unexpand

unexpand is the reverse of expand: it converts runs of spaces back into tab characters.

unexpand [options] [file...]

$ unexpand spaced.txt > tabbed.txt

Where a run of spaces reaches a tab stop, unexpand replaces it with a tab. By default it only converts the leading spaces on each line — the indentation — and leaves spacing within the text alone. With no file, it reads standard input.

Options

Option	Effect
`-t`, `--tabs=N`	Set tab stops every `N` columns instead of the default 8. A comma-separated list places stops at explicit column positions. Using `-t` also enables `-a`.
`-a`, `--all`	Convert all runs of spaces that reach a tab stop, not only the leading indentation.
`--first-only`	Convert only the leading run of blanks on each line. Overrides `-a`.

Exit status

Code	Meaning
`0`	Success.
`1`	A file could not be read, or a tab specification was invalid.

Options #

Exit status #

See also

Options

Exit status