Char(9) doesn't print tab in Sql server 2005

Question

I am trying to print a tab in sql server using:

select 'tab-->' + char(9) + '<--tab'

But it doesn't seem to work and always prints

tab--> <--tab

Is there any thing I am missing?

Solution 1

If you're testing this inside of Management Studio, the Results to Grid (Ctrl + D) setting will change your tab to a space... try switching to Results to Text (Ctrl + T) instead, and you will see the tab.

Alternately, you can change your select to a print:

print 'tab-->' + char(9) + '<--tab'

Outputs...

tab-->  <--tab

Solution 2

1. Tool -> Options -> Query Results -> SQL Server -> Results to Grid -> Retain CR/LF on copy or save
2. Restart SSMS

Comments

[Ben Thul]

I tested "select '>' + char(9) + '<'" with results to grid and still get a tab.

[Michael Fredrickson]

@BenThul On what version of SSMS? I tested in SSMS 2005 and I don't get the tab with results to grid...