How To Auto-Format / Indent XML/HTML in Notepad++

It's been the third time that I install Windows and npp and after some time I realize the tidy function no longer work. So I google for a solution, come to this thread, then with the help of few more so threads I finally fix it. I'll put a summary of all my actions once and for all.

  1. Install TextFX plugin: Plugins -> Plugin Manager -> Show Plugin Manager. Select TextFX Characters and install. After a restart of npp, the menu 'TextFX' should be visible. (credits: @remipod).

  2. Install libtidy.dll by pasting the Config folder from an old npp package: Follow instructions in this answer.

  3. After having a Config folder in your latest npp installation destination (typically C:\Program Files (x86)\Notepad++\plugins), npp needs write access to that folder. Right click Config folder -> Properties -> Security tab -> select Users, click Edit -> check Full control to allow read/write access. Note that you need administrator privileges to do that.

  4. Restart npp and verify TextFX -> TextFX HTML Tidy -> Tidy: Reindent XML works.


For those who don't know, npp has a lot of support from plugins and other projects. You can download those plugins from SourceForge.

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You need XML Tools to format your text in n++

After you have downloaded XML Tools ..

Exit Notepad++

Go To C:\Program File\Notepad++ .... Your N++ installed folder.

  1. Place below files from xml tools which you downloaded in the npp root folder by copy replace

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  1. Go To ..\Plugins subfolder and place below downloaded file

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Restart and enjoy!!!

Ctrl + Alt + Shft + B to format.


Since I upgraded to 6.3.2, I use XML Tools.

  • install XML Tools via the Plugin Admin (Plugins → Plugins Admin... Then search for "XML Tools", check its box and click the "Install" button).
  • use the shortcut Ctrl+Alt+Shift+B (or menu → Plugins → XML Tools → Pretty Print)

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In older versions: menu → TextFX → HTML Tidy → Tidy: Reindent XML.


Install Tidy2 plugin. I have Notepad++ v6.2.2, and Tidy2 works fine so far.