XML Formatter
Format XML markup for easier reading.
Format XML markup for easier reading.
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Tool guide
Free Online XML Formatter
Format well-formed XML with two- or four-space indentation for easier reading. The browser tool parses and serializes the XML before adding line breaks, so review whitespace-sensitive mixed content and serialized details before using the result.
Steps
How it works
- Paste XML or choose one XML or TXT file.
- Select two- or four-space indentation.
- Format the document after its XML syntax is parsed successfully.
- Review, copy, or download the formatted XML.
Highlights
Key features
- Uses the browser DOMParser to require well-formed XML before formatting.
- Offers two- and four-space indentation.
- Serializes the parsed document with XMLSerializer before applying readable line breaks.
- Works with pasted XML and supported XML or TXT files.
- Provides copy and formatted XML download actions.
Use cases
Common uses
- Beautify compact XML responses for debugging.
- Make configuration or data-exchange XML easier to review.
- Re-indent an uploaded XML file before sharing it.
- Inspect nested element structure in a readable layout.
Notes
Limitations to know
- The input must be well formed; the formatter does not repair invalid XML.
- Whitespace between tags is normalized, which can affect mixed-content elements where whitespace is meaningful.
- Browser parsing and serialization may change declaration, attribute, entity, or self-closing syntax even when the XML meaning is similar.
- Comments, CDATA, processing instructions, namespaces, and DOCTYPE handling depend on browser DOM serialization and should be reviewed.
- This is not canonical XML output and does not validate against XSD or DTD schemas.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does formatting change XML data?
It is intended to change layout, but parsing, serialization, and whitespace normalization can alter source representation and whitespace-sensitive mixed content.
Must the XML be valid before formatting?
It must be well formed enough for the browser XML parser. Invalid syntax produces an error rather than an automatic repair.
Are comments and CDATA preserved?
They pass through browser parsing and serialization, but exact source spelling and surrounding whitespace are not guaranteed. Review the output when those details matter.
Is the XML declaration preserved?
Declaration behavior depends on browser DOM parsing and serialization, so do not rely on exact declaration preservation.
Can I choose the indentation?
Yes. Choose two or four spaces before formatting.
Can I upload an XML file?
Yes. The tool accepts one supported XML or plain-text file as well as pasted input.