YAML Formatter
Validate and format YAML files
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What is YAML?
YAML (YAML Ain't Markup Language) is a human-readable data serialization format commonly used for configuration files. It uses indentation to represent structure, making it clean and easy to read—but also sensitive to whitespace errors.
This formatter validates YAML syntax and catches common mistakes like tabs (which are not allowed) and missing colons in key-value pairs.
YAML Syntax Basics
Key-Value Pairs
key: value — Simple assignment with colon and space.
Nested Objects
Use 2-space indentation to nest objects under parent keys.
Lists
- item — List items start with a dash and space.
Common YAML Errors
| Error | Fix |
|---|---|
| Tabs used | Replace with spaces (2 or 4) |
| Inconsistent indent | Use same number of spaces throughout |
| Missing colon | Add colon after key names |
FAQ
Why can't I use tabs in YAML?
The YAML spec explicitly forbids tabs for indentation. Use spaces only—typically 2 spaces per level.
