clang-format
clang-format: A flexible open-source formatter suited to C and C++ projects with broad workflow support. Ranked #4 of 34 in Code Formatting Tools by our editors (7.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for C and C++ projects.
At a glance
- Editor score7.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forC and C++ projects
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Supported languagesC, C++, Java, JavaScript, JSON, Objective-C, Protocol Buffers, C#, TableGen, TextProto, Verilog
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Predefined LLVM, GNU, Google, Chromium, Microsoft, Mozilla, and WebKit styles
- Changed-line formatting, ignore files, patches, and unified-diff scripts
- Integrations for Vim, Emacs, CLion, Visual Studio, VS Code, and Git
Where it doesn't
- Configuration can require project-specific .clang-format files and style decisions
- Its command-line and editor integration model may be more technical than hosted tools
- Formatting scope and behavior vary across its supported languages
Our verdict on clang-format
clang-format is an open-source source-code formatter from the LLVM Project, built on Clang and LibFormat. It formats source files or standard input from the command line and supports C, C++, Java, JavaScript, JSON, Objective-C, Protocol Buffers, C#, TableGen, TextProto, and Verilog. It is particularly well suited to C and C++ projects that want formatting controls close to the codebase, rather than a separately priced hosted product. Windows, macOS, and Linux are supported, and the tool is available under an open-source model.
Configuration is the core of clang-format’s workflow. Projects can load settings from .clang-format or _clang-format files, while users can choose predefined LLVM, GNU, Google, Chromium, Microsoft, Mozilla, and WebKit styles. .clang-format-ignore files support glob and negation patterns, helping teams limit formatting to intended paths. The tool can format selected byte ranges or line ranges, and its Git integration supports formatting changed lines. Patch and unified-diff formatting scripts add useful options for reviewing or applying formatting changes without treating every file as a single unit.
Its ecosystem fit is broad for a command-line formatter. Official integrations cover Vim, Emacs, BBEdit, CLion, Visual Studio, and Visual Studio Code, with Git workflows documented as well. That combination makes clang-format a strong choice for teams that already work in those editors or want formatting embedded in source-control routines. It is less suitable for buyers seeking a hosted interface, separately managed paid tiers, or a narrow workflow with minimal configuration. Choose it when open-source distribution, project files, style presets, and changed-line workflows matter; consider an alternative if a GUI-first or hosted experience is the priority.
clang-format pricing
clang-format fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Supported languages | C, C++, Java, JavaScript, JSON, Objective-C, Protocol Buffers, C#, TableGen, TextProto, Verilog |
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Editor integration | Yes |
| Ignore files | Yes |
| Changed-lines formatting | Yes |
| Library API | Yes |
| License model | Open_source |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 7 integrations: Vim, Emacs, BBEdit, CLion, Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code … See all → |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | clang.llvm.org |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
clang-format integrations
clang-format lists 7 integrations on its own site.
- Vim
- Emacs
- BBEdit
- CLion
- Visual Studio
- Visual Studio Code
- Git
See all clang-format integrations →
Alternatives to clang-format
- dprintA broad, editor-friendly formatter for multilingual repositories and changed-file workflows.9.0
- PrettierA broad, open-source formatter for web-language teams across editors and workflows.8.2
- SpotlessA build-focused formatter for JVM projects that need broad language coverage and automation.7.7
See all clang-format alternatives →
clang-format vs the competition
- clang-format vs dprint
- clang-format vs Prettier
- clang-format vs Spotless
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- clang-format vs Black
- clang-format vs Ruff
Compare clang-format with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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