Windows unexpand spaces equivalent in Linux
Converts leading spaces back into tabs.
unexpand spaces
unexpand -t 4 file
unexpand -t 4 file
unexpand -t 4 file
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "unexpand spaces" is used to convert spaces to tabs. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "unexpand -t 4 file". Converts leading spaces back into tabs. This reference is grouped under Text Processing → Files.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Same name, different environment
The basic command name unexpand is familiar on both platforms, but Linux path rules, quoting, permissions and available options can still change the result.
Portable across the compared distros
The Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch rows use the same command in this mapping. Package availability or defaults can still vary, so check the installed tool version when an option behaves differently.
For the broader concept behind this mapping, read Linux command-line basics.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
Convert spaces to tabs
Converts leading spaces back into tabs.
unexpand -t 4 file
Convert spaces to tabs
unexpand --help
Show command help when supported
man unexpand
Open the manual page when installed
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
unexpand -t 4 file
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows equivalent: unexpand spaces
unexpand -t 4 fileReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
unexpand -t 4 file | Convert spaces to tabs |
unexpand --help | Show command help when supported |
man unexpand | Open the manual page when installed |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch all use "unexpand -t 4 file" for this mapping. The command syntax shown here is portable across the three rows, although installed versions and system defaults can still vary.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | same command | unexpand -t 4 file |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | unexpand -t 4 file |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | unexpand -t 4 file |
Same command on this distribution. |
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