Zero Width Space (ZWSP)

A zero width space (ZWSP) is Unicode U+200B, an invisible format character that marks a possible word or line break.
It can remain in copied text even though no ordinary space is visible.
It can affect word boundaries and where software is allowed to wrap a line.
Check for it, or remove supported invisible characters.

What it is

U+200B is a real Unicode format character rather than an empty gap. The Unicode Standard describes it as a way to indicate a word-break or line-break opportunity without adding visible width.

Why it appears in text

ZWSP has legitimate uses. Unicode identifies its use for word boundaries in writing systems that do not normally separate words with visible spaces. Software can also use it to allow an extra line-break opportunity. When that character is part of selected content, it can remain in the copied string.

What it can change

A zero width space may be invisible on screen while still affecting word segmentation or line wrapping. Two strings can therefore look the same while one contains an additional U+200B character.

How to find it

Paste the text into the hidden-character checker. A reported ZWSP count confirms that U+200B was found in that input. It does not identify which website, editor, model, or other system inserted it.

How to remove it

Use the CleanText removal tool to remove supported invisible characters, including U+200B, and review the visible result. Do not remove it indiscriminately from text whose writing system or layout relies on invisible word or line-break boundaries.

Read the Unicode Standard’s description of zero width space.