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?

Answer 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

Answer 2

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