mySQL Formatter
Format messy SQL into readable, indented queries with keyword highlighting.
About the SQL Formatter
Raw SQL queries pasted from logs, APIs, or other tools are often a single unreadable line. This formatter breaks SQL into structured, indented blocks — each main clause on its own line with consistent keyword capitalisation and colour highlighting.
What gets formatted
- Main clauses on new lines: SELECT, FROM, WHERE, JOIN, GROUP BY, ORDER BY etc.
- All SQL keywords uppercased consistently
- Syntax highlighting: keywords in blue, strings in green, numbers in purple, conditions in amber
All processing is client-side — your queries never leave your browser.
Common SQL formatting conventions
Well-formatted SQL is easier to debug, review, and maintain. Most style guides recommend uppercase keywords (SELECT, FROM, WHERE), one clause per line, consistent indentation for subqueries, and comma-first or comma-last alignment for long column lists. Consistent formatting also helps version control diffs stay meaningful.
- Keyword casing — uppercase SQL keywords (SELECT, INSERT, WHERE) distinguish them visually from identifiers
- Line breaks — each major clause on its own line improves readability in long queries
- Indentation — indent subqueries and CTEs by 2-4 spaces relative to the parent query
- Aliases — always alias subqueries and use consistent alias conventions (e.g. first letter of table name)
Frequently Asked Questions
What SQL dialects are supported?
Standard SQL keywords used in MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, and SQL Server are all handled. Dialect-specific functions are formatted as regular identifiers.
Does this validate my SQL?
No — it reformats structure only. Use your database client to validate against an actual engine.
Are my queries sent to a server?
No. All formatting runs in your browser using JavaScript. Your SQL never leaves your device.
How do I format SQL automatically in VS Code?
Install the "SQL Formatter" or "Prettier" extension (with a SQL plugin). SQL Formatter supports configuring keyword case, indentation, and operator spacing. For automated formatting in a CI pipeline, use
sql-formatter npm package: npx sql-formatter --language postgresql input.sql.What is the difference between SQL and NoSQL databases?
SQL (relational) databases store data in structured tables with predefined schemas and use SQL for queries. NoSQL databases (MongoDB, Redis, Cassandra) use flexible schemas with document, key-value, columnar, or graph models. SQL is better for complex queries and joins; NoSQL is better for high write volumes, flexible schemas, and horizontal scaling.
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