SQL Formatter
Format and beautify SQL queries
About the SQL Formatter
A SQL query crammed onto one line is hard to read and harder to debug. The SQL Formatter reflows it into a clean, indented layout — each major clause on its own line, keywords aligned — so the structure of even a complex query becomes clear at a glance.
Developers and analysts paste queries copied from logs, ORMs, or a colleague to make sense of them, or to tidy a query before committing it. It puts SELECT, FROM, WHERE, JOIN, and other major clauses on their own lines, indents nested parentheses, and can uppercase keywords so they stand out from table and column names. A consistent layout also makes code review kinder: two versions of a tidied query diff far more cleanly than two one-liners.
How to Use the SQL Formatter
- Paste your SQL query into the input box.
- Set the indent size (1 to 8 spaces) and choose whether to uppercase keywords.
- Click Format.
- Read the reformatted query and copy it back into your editor.
Why Use ToolForge’s SQL Formatter
- It places major clauses on their own lines and indents nested parentheses, turning a dense one-liner into a readable structure.
- An uppercase-keywords option makes SQL keywords stand out clearly from your tables and columns.
- Indent size is adjustable from one to eight spaces to match your team's style.
- Formatting runs in your browser, so your queries — which can reveal schema details — are never uploaded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does formatting change what my query does?
No. It only changes whitespace, line breaks, and optionally the casing of keywords — the query's logic and results are untouched. Formatting is purely about readability.
Should SQL keywords be uppercase?
It is a common convention because uppercase keywords (SELECT, FROM, WHERE) stand out from lowercase table and column names, making queries easier to scan. It is a style choice, though, so the formatter lets you turn it off.
Does it work with any SQL dialect?
It formats based on common SQL keywords and structure, so it handles standard queries across most databases. Highly dialect-specific syntax may not format perfectly, but the core clauses and indentation will still be applied.
Can it format a minified or single-line query?
Yes — that is exactly its strength. It normalizes the spacing first, then rebuilds the query with each major clause on its own line and proper indentation, turning a dense one-liner back into something readable.
