Extract Columns Tool

The Extract Columns tool takes structured text data (such as CSV, TSV, or delimited lists) and extracts specific columns by number. It supports file import and works with comma, tab, or space-separated lines. The tool displays only the columns you choose.

Paste your input above or import a file below.
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Supported file types: .csv, .txt
Total lines: 0
Options
Maximize output

How to Use the Tool:

  1. Paste or type your structured data into the input box. Each line should have values separated by commas, tabs, or spaces.
  2. In the “Columns to Extract” field, enter one or more column numbers (1-based), separated by commas.
    Example: 1 for the first column, or 1,3 for the first and third columns.
  3. Optionally, import a .csv or .txt file its content will be loaded into the input box automatically.
  4. The output box will update immediately to show only the selected columns from each line.
  5. Use the “Copy Output” button to copy the result.
  6. Use the “Clear All” button to reset everything.

What Extract Columns Tool Can Do:

This tool scans each line of input, splits it by delimiters (commas or tabs), and pulls out the columns you specify. It:

  • Supports comma and tab-separated data
  • Works with any number of columns
  • Handles missing fields gracefully
  • Shows a line count for your output
  • Performs all processing in your browser (no data upload)

You can also reorder columns by changing their order in the list (e.g., 3,1 will pull column 3 first, then 1).

Example:

Input:

Name,Age,Location
Alice,30,New York
Bob,25,Chicago
Charlie,35,LA

Columns to Extract:

1,3

Output:

Name, Location
Alice, New York
Bob, Chicago
Charlie, LA

Common Use Cases:

The Extract Columns Tool lets you quickly pull specific columns from CSV files or delimited text. It’s ideal for cleaning datasets, preparing imports for spreadsheets and databases, selecting key fields from large text blocks, reorganizing data for analysis, or generating simplified reports from complex files.

Useful Tools & Suggestions:

After pulling out your target columns, Delimited Column Exporter is great for saving just that slice of data in a clean, shareable format. And if you’re adjusting the structure afterward, Delimited Column Replacer lets you swap parts without redoing the whole file.

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