How to import .XML code style into IntelliJ Idea 15

For users coming here for the same issue but recent IntelliJ version (like 20), it is a bit different now. Once you've exported your formatter in XML, then follow these steps:

  1. Go to Preferences
  2. Select Editor
  3. Sele Code Style
  4. Select the language of your choice (eg Java)
  5. Go to Scheme at the top, click on the setting button by the side
  6. Select the option to import scheme, choose your formatter type and select the xml file. Then save and apply.

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If you see error "IntelliJ IDEA code style XML import failed with error message: null", check to ensure your XML file has the file definition <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> at the top.

NOTE: This is for MacBook. I believe the difference won't be much in other platforms.


If your XML is previously exported Intellij you can simply do:

File > Import Settings > select your xml

If its custom defined, one you can try copying your xml to intellij config directory:

config/codestyles

Assuming your xml is in format intellij can understand, it will then show up in

Code Styles > Manage

If your XML is in different format, try to match tags with one of pre-defined styles(also XML)