How do I keep only the first few items in a list?

Set the desired item count and remove items from the end. The count applies after splitting, so a wrong separator changes what the tool considers an item.

Can I keep the final items instead?

Select removal from the beginning. The result retains the requested number of items at the end of the parsed list.

Does list truncation shorten the text inside each item?

No. It removes whole items. Use the text truncation tool when you need a maximum character length instead of an item count.

Shorten Text Processor | Tool Factory

Tool workspace

Your input stays in this browser.

Needs input

You can run the tool again after any change.

Input list

List options

Split input with

Split separator

Output separator

Keep items from

Number of items

Your result appears here

Transform text with Truncate and the selected rules. Enter the text, set the transformation rules, then copy the result.

This tool runs open-source code from OmniTools (MIT License). See open-source credits.

Shorten Text Processor keeps a selected number of items from the start or end of a parsed list.

one two Processing runs in the browser.

Instructions

Provide text or data for this tool.
Choose whether the length applies from the start or end.
Enter a non-negative item count and set the output separator.
Compare the result with the original when the count exceeds list length.

Example

Input: one two three four

Settings: Shorten Text Processor: Split on newline, keep 2 items from the start, and join with newline.

Result: one two

Limits

Shorten Text Processor: The length controls items, not characters.
Shorten Text Processor: A negative or missing length fails validation.
Shorten Text Processor: The operation runs in the browser and does not need a network service.