SQL Formatter
Format and indent your SQL queries and turn them into a more readable structure.
Your queries are processed in your browser. The SQL code you enter is not sent to a server.
Enter your SQL query
Type or paste the SQL query you want to format into the field below.
SQL Formatter features
All the key features you need to tidy up, make readable and share complex SQL queries are available in a single tool.
SQL formatting
Splits compressed or messy queries into lines and indents them according to logical blocks.
Multiple SQL dialects
Supports MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Oracle, SQLite and other common SQL dialects.
Keyword style
Leaves SQL keywords such as SELECT, FROM and WHERE in uppercase, lowercase or their existing form.
Indentation option
You can format queries using two spaces, four spaces or a tab.
Copy and download
You can copy the formatted query to the clipboard or download it as an .sql file.
Secure processing in the browser
Your SQL queries are processed on your device and are not sent to a server for formatting.
What is the SQL Formatter?
The SQL Formatter is an online developer tool that reformats SQL queries written on a single line, in a messy way or in a hard-to-read style according to specific indentation and line layout rules.
Long SELECT lists, multiple JOIN clauses, subqueries, CASE blocks, CTE structures and complex WHERE conditions can make a query hard to read. SQL formatting tidies the visual structure without changing how the query works.
Well-organized SQL code helps queries be understood faster during code review, debugging, team sharing, documentation and maintenance.
How do you use the SQL Formatter?
Follow the steps below to tidy up your SQL query.
Add the query
Type or paste the SQL code into the input field.
Choose the dialect
Select the SQL dialect that matches your database.
Format
Choose the keyword and indentation options, then click the Format button.
Use the result
Copy the tidied query or download it as an .sql file.
SQL formatting example
The query below, written on a single line, may be valid, but it is hard to follow its individual parts.
Unformatted SQL
select u.id,u.name,count(o.id) as order_count from users u left join orders o on o.user_id=u.id where u.active=1 group by u.id,u.name having count(o.id)>0 order by order_count desc;Formatted SQL
SELECT
u.id,
u.name,
COUNT(o.id) AS order_count
FROM
users u
LEFT JOIN orders o ON o.user_id = u.id
WHERE
u.active = 1
GROUP BY
u.id,
u.name
HAVING
COUNT(o.id) > 0
ORDER BY
order_count DESC;After formatting, the SELECT fields, JOIN relationship, filters and sorting sections are easier to tell apart.
What is the difference between an SQL Formatter and an SQL Validator?
Formatting and validation serve different purposes.
| Feature | SQL Formatter | SQL Validator |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Arranging the query so it is readable | Checking syntax and rules |
| Indentation | ✔ Supported | Not its main function |
| SQL dialect | Applies formatting rules according to the dialect | Validates against the database syntax |
| Error detection | Limited; finding errors is not the main purpose | Aims to report invalid statements |
| Execution | Does not run the query in the database | May vary depending on the tool |
Rules for writing readable SQL
Consistent formatting makes complex queries easier to maintain and easier for the team to understand.
Use keywords consistently
Keep the same letter case for statements such as SELECT, FROM, WHERE and JOIN.
Write fields on separate lines
In long SELECT lists, place each field on its own line.
Make JOIN conditions explicit
Separate each JOIN clause and its ON condition logically.
Indent subqueries
Use indentation to show which statement a nested query belongs to.
Use meaningful aliases
Choose table and column aliases that are short but easy to understand.
Prefer parameterized queries
Use database parameters instead of inserting user input directly into the query.
When is the SQL Formatter used?
The tool helps with different needs in SQL development and maintenance.
Reviewing long queries
Makes the structure of queries with many fields, JOINs and filters visible.
Code review
Makes queries faster to read in pull requests or team reviews.
Debugging
Helps you follow subqueries, parentheses and logical blocks more easily.
Documentation
Provides neater SQL examples in technical documents and knowledge bases.
Database migrations
Makes syntax blocks more visible when reviewing queries in different SQL dialects.
Education and learning
Makes it easier to understand the structure of SQL statements and how the parts of a query relate to each other.
Frequently Asked Questions About the SQL Formatter
Frequently asked questions about SQL formatting, dialect support, security and usage.
What is the SQL Formatter used for?
Does the SQL Formatter change how a query works?
Which SQL dialects are supported?
Does the SQL Formatter find errors in a query?
Are my SQL queries sent to a server?
Can I convert SQL keywords to uppercase?
Can I download the formatted SQL query?
Can I convert an SQL query to a single line?
Is the SQL Formatter free?
Does the SQL Formatter prevent SQL injection attacks?
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