Free YAML Formatter

How to Format YAML Online

Paste your YAML into the left panel and the formatted output appears instantly on the right. Use the indent selector to choose 2 spaces, 4 spaces, or tabs. Click the Minify button to convert to compact flow style. You can also drag and drop a .yaml or .yml file or use the upload button.

Common YAML Formatting Use Cases

Formatting YAML is essential when working with Kubernetes manifests, Docker Compose files, Ansible playbooks, GitHub Actions workflows, or any configuration that uses YAML. Consistent indentation prevents subtle bugs caused by misaligned keys, and clean formatting makes code reviews and diffs easier to read.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the YAML formatter do?

The YAML formatter parses your YAML and re-serializes it with consistent indentation and clean structure. It normalizes spacing, removes redundant quotes, and produces well-formatted, readable YAML.

Does it validate YAML syntax?

Yes — the formatter will show an error if your YAML has syntax issues. For detailed validation with line and column numbers, use the YAML Validator.

Can I minify YAML?

Yes — use the Minify button to convert YAML to flow style, which produces compact single-line output similar to JSON. This is useful for embedding YAML in scripts or reducing file size.

Is it free?

Yes — completely free, forever. No sign-up, no account, no usage limits.

Is my data safe?

All formatting happens locally in your browser using JavaScript. Your YAML is never uploaded to any server. It's safe to use with sensitive or proprietary data.

What about YAML to JSON?

Use the YAML to JSON converter to convert your YAML into JSON format.