What is
What is XML Formatter & Validator?
The XML Formatter & Validator instantly formats messy or minified XML into human-readable, indented output — directly in your browser without uploading anything. Powered by the browser's native DOMParser, it provides accurate structural validation and surfaces parse errors with the exact line and column number so you can fix problems fast.
Whether you're debugging an API response, editing a configuration file, or preparing XML for a SOAP service, this tool handles the tedious formatting work and catches errors before they reach production. Choose between 2-space and 4-space indentation, minify for transport, or format for readability — all with a single click.
How to use
How to use XML Formatter & Validator
1. Paste your XML into the left panel, or click "Load Example XML" to try a sample.
2. The right panel shows the formatted output in real time. If there's a parse error, the exact location is shown below the input.
3. Use the Indent selector to choose 2 or 4 spaces.
4. Click "Minify" to compact the XML for transport, or "Format" to re-expand it.
5. Click "Copy" to copy the formatted output to your clipboard.
Example
Example
Input (minified):
<?xml version="1.0"?><catalog><book id="1"><title>Developer Guide</title><price>44.95</price></book></catalog>
Output (formatted, 2-space indent):
<?xml version="1.0"?>
<catalog>
<book id="1">
<title>Developer Guide</title>
<price>44.95</price>
</book>
</catalog>Common use cases
Common use cases
1. Beautify API responses: Format XML returned by REST or SOAP endpoints for easier reading and debugging.
2. Config file editing: Format Spring, Maven, or Android XML configs before committing to version control.
3. Validate before deployment: Check that XML is well-formed before sending to an external service or parsing in code.
4. Minify for transport: Strip whitespace from XML before embedding in HTTP requests or payloads.
5. Diff preparation: Format two XML documents consistently before running a diff to reduce noise.
6. RSS/Atom feed debugging: Validate feed XML structure to ensure readers will parse it correctly.
Frequently asked questions