# CSS Formatter

> Beautify and format minified or messy CSS code

**Category:** Dev
**Keywords:** css, formatter, beautify, minify, pretty print, format, css beautifier, css minifier
**URL:** https://complete.tools/css-formatter

## How to use

1. Paste your CSS 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 CSS" to format, or "Minify CSS" to compress
4. Copy the result with the Copy button

## Why format CSS?

Minified CSS is great for production — it loads faster because it has fewer bytes. But minified CSS is nearly impossible to read or debug. Formatted CSS is:

- **Easier to read** — each property on its own line, rules clearly separated
- **Easier to debug** — browser DevTools can map errors to specific lines
- **Easier to diff** — version control shows meaningful changes instead of single-line diffs
- **Easier to maintain** — other developers can understand your styles quickly

## Beautify vs. Minify

**Beautify** expands CSS so every selector and property is on its own line with consistent indentation. Use this when:
- You want to read or edit CSS you didn't write
- You're debugging a style problem
- You want to understand what a third-party stylesheet does

**Minify** compresses CSS by removing all whitespace, newlines, and comments. Use this when:
- Deploying to production for faster page loads
- You want to reduce file size before inlining CSS
- Your build tool doesn't already do this automatically

## FAQs

**Q:** Does my CSS 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 CSS with variables and calc()?


**A:** Yes. The formatter works on any valid CSS syntax, including custom properties (--variables), calc(), and modern features like container queries.


**Q:** What about SCSS or Less?


**A:** This tool formats standard CSS only. SCSS and Less syntax (like nested rules, mixins, and variables with $) are not supported.


**Q:** Can I format a full stylesheet?


**A:** Yes. Paste as much CSS as you need — there is no size limit.


**Q:** What indent size should I use?


**A:** 2 spaces is the most common convention for CSS (used by Google, Airbnb, and most style guides). 4 spaces is common in projects that prefer it for other languages. Tabs are preferred when your team uses tab-based indentation everywhere.

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*Generated from [complete.tools/css-formatter](https://complete.tools/css-formatter)*