HTML Formatter & Beautifier
Note: This formatter adds proper indentation and line breaks to make HTML more readable. Use our HTML Minifier if you need to compress HTML for production.
About HTML Formatter
HTML formatting makes your code more readable by adding proper indentation, line breaks, and structure. Well-formatted HTML is easier to maintain, debug, and collaborate on. This tool beautifies messy or minified HTML by organizing elements with consistent indentation based on their nesting level. It's perfect for developers working with minified HTML or who need to improve code readability. All formatting happens in your browser for complete privacy.
How to Use
- Paste or type your HTML into the input field.
- The tool will automatically format your HTML after a brief pause.
- Click "Format" to manually trigger formatting.
- Adjust the indent size (2, 4, or 8 spaces) to match your preferences.
- Click "Copy" to copy the formatted HTML to your clipboard.
- Use the formatted HTML in your projects for better readability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HTML formatting?
HTML formatting, also known as beautifying or pretty-printing, is the process of adding indentation, line breaks, and whitespace to HTML code to make it more readable and maintainable. It organizes elements based on their nesting level, making the structure clear at a glance.
When should I format HTML?
Format HTML during development and debugging when readability matters. If you're working with minified HTML from production, formatting it makes it easier to understand and modify. Well-formatted HTML is essential for code reviews, maintenance, and collaboration.
Will formatting change my HTML behavior?
Generally no. Formatting adds whitespace and line breaks which browsers typically ignore. However, whitespace can be significant in certain contexts (inside <pre>, <textarea>, or with CSS white-space properties). Always test your formatted HTML to ensure it works as expected.
Can I customize the indentation?
Yes! Use the "Indent" dropdown to choose between 2, 4, or 8 spaces per indentation level. This allows you to match your team's coding standards or personal preferences.
Does this tool validate HTML?
This is a formatting tool, not a validator. It will try to format any HTML you provide, but it doesn't check for valid HTML syntax or structure. For validation, use browser developer tools or dedicated HTML validators.
How does this differ from minification?
Formatting adds whitespace, indentation, and line breaks to improve readability (development). Minification removes whitespace to reduce file size (production). They're opposites—use our HTML Minifier when you need to compress HTML for production use.
Can I format HTML fragments or just complete documents?
You can format both! The tool works with complete HTML documents, snippets, or fragments. It doesn't require a valid DOCTYPE or complete document structure—it will format whatever HTML you provide.
Is my HTML secure?
Yes! All HTML formatting happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your HTML is never sent to any server, ensuring complete privacy. The tool works offline once loaded.