YAML Formatter

About this tool

Normalize YAML by parsing it and re-emitting it with clean, consistent 2-space indentation and ordering.

Example

Input: name: Al

Output: name: Al

Privacy

This tool runs entirely in your browser. Your data is processed locally and never uploaded to a server.

How to use this tool

1. Paste your YAML into the input box.
2. Click Format to normalize the document.
3. Review the cleaned output with consistent 2-space indentation.
4. Copy the formatted YAML back into your project or config file.

Step by step, what happens

1. The tool reads the YAML text and parses its structure, including mappings, lists, and nested blocks.
2. It checks the document for valid YAML syntax before rewriting anything.
3. If the YAML is valid, it re-emits the same data with clean 2-space indentation and normalized ordering where needed.
4. You can then copy the formatted result and use it as a readable, consistent version of the original input.

Worked example

Here is a small deployment config with inconsistent spacing that the formatter can clean up.

Input: name: app image: nginx ports: - 80 - 443

1. Paste the YAML into the formatter.
2. The tool parses the list under ports and rewrites it with standard 2-space indentation.
3. The output keeps the same values but makes the structure easier to read.

Tips and common mistakes

• Use it when nested lists or objects have inconsistent spacing, because the formatter will make indentation uniform.
• If the tool reports a parse problem, fix the YAML syntax first, such as missing colons or broken indentation, then format again.
• Remember that formatting does not change your data values, so it is safe to use before committing config files.
• For best results, paste plain YAML, not YAML mixed with comments from another file type or wrapped in code fences.

Frequently asked questions