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gofmt

Free#16 of 34 in Code Formatting Tools

gofmt: Canonical Go formatting with recursive processing, rewrites, diffs, and editor integrations. Ranked #16 of 34 in Code Formatting Tools by our editors (5.8/10); pricing: Open source; best for go teams wanting canonical formatting.

5.8/10Editor score
gofmt5.8 Visit gofmt

At a glance

  • Editor score
    5.8 / 10
  • Pricing
    Open source
  • Best for
    Go teams wanting canonical formatting
  • Paid from
    None
  • Supported languages
    Go
  • Facts checked
    21 Sep 2026
gofmt screenshot
  • Where it wins

    • Applies canonical layout rules across Go source code
    • Supports recursive directory processing, diffs, rewrites, and simplification
    • Integrates with Vim, Emacs, Eclipse, Sublime Text, and Git
  • Where it doesn't

    • Focused on Go rather than multiple programming languages
    • Does not support ignore files
    • Does not format changed lines only

Our verdict on gofmt

gofmt is a command-line formatter included in the Go distribution. It formats Go programs according to Go's canonical layout rules and accepts standard input, individual files, and directories recursively. Go teams can run it directly or through go fmt, while editor plugins can invoke it during editing or before saving. Its focus is clear: establish consistent formatting for Go code rather than provide a broad, multi-language formatting workspace.

The published distribution model keeps gofmt straightforward for teams already using Go. It is distributed as part of the Go toolchain rather than as a separately priced product. The tool works across Windows, macOS, and Linux, and offers several output and editing modes: formatted output, diffs, changed filenames, or direct file overwrites with the -w option. When overwriting files, it restores backups if errors occur. Rewrite rules and the -s simplification option add scope beyond basic whitespace and layout formatting, while a library API supports programmatic integration.

Its ecosystem fit is strongest where Go is already central to the development workflow. Integrations are available for Vim, Emacs, Eclipse, Sublime Text, and Git, giving teams multiple ways to apply formatting during editing or source-control workflows. The trade-off is a narrow operating model: gofmt supports Go, and its documented category capabilities do not include ignore-file handling or changed-lines-only formatting. Choose it when canonical Go formatting and broad editor access are the priority. Consider another formatter when a workflow needs multi-language coverage, selective changed-line formatting, or ignore-file controls.

gofmt pricing

Plans Open sourceFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.
See plans on go.dev

gofmt fact sheet

Free planNot verified
Paid fromNone
Supported languagesGo
Supported platformsWindows, macOS, Linux
Editor integrationYes
Ignore filesNo
Changed-lines formattingNo
Library APIYes
License modelOpen_source
DeploymentDesktop
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux
SupportDocs, Community
Built forSolo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate)
Integrations5 integrations: Vim, Emacs, Eclipse, Sublime Text, Git
PricingOpen source
Websitego.dev
Facts checked21 Sep 2026

gofmt integrations

gofmt lists 5 integrations on its own site.

  • Vim
  • Emacs
  • Eclipse
  • Sublime Text
  • Git

Alternatives to gofmt

See all gofmt alternatives →

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Featured on iTechGuides

Featured on iTechGuides — gofmt 5.8/10

gofmt is listed in our Code Formatting Tools directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026

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