ByteCompress

XML Formatter

XML Formatter formats and indents your XML code directly in the browser without uploading data. It uses fast-xml-parser to parse XML into an AST and regenerates it with consistent indentation.

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XML Formatter is a browser-based tool that formats XML files by parsing the content into an abstract syntax tree (AST) using the fast-xml-parser library with preserveOrder mode. It preserves all XML structural elements including attributes, CDATA sections, comments, and processing instructions while applying a consistent indentation configurable between 2 and 8 spaces. Since all processing happens locally in your browser, no data is uploaded, ensuring complete privacy. For converting formats, consider using Xml To Json or Json To Xml tools, and for prettifying JSON data, try Json Formatter.

How to Use XML Formatter

  1. Paste or upload your XML code into the input area.
  2. Choose the number of spaces for indentation (between 2 and 8) in the settings.
  3. Click the format button to parse and regenerate the XML with consistent indentation.
  4. Review the formatted XML in the output area.
  5. Copy the result or download it as a file for further use.

How It Works

This tool uses the fast-xml-parser library in preserveOrder mode to convert XML code into an Abstract Syntax Tree (AST). Parsing into an AST allows the tool to maintain the exact order and structure of XML elements, including attributes, CDATA sections, comments, and processing instructions.

After parsing, the tool regenerates the XML string from the AST, applying a uniform indentation scheme configurable between 2 and 8 spaces. This regeneration step ensures that nested elements are indented correctly, improving readability without altering the original XML content or validating it against DTD or XSD schemas.

Since the entire operation runs in your browser, the XML data never leaves your device, preserving confidentiality.

Example

Input XML:

<note>
  <to>Tove</to>
  <from>Jani</from>
  <heading>Reminder</heading>
  <body>Don't forget me this weekend!</body>
</note>

Formatted output with 4 spaces indentation:

<note>
    <to>Tove</to>
    <from>Jani</from>
    <heading>Reminder</heading>
    <body>Don't forget me this weekend!</body>
</note>

When to Use XML Formatter

  • When you need to improve the readability of complex XML files for development or review.
  • Before committing XML code to version control to maintain consistent formatting.
  • For preparing XML data to be converted to JSON using Xml To Json or to clean JSON output back to XML with Json To Xml.
  • When working with XML configuration files or API responses that contain comments, CDATA, or processing instructions.
  • In academic or learning environments to analyze well-structured XML documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does XML Formatter validate XML against DTD or XSD schemas?

No, XML Formatter does not perform validation against DTD or XSD schemas. It only parses the XML to an AST and regenerates it with consistent indentation without checking for schema validity.

Can I customize the indentation size in XML Formatter?

Yes, you can configure the indentation size between 2 and 8 spaces. This allows you to match your project's coding style or personal preference for XML formatting.

Does the tool preserve XML comments and CDATA sections?

Yes, the tool uses fast-xml-parser in preserveOrder mode, which retains comments, CDATA sections, processing instructions, and all attributes without modification during formatting.

Is my XML data uploaded to a server during formatting?

No, all processing happens entirely within your browser. The XML data is not uploaded anywhere, ensuring your information remains private and secure.

Can XML Formatter be used to convert XML to JSON?

XML Formatter only formats XML for improved readability. For converting XML to JSON, use the related tool Xml To Json. Similarly, Json To Xml converts JSON back to XML.