XML Sorter

About the XML Sorter

Our XML Sorter is a simple and effective tool that helps you organize your XML data. It works by arranging all the elements (tags) and, optionally, their attributes in alphabetical order. So, if you have a complex XML file where the data is out of order, you can use this tool to clean it up instantly.

We made this tool for developers, data analysts, and anyone who works with XML. A sorted file is much easier to read and, more importantly, to compare. When you use a "diff" tool to see the changes between two versions of an XML file, a sorted structure ensures that only the real data changes are highlighted, not just reordered lines. It's a quick way to bring consistency to your data files.

How to Use the Tool

• Paste your XML code into the "Input XML" editor on the left.
• Use the "Sorting Options" to choose the sort direction (Ascending or Descending).
• You can also choose whether to sort the attributes within each tag and if the sorting should be case-sensitive.
• The sorted and beautifully formatted XML will appear instantly in the "Sorted XML" editor on the right.
• Use the buttons to copy the sorted code or download it as a new `.xml` file.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is XML sorting?

XML sorting is the process of rearranging the elements and attributes within an XML document into a specific, predictable order, usually alphabetical. This tool sorts all sibling elements at the same level and can also sort the attributes within each element. The data inside the tags is not changed.

Will sorting my XML change its meaning or data?

For most XML files, sorting does not change the meaning. The hierarchical structure of the data is preserved, and the textual content within tags is left untouched. However, in some rare cases, the order of sibling elements can be significant. You should only sort your XML if the order of elements at the same level does not matter.

Why would I want to sort an XML file?

The main reason to sort an XML file is to standardize it. This is very useful for comparing two different versions of a file. When files are sorted, a "diff" tool will only show actual data changes, not just lines that have been moved. This makes tracking changes in configuration files or data exports much easier.

What is the difference between case-sensitive and case-insensitive sorting?

Case-sensitive sorting treats uppercase and lowercase letters as different characters. For example, "User" would come after "email". Case-insensitive sorting treats them as the same, so "User" and "user" would be considered equal and their relative order might not change. Generally, case-sensitive sorting is standard for code and data files.

Is the XML data I enter kept private?

Yes, your data is 100% private. This tool performs all parsing, sorting, and formatting directly in your web browser using JavaScript. No information is ever sent to our servers, ensuring your data remains secure and confidential.