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# Split string transform function
## Introduction
The **split string** transform function is used to split elements of a string into an array, with a user-defined delimiter. For example, you might have product data in a string:
{% code lineNumbers="true" %}
```json
{"fruit_in":"apples,oranges,pears,grapes"}
```
{% endcode %}
...and need to convert these items to an array before pushing to the destination system:
{% code lineNumbers="true" %}
```json
{
"fruit_out": [
"apples",
"oranges",
"pears",
"grapes"
]
}
```
{% endcode %}
In this case, items in our source string value are delimited with a comma, so we can use this to determine where each split occurs. The transform checks incoming string values and determines each array item to be the word after each comma.
## Adding a split string transform
**Step 1**\
In your process flow, access settings for your map shape:
**Step 2**\
Select the **add transform** icon for the required mapping rule - for example:
**Step 3**\
Click the **add transform** button:
**Step 4**\
Click in the **name** field to access a list of all available transform functions, then select **split** from the **string** category:
**Step 5**\
In the delimiter field, enter the character that delimits elements in the string:
If you use any of the following characters, they should be escaped:\
\
`.` `+` `*` `?` `^` `$` `(` `)` `[` `]` `{` `}` `|` `\` `/`
For example, a delimiter of `*` would be entered as:
`\*`
{% hint style="info" %}
A space is a valid character.
{% endhint %}
**Step 6**\
Click the **add field** button:
**Step 7**\
Click in **source fields** and select the source field to be used for this transform:
**Step 8**\
Accept your changes (twice).
**Step 9**\
Save the transform. You'll notice that the transform icon is updated to indicate that a transform function is present for the mapping row - for example: