JSONToTable

XML Beautifier & Formatter

Format, beautify, and minify your XML documents

XML Input

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Beautified Output

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Paste XML in the input area to get started

How to Format SOAP Messages - Step by Step Guide

Step 1

Input Your SOAP Message

Start by entering your SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) message that needs formatting:

•
Paste SOAP content: Copy SOAP messages from your web service requests, responses, or testing tools
•
Upload SOAP files: Select .xml, .soap, or .txt files containing SOAP envelopes
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Use sample data: Click "Sample" to load example SOAP message and see the formatting in action 🚀

Example: Unformatted SOAP Input

Here's what messy, unformatted SOAP looks like:

<?xml version="1.0"?><soap:Envelope xmlns:soap="http://schemas.xmlsoap.org/soap/envelope/"><soap:Header><Authentication><Username>user123</Username><Password>pass456</Password></Authentication></soap:Header><soap:Body><GetCustomerRequest><CustomerId>12345</CustomerId><IncludeOrders>true</IncludeOrders></GetCustomerRequest></soap:Body></soap:Envelope>
Step 2

Automatic SOAP Formatting

The formatter automatically beautifies your SOAP message with proper XML structure! 🎯 Since SOAP is XML-based, it gets:

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Proper indentation: Clean hierarchy showing envelope, header, and body structure
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Syntax validation: Checks for SOAP envelope structure and XML syntax issues
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Element organization: Clear separation of headers, body content, and fault information

Example: Beautifully Formatted SOAP Output

The same SOAP message, now properly formatted and readable: ✨

<?xml version="1.0"?>
<soap:Envelope xmlns:soap="http://schemas.xmlsoap.org/soap/envelope/">
  <soap:Header>
    <Authentication>
      <Username>user123</Username>
      <Password>pass456</Password>
    </Authentication>
  </soap:Header>
  <soap:Body>
    <GetCustomerRequest>
      <CustomerId>12345</CustomerId>
      <IncludeOrders>true</IncludeOrders>
    </GetCustomerRequest>
  </soap:Body>
</soap:Envelope>
Step 3

Customize Formatting Options

Tailor the SOAP formatting to your preferences! 🎛️ Available options include:

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Indentation size: Choose 2, 4, or 8 spaces for proper SOAP structure visualization
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Minify option: Compress SOAP for network transmission or bandwidth optimization
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Copy and download: Easy export options for integration into your testing workflow

Perfect for SOAP Web Services Development: 🔥

✓API Testing: Format SOAP requests and responses for testing
✓Debugging: Clean SOAP messages for easier troubleshooting
✓Documentation: Formatted SOAP for API documentation
✓Integration: Clean SOAP for system integration
✓Development: Readable SOAP for service development
✓Logging: Formatted SOAP for better log analysis

What is SOAP? 📡

SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) is a messaging protocol specification for exchanging structured information in web services. It uses XML for message format and relies on application layer protocols like HTTP for message negotiation and transmission.

SOAP messages consist of an envelope containing optional header and mandatory body elements. The envelope defines the XML document as a SOAP message, headers contain application-specific information, and the body contains the actual message content. Proper formatting makes SOAP messages easier to read, debug, and maintain for developers working with web services.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I format a SOAP message?

Simply paste your SOAP message content into the formatter and it automatically formats it with proper indentation and structure. The tool validates the XML syntax and organizes SOAP elements like envelope, header, and body for better readability.

Can I format SOAP messages from different web service platforms?

Yes! The formatter works with SOAP messages from any platform including .NET WCF, Java JAX-WS, PHP SOAP, Python suds, and others. Since SOAP follows XML standards, all valid SOAP messages can be formatted regardless of their platform origin.

Does the formatter handle SOAP faults and errors?

Yes! The formatter properly formats SOAP fault messages and error responses, making them easier to read and debug. It maintains the proper structure of fault codes, fault strings, and detail elements. For additional validation, you can use our XML validator.

Can I format large SOAP messages with attachments?

Absolutely! The formatter handles large SOAP messages including those with complex headers, multiple body elements, and attachment references. It maintains proper formatting for all SOAP elements while preserving the message structure. You can also convert SOAP to structured tables for analysis.

Is the formatted SOAP ready for testing tools and clients?

Yes! The formatted SOAP maintains full compatibility with testing tools like SoapUI, Postman, and web service clients. The clean formatting makes it easier to review and modify SOAP messages before sending them to web services.

Is the SOAP formatter free to use?

Yes, completely free with no restrictions on message size, usage frequency, or features. No registration required, and you can format unlimited SOAP messages with full syntax validation and formatting options.