Free Online XML Formatter
Format, beautify, validate, and minify XML code instantly. Supports syntax highlighting and local browser processing.
data_object Input XML
code Output Result
Key Features
Syntax Highlighting
Color-coded XML tags, attributes, values, comments, CDATA, and processing instructions for better readability.
Well-Formedness Validation
Instant validation to check for well-formedness errors including unclosed tags, mismatched nesting, and missing quotes.
Instant Processing
All operations run locally in your browser for instant results with no server roundtrips.
Privacy Protected
Your XML data never leaves your browser. No server storage or tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
What is an XML formatter?
An XML formatter takes unformatted or minified XML documents and restructures them with consistent indentation, making the hierarchical structure immediately visible. It handles CDATA sections, processing instructions, DOCTYPE declarations, and comments.
Is this XML formatter free?
Yes. All tools are completely free and run locally in your browser. No signup, no limits, no hidden costs.
Does the tool store my data?
No. Your XML data never leaves your browser. All processing happens locally on your device, ensuring complete privacy and security.
Features & Usage
How do I format XML?
Simply paste your XML into the input area and click the "Format XML" button. The tool will add proper indentation using 2 spaces. Switch to "Validate" to check for well-formedness errors.
Does the formatter preserve CDATA sections?
Yes. CDATA sections are preserved exactly as written, including their content. The formatter does not escape or modify characters inside CDATA blocks.
How does validation work?
Click the "Validate" tab to check your XML for well-formedness errors. The validator checks for unclosed tags, mismatched nesting, unquoted attributes, and invalid characters.
Troubleshooting
What causes "not well-formed" errors?
Common causes include unclosed tags, mismatched tag name case, overlapping tags, unquoted attribute values, and unescaped & or < characters in text content.
Can I use this tool offline?
Yes! Once you've visited the page, all functionality works offline thanks to service workers and local processing.