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XML Formatter

Format and validate messy XML into readable, indented markup for feeds, payloads, configs, and integration debugging.

Last reviewed: June 11, 2026

About this tool

Beautify compressed XML, copied feed items, SOAP payloads, sitemap fragments, and integration responses so nested elements and attributes are easier to review.

XML Formatter is useful when compressed feeds, SOAP payloads, sitemap fragments, configuration files, or integration responses need to become readable before review. It keeps the document in XML form while adding indentation and surfacing parser errors.

  • Formats XML elements, attributes, comments, CDATA blocks, and processing instructions with readable indentation.
  • Shows parser errors when the pasted XML is malformed.
  • Runs locally in the browser without uploading pasted XML.

How to use XML Formatter

Paste the XML, choose the indentation style, and review the formatted output alongside the parser status and document counts. If the XML is part of a production integration, validate it against the expected schema or consuming system after formatting.

When this tool is useful

  • Formats XML elements, attributes, comments, CDATA blocks, and processing instructions with readable indentation.
  • Shows parser errors when the pasted XML is malformed.
  • Runs locally in the browser without uploading pasted XML.

Practical tips

    Examples you can test

    These examples show the kind of real input and reviewed output this tool is designed to support. Use them as a starting point before pasting your own production content, then compare the output with the destination system that will use the result. The goal is not only to produce a value, but to make the input assumptions, output format, and review step clear enough that the result can be trusted in a real workflow.

    Expand minified XML

    Example input

    <feed><entry id="1"><title>Launch</title><status>published</status></entry></feed>

    Expected output

    <feed>
      <entry id="1">
        <title>Launch</title>
        <status>published</status>
      </entry>
    </feed>

    Useful when API responses, CMS exports, or feed items arrive as one long line.

    Review XML with CDATA

    Example input

    <summary><![CDATA[Keep <tags> as text.]]></summary>

    Expected output

    <summary><![CDATA[Keep <tags> as text.]]></summary>

    CDATA sections stay visible so markup-like text can be inspected without changing its meaning.

    Validation checklist

    Run through these checks before copying the result into a CMS, codebase, spreadsheet, campaign, support ticket, or production document. Small formatting differences, unit assumptions, hidden whitespace, and platform-specific rules are common sources of mistakes in quick browser tools, so the final review should happen in the same context where the output will be used.

    • Fix parser errors before trusting the formatted output.
    • Check attributes and namespaces when the XML feeds another system.
    • Validate production XML against the expected schema or consuming application.
    • Keep the original XML when formatting payloads used for audits or support evidence.

    Why people use this tool

    People search for xml formatters when they need to debug structured markup quickly without writing a script. A strong page reduces that friction by making nested elements, attributes, comments, and CDATA sections easier to inspect in one browser step.

    Related search intents

    xml formatter, xml beautifier, format xml online, xml prettifier, xml validator.

    Frequently asked questions

    Does this validate XML syntax?

    Yes. The formatter parses the XML in your browser and shows a parser error when the input is malformed.

    Can I format minified XML?

    Yes. Paste compressed XML and the formatter expands nested elements onto readable lines.

    Does it preserve attributes, comments, and CDATA?

    Yes. Attributes, XML comments, and CDATA sections are preserved in the formatted output.

    Is this different from XML to JSON Converter?

    Yes. XML Formatter keeps the document as XML for review, while XML to JSON Converter transforms the structure into JSON.

    Is pasted XML uploaded?

    No. Formatting and parsing run locally in your browser.

    Review and privacy notes

    Utiloom reviews tool pages for practical examples, validation checks, browser-side processing notes, and clear limitations before they are promoted in search. Read more about the editorial approach on the About page, check data handling in the Privacy Policy, or contact us if a tool needs correction.

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