complete.tools

JavaScript Formatter

Beautify and format minified or messy JavaScript code

What this tool does

The JavaScript Formatter instantly beautifies minified, bundled, or hard-to-read JavaScript code. Paste in any JavaScript -- whether it came from a build pipeline, was copied from a website's source, or is just disorganized legacy code -- and get clean, properly indented, readable output in seconds.

You can also use it in reverse: paste formatted JavaScript and click Minify to compress it for production use, stripping all whitespace and comments for the smallest possible file size.

How to use

  1. Paste your JavaScript into the input box, or click "Load Example" to try a sample
  2. Choose your preferred indentation (2 spaces, 4 spaces, or tab)
  3. Click "Beautify JS" to format, or "Minify JS" to compress
  4. Copy the result with the Copy button

Why format JavaScript?

Minified JavaScript is essential for production -- it loads faster because it has fewer bytes. But minified code is nearly impossible to read or debug. Formatted JavaScript is:

  • Easier to read -- clear structure, consistent indentation, logical line breaks
  • Easier to debug -- browser DevTools and stack traces reference meaningful line numbers
  • Easier to understand -- unfamiliar code reveals its logic when properly structured
  • Easier to edit -- find and modify the right lines without hunting through a single line of thousands of characters

Beautify vs. Minify

Beautify expands JavaScript so every statement and block is clearly indented. Use this when:

  • You want to read JavaScript from a bundled file or third-party script
  • You're debugging a runtime error and need readable code
  • You're learning from or auditing someone else's code

Minify compresses JavaScript by removing all whitespace and comments. Use this when:

  • Deploying to production for faster page loads
  • Reducing file size before inlining a script tag
  • Your build tool doesn't already handle minification

FAQs

Q: Does my code get sent to a server?
A: No. All formatting happens in your browser using JavaScript. Your code never leaves your device.
Q: Will this handle modern JavaScript syntax like arrow functions and destructuring?
A: Yes. The formatter works on any valid JavaScript syntax, including ES6+ features like arrow functions, template literals, destructuring, and async/await.
Q: What about TypeScript or JSX?
A: This tool formats standard JavaScript only. TypeScript type annotations and JSX syntax (React components) are not supported.
Q: Can I format a full minified bundle?
A: Yes. Paste as much JavaScript as you need -- there is no size limit. Note that very large bundles (hundreds of KB) may take a moment to process.
Q: What indent size should I use?
A: 2 spaces is standard in most JavaScript communities (Node.js, React, Vue, Google style guide). 4 spaces is common in projects using the Microsoft/TypeScript style. Tabs are preferred when accessibility matters -- screen readers and editors can render tab width differently per-user preference.

Explore Similar Tools

Explore more tools like this one: