How to Format and Check XML Online

Developer · Step-by-step guide · 3 steps · 2 min read

XML is a way to store data as text with tags. It is often one long line. This tool makes it neat and tells you where any mistake is.

Open the XML Formatter & Validator

In the pictures, orange letters like A show where to look. Each step tells you its letter.

Step 1: Paste or add your XML

In 1 Your XML, paste XML into Enter XML. Or upload a file. See A in the picture.

Step 2: Press Format / Beautify

In 2 Format, pick an Indent. Then press the button. Minify makes it small. Validate only checks it. Mistakes show the line number. See B in the picture.

XML tool with one long line of book data — Paste XML (A) and press Format / Beautify (B).

Step 3: Use the result

The neat XML shows below. Press Download Output to save it. See C in the picture.

Neat, indented XML that lists two books — The neat XML (C).

Tips and questions

What are common XML mistakes?

A tag that is never closed. Tags closed in the wrong order. Or a plain & that should be &.

Can I change XML to JSON?

Yes. Open More tools and press XML to JSON.

What is XPath?

It is a way to pick parts of an XML file, like //book/title. Type one into XPath query in More tools. Then press Evaluate.

Is there a tree view?

Yes. In More tools, Tree View lets you open and close each part.

Privacy

Your data is handled in your browser. It is never sent to us. So it is safe to paste private or work data.

Try it now

The XML Formatter & Validator is free. You do not need an account.