SQL Formatter & Beautifier
Format, beautify, and validate SQL queries instantly. Our SQL formatter supports multiple database dialects and provides customizable formatting options for better code readability and maintenance.
SQL Examples
Input SQL
Formatted Output
SQL Best Practices
Formatting Guidelines:
- • Use consistent keyword capitalization
- • Indent subqueries and nested conditions
- • Place each major clause on a new line
- • Use meaningful table and column aliases
- • Format JOIN conditions clearly
Performance Tips:
- • Use specific column names instead of SELECT *
- • Add appropriate WHERE clauses to limit results
- • Use indexes for frequently queried columns
- • Consider query execution plans
- • Avoid unnecessary subqueries
How to Format SQL Queries
Simple 4-Step Process
- 1Paste your SQL query into the input area or upload a SQL file
- 2Choose your SQL dialect and formatting preferences
- 3Click "Format SQL" to beautify or "Minify" to compress
- 4Copy the formatted result or download it as a SQL file
Formatting Features
- Multi-dialect support: MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, SQL Server, Oracle
- Custom indentation: Choose 1, 2, or 4 space indentation
- Keyword formatting: Uppercase or lowercase keyword styling
- Syntax validation: Basic error detection and reporting
- Line numbers: Optional line numbering for large queries
When to Format SQL Code
Database Development
Format queries, stored procedures, views, and triggers for better readability during development and code reviews.
Documentation
Create clean, readable SQL examples for technical documentation, training materials, and API documentation.
Code Reviews
Standardize SQL formatting across team members for consistent code reviews and version control.
Performance Analysis
Format complex queries to better understand execution flow and identify optimization opportunities.
Migration Scripts
Organize and format database migration scripts for better maintenance and deployment tracking.
Learning & Teaching
Format SQL examples for educational content, tutorials, and training materials to improve comprehension.
SQL Formatting Best Practices
Formatting Standards
-- Good formatting example
SELECT
u.user_id,
u.username,
p.title AS post_title,
COUNT(c.comment_id) AS comment_count
FROM users u
INNER JOIN posts p
ON u.user_id = p.author_id
LEFT JOIN comments c
ON p.post_id = c.post_id
WHERE u.is_active = 1
AND p.published_at > '2024-01-01'
GROUP BY
u.user_id,
u.username,
p.title
HAVING COUNT(c.comment_id) > 5
ORDER BY comment_count DESC
LIMIT 10;Formatting Rules
- Keywords: Use consistent case (UPPER or lower) for all SQL keywords
- Indentation: Indent subqueries, JOIN conditions, and WHERE clauses
- Line breaks: Put major clauses (SELECT, FROM, WHERE) on new lines
- Aliases: Use meaningful aliases and format them consistently
- Comments: Add comments to explain complex logic and business rules
SQL Dialect Differences
MySQL
- • Backticks for identifiers: `table_name`
- • LIMIT clause for pagination
- • AUTO_INCREMENT for sequences
PostgreSQL
- • Double quotes for identifiers: “table_name”
- • LIMIT/OFFSET for pagination
- • SERIAL for auto-increment
SQL Server
- • Square brackets: [table_name]
- • TOP clause for limiting results
- • IDENTITY for auto-increment
Oracle
- • Double quotes for case-sensitive names
- • ROWNUM for row limiting
- • Sequences for auto-increment
SQLite
- • Limited ALTER TABLE support
- • Dynamic typing system
- • AUTOINCREMENT keyword
Standard SQL
- • ANSI SQL compliance
- • Portable across databases
- • Common subset of features
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SQL formatting and why is it important?
SQL formatting is the process of organizing SQL code with proper indentation, line breaks, and consistent styling. It improves code readability, maintainability, and makes it easier for teams to collaborate on database queries and scripts.
Which SQL dialects are supported?
Our SQL formatter supports Standard SQL, MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, SQL Server (T-SQL), and Oracle SQL. Each dialect has specific formatting rules and keyword handling for optimal compatibility.
Can I customize the formatting style?
Yes, you can customize indentation size (1, 2, or 4 spaces), keyword case (uppercase or lowercase), and enable line numbers. These options help match your team's coding standards and preferences.
Does the formatter validate SQL syntax?
The tool includes basic SQL validation to check for common syntax errors like unmatched parentheses, quotes, and invalid statement structure. While it catches many issues, always test your queries in your target database.
Can I format large SQL files?
Yes, you can upload SQL files using the "Upload File" button. The formatter can handle large queries including complex stored procedures, views, and database schemas with multiple statements.
Is my SQL code secure when using this tool?
Absolutely. All SQL formatting happens entirely in your browser. No SQL code is sent to our servers or stored anywhere. Your queries and database structure remain completely private and secure.
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