Free XML Formatter Online

Format, beautify, validate, and minify XML code instantly. Supports syntax highlighting.

Key Features

💡 Syntax Highlighting

Color-coded XML for better readability and error detection.

⚡ Fast Processing

All operations run locally in your browser for instant results.

🔒 Privacy Protected

Your code never leaves your browser. No server storage.

How to Use XML Formatter

1

Paste Your XML Code

Enter or paste your unformatted XML code into the input area.

2

Choose an Action

Select "Beautify" to format, "Minify" to compress, or "Validate" to check syntax.

3

Get Formatted Result

View the formatted XML in the output area and copy or download as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Basics

What is XML formatting?

XML formatting is the process of organizing XML code with proper indentation, spacing, and line breaks to improve readability and maintainability.

Why should I format my XML?

Formatted XML is easier to read, debug, and maintain. It helps identify errors, improves code reviews, and makes collaboration more efficient.

Features

What formatting options are available?

Our tool offers beautification (adding proper indentation), minification (removing whitespace), and validation (checking syntax).

Does this tool support CDATA and processing instructions?

Yes, the formatter handles CDATA sections, processing instructions (<?xml-stylesheet?>), comments, and all standard XML features.

Examples

Example: Format an XML document

Input (Minified):

<root><element attr="value">Text</element></root>

Output (Formatted):

<root>
  <element attr="value">Text</element>
</root>

Example: Complex XML structure

Input:

<catalog><book id="1"><title>Guide</title></book></catalog>

Formatted Output:

<catalog>
  <book id="1">
    <title>Guide</title>
  </book>
</catalog>

Troubleshooting

Why does validation fail?

Validation fails when XML is not well-formed: unclosed tags, mismatched names, or invalid characters. Check the error message for details.

The output looks wrong — what should I do?

Ensure your input XML is valid first. Use the Validate tab to identify issues, fix them, then run Beautify again.