Lodash _.toArray() Method

Beginner
5 min read
Updated: Nov 2026
5 examples
Lang
Decorative image with the word TOARRAY

Definition

Converts value to an array. Part of Lodash Lang (stable — not deprecated). Note: not the same as _.castArray — toArray expands array-likes and objects; castArray only wraps.

Pass the value you want to inspect or convert. Read the return type carefully before you use the result.

Syntax

Call _.toArray. Start with this line.

Lodash
_.toArray(value)
CallWhat it does
_.toArray(value)Primary signature.

Prefer import toArray from "lodash/toArray" when you want a smaller bundle.

Library declarations
Lodash
_.toArray(value)

Parameters

ParameterDescription
valueRequired. Value to convert

Return Value

Return ValueDescription
*New Array (always a fresh array for truthy inputs that convert)

Lodash Examples

Example 1 — Official: Object Values

Plain objects become an array of their values.

Lodash
_.toArray({ a: 1, b: 2 });
// → [1, 2]
Try It Yourself

How It Works

  1. Input. Official sample: { a: 1, b: 2 }.
  2. Values. Own enumerable values are collected (like _.values).
  3. Result. [1, 2] — keys are dropped.
  4. Tip. Need key/value pairs? Use _.toPairs instead.

Example 2 — Official: String Characters

Strings become an array of characters.

Lodash
_.toArray('abc');
// → ['a', 'b', 'c']
Try It Yourself

How It Works

  1. Input. Official sample: 'abc'.
  2. Split. Lodash walks Unicode code points.
  3. Result. Three one-letter strings.
  4. vs castArray. _.castArray('abc') would be ['abc'] — one element.

Example 3 — Official: Falsy → Empty

null (and other falsy values) become an empty array.

Lodash
_.toArray(null);
// → []

_.toArray(undefined);
// → []

_.toArray(0);
// → []
Try It Yourself

How It Works

  1. null. Official sample short-circuits → [].
  2. undefined / 0. Same falsy path.
  3. Not wrap. Unlike castArray(null) → [null].
  4. Guard. Do not rely on [] to mean “was null” vs “was empty.”

Example 4 — Map Entries and Set Values

Iterables expand into arrays.

Lodash
_.toArray(new Map([['a', 1], ['b', 2]]));
// → [['a', 1], ['b', 2]]

_.toArray(new Set([1, 2, 2]));
// → [1, 2]
Try It Yourself

How It Works

  1. Map. Iterator yields [key, value] pairs.
  2. Set. Iterator yields unique values.
  3. Copy. Result is a plain array you can index freely.
  4. Related. Detect types with _.isMap / _.isSet.

Example 5 — toArray vs castArray

Same inputs, different jobs — expand vs wrap.

Lodash
console.log(_.toArray('abc'));    // ['a', 'b', 'c']
console.log(_.castArray('abc'));  // ['abc']

console.log(_.toArray({ a: 1 })); // [1]
console.log(_.castArray({ a: 1 })); // [{ a: 1 }]
Try It Yourself

How It Works

  1. toArray. Expands into elements / values.
  2. castArray. Puts the whole value in one slot.
  3. Pick expand. Character lists, object values, iterables → toArray.
  4. Pick wrap. “Always give me an array API” for a scalar → castArray.
Compatibility

Browser & Runtime Support

_.toArray is a Lodash Lang helper available in 4.x (and earlier builds). It runs anywhere Lodash runs — modern browsers (via CDN or bundle) and Node.js / Bun / Deno with npm install lodash. Native alternatives include Array.from, Object.values, and the spread operator, each covering part of the same job.

✓ Stable · Lodash 4.x

_.toArray()

Available in [email protected] full builds and the lodash/toArray modular import. Works in evergreen browsers and current Node LTS when Lodash is installed.

100% With Lodash 4.x
Google Chrome Supported · Desktop & Mobile
Full support
Mozilla Firefox Supported · Desktop & Mobile
Full support
Apple Safari Supported · macOS & iOS
Full support
Microsoft Edge Supported · Chromium
Full support
Internet Explorer No native support · Use a polyfill
Polyfill
Opera Supported · Modern versions
Full support
Samsung Internet Supported · Android
Full support
Bun Supported · JavaScript runtime
Supported
Deno Supported · JavaScript runtime
Supported
Node.js Supported · Server runtime
Supported
Android WebView Supported · Modern WebView
Full support
_.toArray Lodash 4.x

Bottom line: Safe for production once Lodash is on the page or in your bundle. Prefer import toArray from "lodash/toArray" for smaller builds. For modern engines, Array.from / Object.values / [...iterable] are close cousins.

Frequently Asked Questions

_.toArray(value) converts value into a new array — object values, string characters, Map entries, Set values, or a shallow copy of array-likes. Falsy values become [].
castArray wraps a non-array as [value] (or returns the same array). toArray expands array-likes and objects into element lists — e.g. 'abc' becomes ['a','b','c'], not ['abc'].
Falsy inputs short-circuit to an empty array. That matches the official Lodash example.
Yes. Strings are split by Unicode code points (like the spread operator), so multi-byte characters stay intact instead of breaking into surrogates.
Maps become entry pairs [[key, value], …]. Sets become their values array. Both rely on the iterable protocol.
Use import toArray from "lodash/toArray" or require("lodash/toArray") for tree-shaking friendly bundles. Full build: import _ from "lodash" then _.toArray.

Next: _.toFinite()

Convert a value to a finite number.

_.toFinite() tutorial →

About the author

Mari Selvan M P
Mari Selvan M P 🔗

Developer, cloud engineer, and technical writer

  • Experience 12 years building web and cloud systems
  • Focus Full Stack Development, AWS, and Developer Education

I write practical tutorials so students and working developers can learn by doing—from databases and APIs to deployment on AWS.

AWS Certified Developer – Associate (Credly)

10 people found this page helpful

Lodash _.lte() Method — Less Than or Equal Lodash _.toFinite() Method — Convert to a Finite Number