter detect columns automatically?
It detects positions where a non-space character begins after whitespace on most rows. Explicit starts or widths are more reliable for irregular reports, blank fields, or wrapped lines.
How are commas and quotes inside values handled?
CSV fields containing the selected delimiter, a quote, or a line break are wrapped in quotes, and internal quotes are doubled.
Does the fixed-width file get uploaded?
No. Paste the text and convert it entirely in your browser. The tool does not access a file unless you paste its contents.