Netbeans, is there a way to expand tab to spaces on existing files?

Question

I'm using the last version of NetBeans and I would like to know if there is a feature (or a plugin) that converts the tabs into spaces on existing files without changing anything else.

score 3 · Answer 1 · answered Jun 15 '17 at 13:36

3

If you have automatic tab expansion enabled [0], then performing a Source -> Format will convert all tabs to spaces. Keep in mind that will also apply any other options found in that dialog, such as adding/removing blank lines or spaces and changing the position of curly brackets.

[0] it is by default, in Options -> Editor -> Formatting, check the Expand Tabs To Spaces box

answered Jun 15 '17 at 13:36

Fanis Hatzidakis

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Thanks for your answer but unfortunately I'm searching for a way to ONLY convert the tabs to spaces without touching anything else. – user2572526 Aug 25 '17 at 13:08
In addition to that, it seems to only convert tabs at the beginning of a line. When the tab is somewhere in the middle of a line, it won't be converted. – Moni Sep 06 '18 at 07:03

score 2 · Answer 2 · answered Nov 04 '18 at 00:08

It's a hack, but you can use search and replace.

Ctrl-H, Open the search/replace dialog
Toggle the small cog button to enable search by regex (It's just to the right of the 'Match case' and 'Whole word' toggles)
Enter \t in the 'Find What' input
Using the space bar, enter four spaces in the 'Replace With' input
Test using the Next button at least a few times :-)

Netbeans, is there a way to expand tab to spaces on existing files?

2 Answers2