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Spotless

Free#3 of 34 in Code Formatting Tools

Spotless: A build-focused formatter for JVM projects that need broad language coverage and automation. Ranked #3 of 34 in Code Formatting Tools by our editors (7.7/10); pricing: Open source; best for JVM build-driven projects.

7.7/10Editor score
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Spotless7.7 Visit Spotless

At a glance

  • Editor score
    7.7 / 10
  • Pricing
    Open source
  • Best for
    JVM build-driven projects
  • Paid from
    None
  • Supported languages
    ANTLR, C, C#, C++, CSS, Flow, GraphQL, Groovy, HTML, Java, JavaScript, JSON, JSX, Kotlin, Less, Markdown, Objective-C, Protobuf, Python, Scala, SCSS, Shell, SQL, TypeScript, Vue, YAML, Gherkin, Go, RDF, Anything
  • Facts checked
    21 Sep 2026

  • Where it wins

    • Supports many programming, markup, configuration, and data languages
    • Deep Gradle and Maven integration with external SBT support
    • Ratcheting, exclusions, hooks, linting, and custom formatter steps

  • Where it doesn't

    • Build-system plugins may not suit teams seeking a hosted SaaS product
    • Its workflow centers on build automation rather than a standalone editor
    • Broad configuration options may require more setup than a narrow formatter

Our verdict on Spotless

Spotless is an open-source code-formatting and linting tool for software projects. It is designed for developers and teams that want formatting checks and automatic fixes inside their build process, particularly JVM projects using Gradle, Maven, or SBT. The tool supports a wide range of languages and file types, including Java, Kotlin, Scala, Groovy, JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, SQL, YAML, Markdown, and others. It also covers less typical inputs through its support for third-party formatters and custom formatter steps.

Its strongest distinction is the depth of its build integration. Gradle and Maven plugins can apply formatter steps for import ordering, whitespace, license headers, and external formatters, while file targeting and exclusions help teams scope enforcement. Git-based ratcheting limits formatting changes to changed files, which is useful when introducing standards to an existing codebase. Optional Git pre-push checks can apply or verify formatting, and linting includes suppression support. Visual Studio Code and IntelliJ IDEA are also listed integrations, alongside Gradle, Maven, and SBT.

Spotless suits teams that want formatting to be a repeatable part of builds rather than a separate desktop workflow. Its library API, custom functions, hooks, and support for other build systems provide room for tailored pipelines, but that flexibility also makes it less appealing for a project seeking a narrow, editor-first formatter with minimal configuration. Choose Spotless when build enforcement, changed-line workflows, and multi-language coverage matter. Consider another option if the priority is a hosted service or a standalone formatting experience independent of build tooling.

Spotless pricing

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

Spotless fact sheet

Free planNot verified
Paid fromNone
Supported languagesANTLR, C, C#, C++, CSS, Flow, GraphQL, Groovy, HTML, Java, JavaScript, JSON, JSX, Kotlin, Less, Markdown, Objective-C, Protobuf, Python, Scala, SCSS, Shell, SQL, TypeScript, Vue, YAML, Gherkin, Go, RDF, Anything
Supported platformsGradle, Maven, SBT, other build systems
Editor integrationYes
Ignore filesYes
Changed-lines formattingYes
Library APIYes
License modelOpen_source
SupportDocs
Integrations5 integrations: Gradle, Maven, SBT, Visual Studio Code, IntelliJ IDEA
PricingOpen source
Websitegithub.com
Facts checked21 Sep 2026

Spotless integrations

Spotless lists 5 integrations on its own site.

  • Gradle
  • Maven
  • SBT
  • Visual Studio Code
  • IntelliJ IDEA

Alternatives to Spotless

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Spotless vs the competition

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Featured on iTechGuides

Featured on iTechGuides — Spotless 7.7/10

Spotless 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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