notepad++ format xml

2 min read 02-10-2024

XML (eXtensible Markup Language) is widely used for data representation and exchange. However, raw XML data can often appear cluttered and hard to read. This is where tools like Notepad++ come in handy, allowing users to format and beautify their XML files with ease. In this article, we will explore how to format XML using Notepad++, along with useful tips and tricks to enhance your experience.

Why Format XML?

Formatted XML is easier to read and understand. It helps in identifying structural issues, debugging problems, and making data more accessible. By adding indentation, line breaks, and spacing, formatted XML allows developers and users to comprehend the hierarchical structure of the data quickly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Format XML in Notepad++

Download and Install Notepad++: If you haven't installed Notepad++ yet, you can download it from the Notepad++ official website. The installation is straightforward and user-friendly.
Open Your XML File: Launch Notepad++ and open your XML file. You can do this by navigating to File > Open and selecting the XML file you wish to format.
Enable XML Tools Plugin: Notepad++ does not format XML out of the box. To enable this functionality, you need the XML Tools plugin:
- Go to Plugins > Plugins Admin.
- In the Plugins Admin window, find and check XML Tools.
- Click the Install button and restart Notepad++ once installation is complete.
Format the XML: Once the XML Tools plugin is installed, follow these steps to format your XML:
- Select the entire content of your XML file by pressing Ctrl + A.
- Navigate to Plugins > XML Tools > Pretty Print (XML only - with line breaks).
- Your XML will now be formatted, with proper indentation and line breaks.

Additional XML Tools in Notepad++

The XML Tools plugin offers several additional features that can significantly enhance your XML editing experience:

Validate Now: Check the XML file against its DTD or XML Schema for well-formedness and correctness.
Tidy: This feature cleans up the XML, removing unnecessary whitespace and formatting inconsistencies.
Convert to Uppercase/Lowercase: Change the case of XML tags or attributes quickly using these conversion options.
Check XML Syntax: This tool highlights errors and issues, making it easier to debug XML files.

Practical Example

To demonstrate the formatting process, let’s consider the following unformatted XML snippet:

<note><to>Tove</to><from>Jani</from><heading>Reminder</heading><body>Don't forget me this weekend!</body></note>

After following the steps outlined above, the formatted output will look like this:

<note>
    <to>Tove</to>
    <from>Jani</from>
    <heading>Reminder</heading>
    <body>Don't forget me this weekend!</body>
</note>

As you can see, the formatted version is much more readable and structured.

Conclusion

Formatting XML in Notepad++ is a straightforward process that can greatly improve your productivity when working with XML files. By utilizing the XML Tools plugin, you can not only format your XML but also validate and clean up the structure effectively.

Additional Resources

For further reading, consider checking out the following:

Feel free to leave your questions or experiences with XML formatting in Notepad++ in the comments below!

Attributions

This article draws inspiration from various questions and answers found on Stack Overflow that discuss XML formatting in Notepad++. Specifically, the helpful contributions from users, such as @robertw, @nikhil, and others, who shared their expertise and insights on the matter.