XML Formatter
Format, beautify, and validate messy XML files with custom indentation and instant syntax error detection. · Updated
XML still powers SOAP APIs, RSS/Atom feeds, Android layouts, and enterprise configs. A local formatter with precise syntax errors makes messy minified payloads reviewable without uploading proprietary schemas. Use indentation options for diffs, Minified mode for transport size checks, and jump to XML ↔ JSON when you need a JSON workflow.
Common errors and fixes
Every opening tag needs a matching close tag (or self-closing form). Check the reported line/column for the mismatch.
Why it happens, with a live exampleClosing tags must mirror the most recent open tag. Nested elements must close in reverse order.
Why it happens, with a live exampleInvalid character in attribute value
Quote attributes and escape & < > inside text. Prefer CDATA for large raw blocks.
Move <?xml ...?> to the very start of the document with no bytes before it.
Why it happens, with a live exampleOptions
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Indentation | Select indentation width or minify to remove all unnecessary whitespace. |
| Collapse short content tags | Keeps short text content inline (e.g. <title>Text</title>) rather than breaking into 3 lines. |
FAQ
Can this tool detect unclosed XML tags?
Yes. The built-in XML validator checks tag matching and highlights exact line and column numbers on syntax errors.
Can I minify XML with this tool?
Yes. Select 'Minified (Compact)' in the Indentation option to strip comments and whitespace.
Does it support XML with attributes and namespaces?
Yes, standard XML attributes, namespaces (xmlns), and CDATA sections are formatted cleanly.