XML Formatter

What is XML Formatting?

XML (Extensible Markup Language) can become difficult to read and maintain when minified or poorly formatted. Formatting XML adds proper indentation, line breaks, and consistent spacing to make the code readable and maintainable. This is essential for debugging, collaboration, and maintaining clean data exchange formats.

This tool takes any XML code and formats it with consistent indentation. It preserves the structure, indents nested elements, and makes the code easy to read and edit.

All processing is done locally in your browser – your code never leaves your device.

How to Use

Step 1: Paste your XML into the input area. This can be minified or already formatted.
Step 2: Select your preferred indentation size (2 spaces, 4 spaces, or 8 spaces).
Step 3: Click "Format XML". The tool beautifies the XML.
Step 4: Copy the formatted XML using the "Copy XML" button.

The formatter handles self-closing tags, processing instructions, and CDATA sections.

Examples

Input (minified):
<root><person><name>John</name><age>30</age></person></root>
Output (formatted with 2 spaces):

<root>
  <person>
    <name>John</name>
    <age>30</age>
  </person>
</root>

Who Uses XML Formatters?

• API Developers – formatting XML responses.
• Data Engineers – maintaining XML datasets.
• System Administrators – editing config files.
• Students – learning XML structure.
• Integration Specialists – working with legacy systems.

Pro Tips

• Use 2 spaces for compact formatting, 4 spaces for standard readability.
• Formatted XML is easier to review in code reviews and version control.
• The formatter preserves CDATA sections and processing instructions.
• For XML with namespaces, formatting preserves them correctly.
• Always keep a backup of your original XML before formatting.

Frequently Asked Questions