google-java-format
google-java-format: A focused open-source formatter for consistent Google-style Java code. Ranked #11 of 34 in Code Formatting Tools by our editors (6.2/10); pricing: Open source; best for java teams following Google style.
At a glance
- Editor score6.2 / 10
- PricingOpen source
- Best forJava teams following Google style
- Paid fromNone
- Supported languagesJava
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Consistent formatting against Google Java Style
- Changed-line formatting, import fixing, and sorting
- IDE, build-tool, CI, and programmatic API integrations
Where it doesn't
- Supports Java rather than multiple programming languages
- Focused on Google Java Style rather than selectable style systems
- Requires integration into the team's editor, build, or CI workflow
Our verdict on google-java-format
google-java-format is an open-source formatter for Java source code that applies Google Java Style. It fits Java teams that want a shared formatting standard across command-line workflows, editors, builds, and CI. Complete files, selected line ranges, and specified source offsets can be formatted, with results written in place or sent to standard output. The tool also exposes Formatter methods for programmatic use, giving teams more than a standalone command-line workflow.
Its ecosystem coverage is a practical strength. Integrations are available for IntelliJ IDEA, Android Studio, Eclipse, and Visual Studio Code, while Maven, Gradle, SBT, and GitHub Actions are listed among supported integrations. Teams can also use it as a Maven or Gradle library. Changed-line formatting is provided through google-java-format-diff.py, and import fixing and import sorting options help extend the formatter's role beyond line layout. These options make it suitable for repositories that want formatting in local development, builds, or automated workflows.
The trade-off is a deliberately narrow scope: the supported language is Java, and the formatting target is Google Java Style. That focus is useful when a team has chosen that convention, but it is less suitable for projects spanning other languages or teams seeking broader style selection. Java teams following Google style should consider google-java-format when consistent editor, build, and CI formatting matters. Teams needing a multi-language formatter or a different style system should choose an alternative instead. The project is open source, and the published release page identifies version 1.36.1 as the latest release opened.
google-java-format pricing
google-java-format fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Supported languages | Java |
| Supported platforms | JVM command line; IntelliJ IDEA; Android Studio; Eclipse; Visual Studio Code |
| Editor integration | Yes |
| Ignore files | Not verified |
| Changed-lines formatting | Yes |
| Library API | Yes |
| License model | Open_source |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 8 integrations: IntelliJ IDEA, Android Studio, Eclipse, Visual Studio Code, Gradle, Apache Maven … |
| Pricing | Open source |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
google-java-format integrations
google-java-format lists 8 integrations on its own site.
- IntelliJ IDEA
- Android Studio
- Eclipse
- Visual Studio Code
- Gradle
- Apache Maven
- SBT
- GitHub Actions
Alternatives to google-java-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 google-java-format alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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