In this article
Why Format XML?
XML (eXtensible Markup Language) remains a foundational format for data exchange in enterprise systems, SOAP APIs, configuration files, and document formats like SVG, XHTML, and RSS feeds. Raw XML from APIs or exports is often minified or poorly indented, making it extremely difficult to read and debug.
An XML formatter parses the document and outputs it with consistent indentation, making the tag hierarchy immediately visible. This is essential for debugging API responses, inspecting configuration files, and validating document structure.
How XML Formatting Works
The formatter fully parses the XML document into an internal tree, then rebuilds it with proper indentation while preserving all data.
- Parse and validate — the XML is parsed into a DOM tree; syntax errors are reported with line and column numbers
- Pretty print — outputs with consistent indentation (2 or 4 spaces, or tabs) and proper line breaks between elements
- Minify option — removes all unnecessary whitespace for compact output, reducing file size for transmission
Try it free — no signup required
Format XML →When To Use the XML Formatter
The XML formatter is invaluable for working with XML data in any context.
- SOAP API debugging — format SOAP request and response envelopes to inspect headers, body, and fault elements
- Configuration files — format Spring, Maven, or Ant XML configs for readability before editing
- SVG editing — format SVG files to inspect and modify vector graphics markup by hand
Frequently Asked Questions
Does formatting change the XML data?
No. Formatting only adds or removes insignificant whitespace between elements. The actual data content, attributes, and document structure remain identical. The only exception is whitespace inside text nodes, which is preserved exactly as-is.
What about XML namespaces and attributes?
All namespaces, namespace prefixes, and attributes are fully preserved during formatting. The formatter treats them as part of the element structure and never modifies or reorders them.
Can I validate XML without formatting it?
Yes. The validate mode checks whether the XML is well-formed (proper tag nesting, valid syntax) without producing formatted output. This is useful for quick syntax checks before processing XML in your application.