XML to reStructuredText Converter

About XML to reStructuredText Converter

Convert XML data to reStructuredText (RST) table format for Sphinx documentation, Python projects, and technical writing. Perfect for ReadTheDocs, PEPs, and documentation sites.

Key Features

• Grid Tables: Robust format supporting multi-line cells and complex layouts
• Simple Tables: Clean, minimal syntax for straightforward data
• Header Support: Optional header row with proper separators
• Auto-Sizing: Automatic column width calculation
• Sphinx Compatible: Works with Sphinx documentation generator
• File Upload: Upload .xml files directly
• Copy & Download: Easy export as .rst file

How to Use

1. Input XML Data: Paste your XML data or upload an .xml file
2. Select Table Style: Choose between Grid or Simple table format
3. Configure Options: Toggle header row inclusion
4. Review Output: The reStructuredText table generates automatically
5. Copy or Download: Use the Copy or Download button to save your .rst file

Table Style Options

• Grid Table: Uses +, -, |, and = characters for borders. Supports multi-line cells and complex layouts. More robust but verbose.
• Simple Table: Uses = characters for separators and spaces for alignment. Cleaner syntax but less flexible.

Supported XML Structures

The converter recognizes several common XML table patterns:

• <table><row>...</row></table>: Standard table structure
• <data><record>...</record></data>: Data records pattern
• <records><record>...</record></records>: Records collection
• Repeated Elements: Any root with repeated child elements
• Attributes: Also supports attribute-based data

Example Conversion

XML Input:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<data>
  <record>
    <Name>John Doe</Name>
    <Age>28</Age>
    <City>New York</City>
  </record>
  <record>
    <Name>Jane Smith</Name>
    <Age>34</Age>
    <City>London</City>
  </record>
</data>

Grid Table Output:

+------------+-----+----------+
| Name       | Age | City     |
+============+=====+==========+
| John Doe   | 28  | New York |
+------------+-----+----------+
| Jane Smith | 34  | London   |
+------------+-----+----------+

Simple Table Output:

==========  ===  ========
Name        Age  City
==========  ===  ========
John Doe    28   New York
Jane Smith  34   London
==========  ===  ========

Common Use Cases

• Sphinx Documentation: Create tables for Python documentation
• ReadTheDocs: Generate documentation tables
• Python PEPs: Format data for Python Enhancement Proposals
• Technical Writing: Professional documentation with tables
• API Documentation: Document API responses and parameters
• README Files: Add structured data to project documentation

reStructuredText Benefits

• Readable: Plain text format that's easy to read and edit
• Powerful: Supports complex documentation features
• Sphinx Integration: Native support in Sphinx documentation
• Version Control: Works well with Git and other VCS
• Extensible: Supports custom directives and roles
• Professional: Industry standard for Python documentation

Grid vs Simple Tables

Use Grid Tables when:

• You need multi-line cell content
• You want visible borders around all cells
• You need maximum flexibility and robustness

Use Simple Tables when:

• You have simple, single-line data
• You prefer cleaner, more minimal syntax
• You want easier manual editing

Privacy & Security

All conversions happen locally in your browser. Your XML data is never uploaded to any server, ensuring complete privacy and security.

FAQs

• What XML layout works best? Repeated child elements under a single root (for example, multiple <record> nodes) with consistent child tags for each field produce clean RST tables.
• When should I use Grid vs Simple tables? Use Grid tables for complex or multi-line cells, and Simple tables for small, single-line datasets where you prefer minimal syntax.
• Can I edit the table after conversion? Yes. The output is plain reStructuredText, so you can paste it into your docs and manually adjust widths, headers, or content.
• Is this compatible with Sphinx and ReadTheDocs? Yes. Both Grid and Simple tables generated here are valid for Sphinx, ReadTheDocs, and other RST-based toolchains.
• Is my documentation data uploaded anywhere? No. All parsing and table generation happen entirely in your browser.