Clean Indentation
Nested elements get consistent, readable indentation so the structure is easy to follow.
XML Formatter
Format messy XML with clean indentation, or minify it, right in your browser. Checks that the XML is well formed and shows it with syntax highlighting. Free, no signup, nothing uploaded.
Guide
How to use the XML formatter
1
Paste or Upload XML
Drop in your XML, or upload a .xml file. It checks that the markup is well formed and formats it right away.
2
Pick Format or Minify
Choose Format for clean indentation, or Minify to strip it to a single compact line. Set the indent size when formatting.
3
Copy or Download
Copy the result or download it as a .xml file, ready to use in your project.
Readable XML, and Proof It Is Valid
XML turns up everywhere, in config files, RSS feeds, SVG graphics, API responses, and data exports. When it arrives on one long line with no spacing, working out which element sits inside which becomes guesswork, and a single misplaced tag can be hard to spot.
This formatter rebuilds the markup with clean, consistent indentation so the nesting is obvious. It handles the XML declaration, comments, and CDATA sections correctly, keeping the content inside them exactly as it was while tidying everything around it.
It also checks that the XML is well formed before you trust it. If a tag is unclosed or a quote is missing, you get a clear message instead of a silent problem later. Switch to minify when you need a compact version for production, pick your indent size, and copy the result. It all runs in the browser, so private files stay on your machine.
Benefits
Why Use Our XML Formatter?
Well-Formed Check
Tells you instantly whether your XML is well formed, and points out the error if it is not.
Format or Minify
Beautify tangled XML, or minify it to one line to shrink the file for transport.
Keeps CDATA Intact
Content inside CDATA sections and comments is preserved exactly, so nothing gets altered.
Syntax Highlighting
Tags, attributes, values, and CDATA are colored so the output is easy to read at a glance.
Runs in Your Browser
Your XML is processed on your device. Nothing is uploaded, logged, or stored.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about formatting XML.
What does formatting XML do?
Formatting rewrites your XML with consistent indentation and line breaks so the nesting of elements is clear. It does not change the data, only how it is laid out.
Does it check if my XML is valid?
It checks that the XML is well formed, meaning every tag is closed, properly nested, and quoted. If something is off, it shows the error. It does not validate against a schema or DTD.
Are CDATA sections and comments safe?
Yes. The content inside CDATA sections and comments is kept exactly as it is. Formatting is applied around them, but never inside.
What is the difference between format and minify?
Format spreads the XML out with indentation to make it readable. Minify removes line breaks and extra spaces to make the file as small as possible.
Can I use it for SVG or RSS?
Yes. SVG, RSS, XSL, and other XML-based formats all work, since they follow the same XML rules. Upload the file or paste the markup.
Is this XML formatter free?
Yes, it is completely free with no signup and no limits. Everything runs in your browser, so your data stays on your device.