Searching text for lines that match a pattern usually means grep in a terminal or a script. The Grep Text tool does it in the browser: paste your text, enter a search pattern (plain or regex), and see only matching lines, optionally with line numbers—no sign-up and no data sent to a server.
What is Grep Text used for?
Grep Text is a free online tool that searches your text for lines that match a pattern (plain text or regex) and shows only those lines, optionally with line numbers. It is used to find which lines contain a keyword or pattern in logs, code, or data without scanning manually. All processing runs in your browser; there is no upload, no storage, and no account required.
Key Features
- Pattern search — Enter plain text or enable regex. Only matching lines are shown. Output can include line numbers.
- What is grep? — Grep means search for lines that match a pattern. You can use plain text or regular expressions.
- Any input — Paste or type any text. Enter a search pattern; enable regex if needed. No size limit for in-browser processing.
- Instant result — Paste, set pattern and options, and see matching lines. Copy when ready.
- Privacy-first — All processing happens in your browser. Your text is never sent to any server.
- No account — Use as often as you need without sign-up.
How to Use Grep Text
- Open the Grep Text tool.
- Paste or type your text (logs, code, or data).
- Enter the search pattern. Enable regex if you are using a pattern. Optionally show line numbers. View the matching lines. Copy the result.
- Paste into your doc or use for debugging. Use the "Use tool" button on the docs page if you are reading this from the documentation.
Real Use Cases
- Find keyword in logs — Search for "error", "exception", or a request ID. See only the relevant lines.
- Search code or config — Find lines containing a function name, key, or value. No IDE required.
- Extract matching lines — Get only lines that match a format (e.g. URLs, emails) for further processing.
- Debug and support — Quickly find relevant lines in pasted logs or config for tickets or debugging.
- Data review — See which rows contain a term or pattern in CSV or line-based data.
- Regex practice — Test regex patterns on real text in the browser.
Why Use Grep Text Instead of Alternatives?
- vs. Filter Text Lines — Filter can include or exclude by pattern. Grep shows matching lines (like include). Use whichever interface you prefer.
- vs. Find in editor — Works in any browser. Handy when the text is in a web form, email, or another app.
- vs. Manual scan — No need to scroll and look. One paste, set pattern, copy.
- vs. Scripts — No coding. Works in any browser.
Check that regex mode is on and special characters are used correctly. Remember . matches any character and * is greedy; anchor with ^ and $ if needed.
Benefits for Developers, Support, and Data Users
- Developers — Quick grep on pasted logs or output. No terminal or script needed.
- Support — Find relevant lines in pasted logs or config for troubleshooting.
- Data users — Search line-based data for a term or pattern.
Common Mistakes
- Regex not matching — Check that regex mode is on and special characters are used correctly. Remember . matches any character and * is greedy; anchor with ^ and $ if needed.
- Expecting replace — Grep only shows matching lines. For find-and-replace use Replace Text.
- Case sensitivity — If no match, try case-insensitive option or adjust the pattern.
- Forgetting to copy — The result is not saved. Copy before closing the tab or refreshing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is grep text used for?
It searches your text for lines that match a pattern (plain text or regex) and shows only those lines, optionally with line numbers.
What is grep?
Grep means search for lines that match a pattern. You can use plain text or regular expressions.
Paste or type any text. Enter a search pattern; enable regex if needed. Output can show matching lines only or include line numbers.
Is my text stored?
No. All processing happens in your browser. Your text is never sent to any server.
When should I use grep text?
Use it to find which lines contain a keyword or pattern in logs, code, or data without scanning manually.
Why does my regex not match?
Check that regex mode is on and special characters are used correctly. Remember . matches any character and * is greedy; anchor with ^ and $ if needed.
Grep Text gives you pattern search over lines in seconds: paste, set pattern, copy. No account, no server round-trip. For include/exclude filter use Filter Text Lines, for replace use Replace Text, and for line range use Extract Line Range.
Use the Grep Text tool to search lines by pattern.