DevToolHere

How to Format SQL Queries Online

Long, single-line SQL queries are a nightmare to debug. Proper formatting with indented clauses and capitalized keywords makes queries scannable and maintainable. This guide walks you through formatting any SQL query instantly.

Try SQL Formatter Now

Free, no signup. Works in your browser.

Open Tool
1

Paste your SQL query

Open the SQL Formatter and paste your query into the input editor. It supports SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, CREATE TABLE, and complex queries with subqueries and CTEs.

2

Select your SQL dialect

Choose the target dialect — Standard SQL, MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, or BigQuery. Each dialect has slightly different keyword sets and formatting conventions.

3

Configure formatting style

Set your preferences for keyword capitalization (UPPER, lower, or preserve), indentation width, comma placement (before or after), and whether to align ON and AND clauses.

4

Review the formatted output

The formatted query appears in the output panel with syntax highlighting. Each clause (SELECT, FROM, WHERE, JOIN) starts on its own line with proper indentation for readability.

5

Copy or download

Copy the formatted SQL to your clipboard or download it as a .sql file. Paste it into your IDE, database client, or documentation with confidence that it follows consistent style.

Pro Tips

  • *Use uppercase keywords (SELECT, FROM, WHERE) — it is the most widely accepted convention and improves scanning.
  • *Put each column in a SELECT list on its own line for easier diffs in version control.
  • *Always alias subqueries and CTEs with descriptive names, not just 'a' or 'b'.
  • *Format your queries before code review — reviewers can focus on logic instead of style.

Related Guides

Explore all 110+ tools