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Free XML Formatter

Format and beautify XML code instantly. Clean up minified XML, fix indentation, and improve readability for better data management.

Last Updated: 15 Jan 2026

Input XML

Formatted XML

What is XML Formatting?

XML (eXtensible Markup Language) formatting is the process of organizing XML code with proper indentation, line breaks, and spacing. When XML is minified or compressed for production, all whitespace is removed to reduce file size. While this improves efficiency, it makes the XML nearly impossible for humans to read or debug.

XML formatters reverse this process by adding proper indentation, line breaks, and consistent spacing. This transforms compressed, single-line XML into well-structured, readable markup that developers and data analysts can easily understand, edit, and maintain.

Why Use Our Free XML Formatter?

Instant Formatting

Format XML instantly as you paste. No delays, no server requests. All processing happens in your browser for maximum speed and privacy.

Proper Structure

Automatically indent nested elements and attributes to show the XML document structure clearly. Makes it easy to identify parent-child relationships.

Data Validation

Well-formatted XML is easier to validate, debug, and maintain. Quickly identify structural issues, understand data hierarchies, and fix errors.

Common Use Cases for XML Formatting

Web Development

Sitemap Files
Format XML sitemaps (sitemap.xml) to make them readable and easier to edit or debug for SEO purposes.
RSS Feeds
Beautify RSS feed XML to understand feed structure, debug issues, or customize feed content.
Configuration Files
Format XML configuration files from frameworks, applications, or servers to make them readable and editable.

Data Management

Data Exchange
Format XML data files used for data exchange between systems to understand structure and validate content.
API Responses
Beautify XML API responses to debug integration issues, understand data structure, or document APIs.
Documentation
Format XML examples in documentation, tutorials, or blog posts to make code snippets readable and professional.

How XML Formatting Works

Parse XML Structure

The formatter parses your XML to understand the document structure, identifying elements, attributes, and nested hierarchies.

Apply Indentation Rules

Based on nesting levels, the tool adds consistent indentation (typically 2 or 4 spaces) to show parent-child element relationships clearly.

Format Attributes

Attributes are properly spaced and aligned for readability. Multiple attributes on a single element are formatted consistently.

Output Formatted XML

The formatted XML is output with proper line breaks, indentation, and spacing, making it easy to read, validate, and maintain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does XML formatting do?

XML formatting adds proper indentation, line breaks, and spacing to XML code. It transforms minified or compressed XML into readable, well-structured markup that's easier to understand, debug, and maintain.

Will formatting XML change the data?

No, XML formatting only changes whitespace and formatting. The actual data and structure remain identical. XML parsers ignore extra whitespace, so formatting doesn't affect data integrity or functionality.

Can I format XML sitemaps and RSS feeds?

Yes, our XML formatter works with all XML formats including sitemaps (sitemap.xml), RSS feeds, configuration files, data files, and any valid XML document.

Is my XML data secure when using this tool?

Yes, all XML formatting happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your data never leaves your device, ensuring complete privacy and security.

Does formatting XML affect file size?

Formatted XML has more whitespace, so file sizes are slightly larger. However, this only matters for production. Use formatted XML for development and minify before deploying to production.

Can I format XML with namespaces?

Yes, our XML formatter handles XML namespaces, schema definitions, and all standard XML features including DTDs, CDATA sections, and processing instructions.

What if my XML has syntax errors?

The formatter will attempt to format the XML, but malformed XML (unclosed tags, invalid characters) may not format correctly. Fix syntax errors for best results.

Is there a file size limit?

Our tool can handle large XML files efficiently. However, extremely large files (10MB+) may take longer to process. For best performance, format files under 1MB.