What is HTML Formatter?
An HTML Formatter is a free online tool that takes messy, minified, or hard-to-read HTML code and transforms it into clean, properly indented, and human-readable markup. Whether your HTML was exported from a CMS, copied from a website, or written in a compressed format, this tool adds consistent indentation, line breaks, and spacing so you can easily read, debug, and maintain your code.
Our formatter validates your HTML structure, highlights syntax errors, and lets you switch to minified output for production use. To understand HTML markup and best practices, see resources like MDN HTML, the HTML Living Standard, and web.dev's HTML guide.
HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is the standard markup language for web pages. Properly formatted HTML improves readability for developers, makes debugging easier, and helps maintain consistency across projects. Our HTML formatter and beautifier support all modern HTML5 elements and attributes.
How to Use the HTML Formatter
- Paste or upload your HTML: Paste HTML into the input editor or upload an .html or .htm file using the Upload button.
- Try the Sample button: Not sure where to start? Click the Sample button to load example HTML. You will immediately see the formatted output in the right panel with proper indentation and structure.
- View the output: The formatted HTML appears in the Output panel. Valid HTML shows a green "Valid HTML" badge; invalid markup is clearly indicated with error details.
- Copy or download: Use Copy to clipboard or Download to save your formatted or minified HTML.
No signup required. Works on desktop and mobile.
Why Use an HTML Formatter?
Unformatted or minified HTML is difficult to read and debug. Code exported from WordPress, Wix, or other website builders often comes as a single line or with inconsistent spacing. An HTML formatter fixes this by applying proper indentation, line breaks, and structure.
Formatted HTML is easier to maintain, review in version control, and share with team members. It also helps when learning web development or when you need to inspect and modify markup from third-party sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I format messy HTML code?
Simply paste your unformatted HTML into the input editor. The formatter automatically adds proper indentation, line breaks, and spacing to make your HTML readable. It also validates structure and highlights any syntax errors.
Can I both format and minify HTML in the same tool?
Yes! Use the Format mode for readable, indented HTML during development. Use the Minify button for compressed HTML with minimal whitespace, ideal for production to reduce file size and improve loading speed.
Does the formatter fix HTML syntax errors?
The formatter validates HTML and shows error locations with clear messages. While it does not auto-fix errors, it provides guidance on what to correct—such as unclosed tags, mismatched elements, or malformed attributes.
Is the HTML formatter completely free?
Yes. The HTML formatter is totally free with no limitations on file size, usage frequency, or features. No registration or signup required. Format unlimited HTML files with full syntax highlighting and validation.