Comma Separated to List
Convert a comma-separated string or delimited list back to a line-by-line list.
What is the Comma Separated to List Tool?
The Comma Separated to List (or Comma to Column) tool is the reverse utility of our list formatter. It splits a single-line delimited string—such as a comma-separated values (CSV) string, tab-delimited text, or a list of items separated by semicolons or pipes—into a structured, vertical list where each item occupies its own line.
This tool is exceptionally useful for reverse-engineering SQL queries, formatting code constants, parsing CSV headers, or converting raw delimited data back into a format that can be easily pasted into Excel, Google Sheets, or a text editor.
How to Use the Comma Separated to List Tool
- Paste your delimited text: Paste your comma-separated (or other delimited) text into the Delimited Input box.
- Select the input delimiter: By default, the tool is set to Auto-detect, which automatically identifies whether commas, semicolons, pipes, or tabs are used. Alternatively, you can select the specific delimiter manually.
- Set formatting preferences:
- Trim Whitespace: Cleans up spaces around individual items.
- Strip Quotes: Automatically removes surrounding single (
') or double (") quotes from individual items, returning clean text. - Remove Empty Items: Ignores consecutive delimiters or blank items.
- Remove Duplicates: Ensures each item in the resulting list is unique.
- Copy or Download: The line-by-line result is immediately generated in the List Output text area.
Key Benefits & Use Cases
- JSON & Array Parsing: Quickly extract the values from a database dump or programmatic array representation into a clean, human-readable vertical list.
- Spreadsheet Preparation: Convert delimited strings into a column format that can be directly pasted into cells in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.
- Removing Quotes & Duplicates: Clean up quotes and filter out redundant items automatically during the splitting process, saving manual find-and-replace effort.
- 100% Client-Side: Security is prioritized. The conversion is performed entirely in your browser, making it safe for handling secure IDs or private list items.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Auto-detect delimiter feature work?
The tool counts the occurrences of common delimiters (comma, semicolon, pipe, tab) in your input and uses the one that appears most frequently to split the text.
Will this tool strip quotes from my data?
Yes. With the 'Strip Quotes' checkbox enabled, the tool detects and removes outer single (') or double (") quotes from each item.
Can I convert other delimiters like semicolons or pipes?
Yes. You can manually specify Comma, Semicolon, Pipe, Space, or Tab as the delimiter from the options panel.
Is Comma Separated to List free to use?
Yes, Comma Separated to List is 100% free with no signup required.
Is my data safe?
All processing happens in your browser. Your data never leaves your device.
Does it work offline?
Once the page loads, Comma Separated to List works entirely client-side.