Smart quotes converter
This tool switches between straight quotes and curly (smart) quotes. Writers use curly quotes for finished copy, and developers turn them back into straight quotes so code, JSON and command lines work.
- Runs in your browser
- Free, no account needed
- Copy or download the result
Result
Example
"It's the '90s," she said. "Read 'Dune' first..." The shelf is 6' 2" tall.
“It’s the ’90s,” she said. “Read ‘Dune’ first...” The shelf is 6' 2" tall.
How to use the smart quotes converter
- Paste your text into the Text box.
- Choose Straight to curly or Curly to straight in Convert.
- Set the ellipsis option and Double hyphens if you want those changed too.
- Press Run, then Copy result.
How it works
Opening and closing quotes are chosen from the character before them, so nested quotes such as "She said 'hi'" come out with the right curly marks.
Apostrophes inside words and at the start of short forms such as '90s, 'til and rock 'n' roll become a right single quote.
A quote right after a number, as in 5'10", is treated as a foot or inch mark and left straight unless it closes a quote.
Double hyphens are left as typed by default. The ellipsis option changes three dots to one ellipsis character, or back.
Everything runs in your browser. Your input is not uploaded or stored.
Questions and answers
What are smart quotes?
Smart quotes are the curly marks used in printed text. Opening and closing quotes have different shapes, unlike the straight quote on a keyboard.
How do I turn curly quotes into straight quotes?
Choose Curly to straight quotes in Convert and press Run. Every curly single and double quote becomes a straight one.
Why does code break with curly quotes?
Programming languages and JSON only accept straight quotes, so text copied from a word processor can cause errors until the quotes are converted.