Invisible character guide
Zero Width Space (U+200B)
Copy U+200B, then review its Unicode properties, encodings, programming escapes, line-break behavior, differences, and detection options.
Zero width space copy
Copy and paste the invisible Unicode character
This button copies one zero width space character, U+200B. The character is invisible, so the brackets below mark where it sits.
Character
Character
U+200B
Name
ZERO WIDTH SPACE
HTML
​
UTF-8
E2 80 8B
Copy Variations
Copy one zero width space or choose a longer invisible string.
One zero width space
For a single invisible break point.
10 zero width spaces
For trying U+200B in a username, bio, or form.
100 zero width spaces
For creating a longer invisible string.
Zero Width Space Generator
Choose how many U+200B characters to copy.
Generating 10 zero width spaces.
What is Zero Width Space?
Zero Width Space (ZWSP) is the Unicode format character U+200B. It has no intrinsic width and marks a possible word or line break without displaying a normal space.
Unicode defines U+200B for invisible word separation and extra break opportunities, especially where a normal U+0020 space cannot be used. It does not join letters or emoji; U+200C and U+200D have separate joining behavior.
See the Unicode Line Breaking Algorithm for the official ZW line-break definition.
If you need a longer blank string, use the blank text generator. To inspect pasted content, open the invisible character detector. If U+200B is removed by a platform, compare it with an empty character such as Hangul Filler or Braille Pattern Blank.
Unicode Information Table
| Character | [] |
|---|---|
| Unicode | U+200B |
| Name | ZERO WIDTH SPACE |
| Decimal | 8203 |
| Hexadecimal | 200B |
| HTML Numeric Reference | ​ / ​ |
| Named HTML Entity | None |
| JavaScript / JSON | \u200B |
| Python | \u200b |
| UTF-8 | E2 80 8B |
| UTF-16 code unit | 200B |
| Unicode Category | Cf (Format) |
| Line Break Class | ZW (Zero Width Space) |
Zero Width Space Uses
Text formatting
Insert U+200B inside a word or phrase when a visible space would change the text.
helloworldLine breaking
Apps and browsers may use zero width space as a place to break a line without showing a normal space.
Detection
Scan copied content when an unexpected break or failed text comparison suggests that a hidden U+200B may be present.
U+200B in HTML, JavaScript, Python, and CSS
Use an escape or numeric character reference when source code should make the otherwise invisible value explicit.
HTML decimal
​HTML hexadecimal
​JavaScript / JSON
\u200BPython
\u200bCSS escape
\200BUTF-8 bytes
E2 80 8BU+200B has no named HTML entity. Use the decimal or hexadecimal numeric reference instead. In CSS, terminate the escape with a space when the next source character could be read as hexadecimal.
Zero Width Space vs Other Invisible Characters
| Character | Unicode | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero Width Space | U+200B | Adding an invisible word or line break opportunity. | Do not use it when a visible separator or reliable blank field is required. |
| Zero Width Joiner | U+200D | Joining emoji or scripts that need connected shaping. | Do not use it as a general blank character; many tools treat it differently from U+200B. |
| Zero Width Non-Joiner | U+200C | Preventing letters from joining in scripts that support contextual shaping. | Avoid it for invisible spacing because it can change how some languages render. |
| Word Joiner | U+2060 | Keeping words or symbols together without showing a normal space. | Do not use it when you want text to wrap naturally at that point. |
| Byte Order Mark | U+FEFF | Marking byte order at the start of encoded text files. | Do not use it for new no-break formatting; Unicode recommends U+2060 Word Joiner for that role. |
FAQ
What is a zero width space?
A zero width space is an invisible Unicode character, U+200B, that has no visible width but can still affect text processing and line breaking.
How do I copy a zero width space?
Use the Copy Zero Width Space button on this page. It copies one U+200B character to your clipboard.
What is U+200B?
U+200B is the Unicode number for ZERO WIDTH SPACE. It is the standard way to identify this invisible character.
Is zero width space invisible?
Yes. A zero width space is invisible in normal rendering, but it remains part of the text and can be detected by software.
How do I detect zero width spaces?
Paste text into the invisible character detector. It identifies U+200B, shows where it appears, and reports other hidden characters it finds.
How do I remove zero width spaces from text?
Paste the text into an invisible character detector, find each U+200B character, then delete or replace those hidden characters before copying the cleaned text.
Is zero width space allowed in usernames?
Some platforms allow zero width space in usernames, but others strip or reject it. Test U+200B first, then try another invisible character only if the platform permits it.
What is the difference between U+200B and U+200D?
U+200B is a zero width space used as an invisible break point. U+200D is a zero width joiner used to connect characters, especially emoji sequences and shaped scripts.
Need a quick invisible text generator?
Use the homepage to generate blank text with Zero Width Space, Hangul Filler, or Braille Pattern Blank.
Open invisible text generator