Non-Breaking Space (U+00A0) Copy & Paste

What Is a Non-Breaking Space (NBSP)?

Non-Breaking Space vs Regular Space (U+00A0 vs U+0020)

Both characters can look like the same blank gap. The difference is how they behave when a line needs to wrap. A regular space usually permits a break; NBSP normally prevents one.

If you are checking text in code, look for U+00A0 before using trim() or Unicode normalization. Those steps can change or remove it.

How Does NBSP Prevent Line Breaks?

A no-break space is useful between an abbreviation and a name, or between a number and a unit, where separating the two parts could make the text harder to read. It does not force a new line. A browser may still break elsewhere to fit the available width.

Common Examples of Non-Breaking Spaces

Each example contains a real non-breaking space. The [NBSP] label shows where it is, since it looks almost like a regular space. Spacing conventions vary between languages and writing styles.

Use a normal space when a line is allowed to break. A non-breaking space can cause text to run past the edge of a narrow box, so avoid inserting one between every word.

NBSP in HTML:   and Unicode Codes

In HTML,   represents one non-breaking space (U+00A0). Use Copy HTML   Code when writing HTML. Use Copy Non-Breaking Space above when you want the character itself.

HTML example: keep a name or unit together

<p>Dr.&nbsp;Smith</p>
<p>100&nbsp;kg</p>

Why Does   Show Up as Text?

A browser reads   in an HTML page as a non-breaking space. In a message or plain-text field, it usually appears as the written code instead. If that happens, use Copy Non-Breaking Space at the top of this page.

<p>Dr.&nbsp;Smith</p>
<p>Show &amp;nbsp; as visible code.</p>

In the second HTML example,   displays the literal text  . Neither form should be typed into a plain-text field when you simply need one NBSP character.

NBSP or CSS white-space: nowrap?

Use NBSP to keep two particular words together. If an entire label or button must stay on one line, use CSS instead of inserting special spaces throughout the text.

HTML

<span class="no-wrap">Dr. Smith</span>

CSS

.no-wrap { white-space: nowrap; }

The CSS rule applies to the whole element, while NBSP affects the location where the character appears. See MDN's white-space guide for wrapping behavior.

Find and Replace U+00A0 in JavaScript

Check the original text for U+00A0 before cleaning it. Replace each NBSP with a regular space to keep word separation.

const text = "Dr.\u00A0Smith";
console.log(text.includes("\u00A0")); // true
const cleaned = text.replace(/\u00A0/g, " ");
console.log(cleaned); // Dr. Smith

Find and Replace U+00A0 in Python

text = "Dr.\u00A0Smith"
print("\u00A0" in text)  # True
cleaned = text.replace("\u00A0", " ")
print(cleaned)  # Dr. Smith

The checker above distinguishes U+00A0 from regular spaces and Narrow No-Break Spaces (U+202F). The examples only replace U+00A0. To find other hidden characters, try the Invisible Character Detector.

In HTML, NBSP keeps its space instead of collapsing like ordinary spaces. Avoid using long runs of   to control page layout or indentation; use CSS spacing or margins instead. For more about HTML codes, see the MDN character reference guide.

Non-Breaking Space Codes and Details

Here are the codes for U+00A0. If a space looks unusual, check its Unicode value to see whether it is a regular space (U+0020) or a non-breaking space.

How to Type a Non-Breaking Space on Windows, Mac and Word

Microsoft documents the Word shortcut and Special Characters menu in its Keep Text Together guide.

Why Is U+00A0 in My Text?

NBSP vs Narrow No-Break Space vs Word Joiner

Characters that look like spaces can affect line breaks in different ways. Check which one you have before changing it. The converter above replaces or removes only U+00A0.

For non-joining Arabic-script letters, see Zero Width Non-Joiner (U+200C). For other hidden characters, use the Invisible Character Detector.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources and Further Reading

These references explain how non-breaking spaces work in text, HTML, and Microsoft Word.

• Unicode Line Breaking Algorithm (UAX #14) — explains how no-break spacing affects line breaks.
• Unicode — Special Areas and Format Characters — covers line- and word-breaking controls, including Word Joiner.
• MDN — HTML Character References — describes named and numeric HTML character references.
• MDN — Handling Whitespace — explains how HTML and CSS handle different kinds of whitespace.
• Microsoft — Keep Text Together in Word — provides the Word shortcut and menu steps.

Related Unicode Tools

Need a different kind of space or want to check other hidden characters? Try these related tools.