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Summary: Learn how to easily format XML in Notepad++ with this step-by-step guide, including using plugins and built-in features to make your XML files more readable and organized.
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XML (eXtensible Markup Language) is widely used for storing and transporting data. Properly formatting XML is crucial for readability and maintenance. Notepad++, a popular text editor, provides several ways to format XML. This guide will walk you through the steps to format XML in Notepad++ effectively.

Using the XML Tools Plugin

The XML Tools plugin is a powerful extension for Notepad++ that offers various features for handling XML files, including formatting (pretty print).

Installing the XML Tools Plugin

Open Notepad++: Launch Notepad++ on your computer.

Access the Plugin Manager: Navigate to Plugins > Plugins Admin in the menu bar.

Search for XML Tools: In the Plugins Admin window, type "XML Tools" in the search bar.

Install the Plugin: Check the box next to XML Tools and click the Install button. Notepad++ may prompt you to restart to complete the installation.

Formatting XML with XML Tools

Open Your XML File: Load the XML file you want to format in Notepad++.

Format the XML: Go to Plugins > XML Tools > Pretty Print (XML only - with line breaks) or use the shortcut Ctrl + Alt + Shift + B.

Your XML file will be automatically formatted with proper indentation and line breaks.

Using the Built-In Functionality

If you prefer not to install additional plugins, Notepad++ has a built-in feature to help with basic formatting.

Open Your XML File: Load the XML file in Notepad++.

Indent Lines: Highlight the lines of XML you want to format and press Ctrl + I. This will apply basic indentation to the selected lines.

Customizing Formatting Options

Changing Indentation Settings

Access Settings: Go to Settings > Preferences.

Modify Tab Settings: Under the Language category, select XML and adjust the Tab Settings to configure the number of spaces or tab width for indentation.

Manual Formatting

For smaller XML files or minor adjustments, you might choose to manually format the XML.

Indent Lines: Use the Tab key to manually indent lines.

Align Tags: Ensure that each opening tag, content, and closing tag are properly aligned for better readability.

Conclusion

Properly formatting XML in Notepad++ enhances readability and maintainability. Whether you use the XML Tools plugin for comprehensive formatting or the built-in features for basic adjustments, Notepad++ provides versatile tools to manage your XML files efficiently. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure your XML documents are well-organized and easy to read.