KeyRoutines
StepFreetext.trim

Trim spaces and stray characters from text on Windows

Trim text cleans the edges of a text, removing spaces and line breaks from the start, the end or both. It's the quiet fix for copied values that don't compare the way you expect.

How it works

  • Give it the text and choose which ends: both, start or end.
  • By default it removes spaces and line breaks; the advanced option trims other characters instead, like / or .,
  • It returns the tidied text.

Routines that use it

Clean copied codes

Trim clipboard text before typing it with Type text so no stray space slips in.

Folder paths

Trim a trailing / from a path before Create folder.

Reliable checks

Trim a line read from a file before testing it with Compare values.

Settings

SettingWhat it does
TextThe text to tidy.
FromWhich ends to trim.
CharactersadvancedTrim these characters instead of spaces and line breaks, such as "/" or ".,".

Good to know

  • It only trims the ends, not spaces in the middle; use Replace text for those.

Questions

How do I remove spaces at the end of text?
Use Trim text with From set to end.
Can I trim characters other than spaces?
Yes. Put them in the advanced characters field, for example / or a full stop.

Pairs well with

Step · Data and variablesFree

Replace text

Replace text finds every occurrence of something in a text and swaps it for something else, or removes it. It works on clipboard text, file contents and step results alike.

Step · Data and variablesFree

Change case

Change case rewrites text in upper case, lower case, or with a capital first letter. It's a quick fix for clipboard text, file names and anything that needs to look consistent.

Step · ClipboardFree

Get clipboard

Get clipboard reads what is on the clipboard so later steps can use it. Choose text, copied files, or an image, which is saved as a PNG file you name.

Step · Keys and mouseFree

Type text

Type text writes text into the window in front, either key by key or by pasting it. People use it for signatures, standard replies, and filling in fields with values from earlier steps.

Condition · Flow and routinesFree

Compare values

Compare values is the everyday yes-or-no check in KeyRoutines. You put a value on the left, pick a test, and put a value on the right, so an If can branch on things like a battery level, a window title or a number an earlier step worked out.

Build this routine in KeyRoutines

Free from the Microsoft Store for Windows 11 and 10. Pro is a one-time upgrade.

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