Formatting XML and HTML in Notepad++

Notepad++ is a powerful text editor often used for code editing. While it doesn’t have built-in auto-formatting for XML and HTML, it can be easily extended with plugins to provide this functionality, enhancing your workflow and code readability. This tutorial will guide you through the process of installing and using these plugins.

Extending Notepad++ with Plugins

Notepad++’s functionality can be significantly expanded through plugins. These are small programs that add new features to the editor. Here’s how to install and use plugins for XML and HTML formatting.

Installing Plugins

1. Plugin Manager: The easiest way to manage plugins is through the Plugin Manager. If you don’t have it already, you may need to install it first. Access the Plugin Manager by navigating to Plugins -> Plugins Admin....

2. Searching for Plugins: In the Plugin Admin window, search for either "XML Tools" or "TextFX". Several plugins might appear; we’ll focus on these two.

3. Installation: Check the box next to the desired plugin (e.g., "XML Tools" or "TextFX Characters") and click the "Install" button. Notepad++ will download and install the plugin automatically.

4. Restart: After installation, you will typically be prompted to restart Notepad++ for the changes to take effect.

Using Plugins for Formatting

Once installed, the plugins provide options to format your XML and HTML code.

1. XML Tools Plugin

The "XML Tools" plugin offers a dedicated function for pretty-printing XML and HTML.

• Accessing the Function: Navigate to Plugins -> XML Tools -> Pretty Print.
• Keyboard Shortcut: The plugin provides a keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + Shift + B. This is a convenient way to quickly format your selected code or the entire document.

2. TextFX Plugin

The TextFX plugin provides a broader range of text processing tools, including HTML Tidy which can be used for formatting XML and HTML.

• Accessing the Function: Navigate to TextFX -> TextFX HTML Tidy -> Tidy: Reindent XML.
• Note: This plugin may require additional configuration (see "Troubleshooting" below).

Troubleshooting & Advanced Configuration

Sometimes, plugins might not work immediately after installation. Here are some common issues and solutions:

• Missing DLL Files: The TextFX plugin, and specifically the HTML Tidy functionality, relies on libtidy.dll. If this file is missing, the reindent function won’t work. You may need to download libtidy.dll separately and place it in the Notepad++ installation directory or a directory in your system’s PATH environment variable. An older version of the required files can often be found in a previous installation of Notepad++.
• Permissions Issues: Ensure that Notepad++ has write access to its configuration directory (typically located within the Notepad++ installation folder). This is necessary for the plugins to save their settings. Right-click the config folder, select "Properties", go to the "Security" tab, select "Users", click "Edit", and check "Full Control."
• Plugin Conflicts: Rarely, two plugins might conflict with each other. If you suspect this is happening, try disabling one of the plugins to see if the issue is resolved.

By following these steps, you can easily enhance Notepad++ with powerful XML and HTML formatting capabilities, improving your coding experience and code readability.