Dev Tools/XML Formatter
XML Formatter
Format and validate XML documents with proper indentation
Input XML
Output
Formatted XML will appear here...Options
XML Formatter Guide
Learn how to format and validate XML documents effectively
What is XML?
XML (eXtensible Markup Language) is a markup language that defines rules for encoding documents in a format that is both human-readable and machine-readable. It's commonly used for configuration files, data exchange between systems, and document storage.
How to Use This Tool
- Paste your XML document in the input field
- Select your preferred indentation size
- Click 'Format' to beautify or 'Minify' to compress
- Copy the result using the copy button
Pro Tips
- Use the Sample button to see a properly formatted XML example
- XML must be well-formed with proper opening and closing tags
- Self-closing tags like <br/> are supported
Browser Support
XML parsing is supported in all modern browsers using the DOMParser API. This tool validates XML structure and reports any parsing errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between XML and HTML?
XML is a strict markup language where all tags must be properly closed and attributes quoted. HTML is more lenient. XML is designed for data storage and transport, while HTML is designed for displaying content. This tool validates XML strictly according to XML specifications.
Why am I getting a parsing error?
XML requires strict syntax: all tags must be closed, attribute values must be quoted, and tags are case-sensitive. Common errors include missing closing tags, unquoted attributes, or mismatched tag names. Check the error message for the specific location of the problem.
Can I format HTML with this XML formatter?
Only if your HTML is also valid XML (XHTML). Regular HTML with unclosed tags like <br> or <img> will cause parsing errors. Use our dedicated HTML Formatter tool for regular HTML documents.
How do I preserve CDATA sections?
CDATA sections (<![CDATA[...]]>) are preserved during formatting. They're useful for embedding content that contains characters that would otherwise need escaping, like JavaScript or CSS code within XML.
What is XML namespace and how does it affect formatting?
XML namespaces (xmlns attributes) help avoid naming conflicts when combining XML documents from different sources. This formatter preserves all namespace declarations and prefixes exactly as they appear in your input.