SQL Formatter
SQL Formatter: A broad SQL formatter with strong integration options, but limited linting depth. Ranked #6 of 25 in SQL Linters and Formatters by our editors (8.3/10); pricing: Open source; best for developers needing broad SQL formatting APIs.
At a glance
- Editor score8.3 / 10
- PricingOpen source
- Best forDevelopers needing broad SQL formatting APIs
- Paid fromFree
- Supported SQL dialectsStandard SQL, BigQuery, ClickHouse, IBM DB2, IBM DB2i, DuckDB, Apache Hive, MariaDB, MySQL, TiDB, Couchbase N1QL, Oracle PL/SQL, PostgreSQL, Amazon Redshift, SingleStoreDB, Snowflake, Spark, SQLite, SQL Server Transact-SQL, Trino/Presto
- Automatic fixesYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports 20 named SQL dialects, from Standard SQL to Trino/Presto
- Offers JavaScript, CLI, browser, editor, and Prettier usage options
- Supports autofix, project configuration, and prepared-statement placeholders
Where it doesn't
- Focuses on formatting rather than full SQL linting
- Development is in maintenance mode, with new features unlikely
- Some workflows require JavaScript, CLI, or editor integration setup
Our verdict on SQL Formatter
SQL Formatter is an open-source JavaScript library and command-line tool for pretty-printing SQL queries. It is aimed at developers who need consistent formatting across applications, scripts, editors, or browser-based workflows. The project supports 20 named dialects, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, BigQuery, Snowflake, SQLite, and SQL Server Transact-SQL. Developers can access it through npm, JavaScript imports, the CLI, or a browser demo, making it suitable for both programmatic formatting and individual query cleanup.
Its strongest fit is breadth across development environments. The JavaScript library API can bring formatting into application workflows, while the command-line interface supports file-based processing and in-place fixing with --fix. A JSON project configuration file, .sql-formatter.json, provides a way to keep formatting choices consistent across a project. Placeholder replacement for prepared SQL statements is also available. Editor and tooling integrations include VS Code, Vim, Prettier, and ESLint, giving teams several ways to place formatting within existing development processes.
SQL Formatter is more focused than a complete SQL linting platform. Its documented capabilities center on pretty-printing, autofix, configuration, and integration rather than broad rule-based analysis. The project is maintained in maintenance mode: bugs may be fixed, but new features are unlikely to be added. That makes it a practical choice for developers who value an open-source formatter with many dialects and flexible APIs, especially when the required workflow already matches its integrations. Teams seeking an actively expanding linting system or deeper SQL quality checks should consider an alternative with a broader linting scope.
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SQL Formatter pricing
SQL Formatter fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported SQL dialects | Standard SQL, BigQuery, ClickHouse, IBM DB2, IBM DB2i, DuckDB, Apache Hive, MariaDB, MySQL, TiDB, Couchbase N1QL, Oracle PL/SQL, PostgreSQL, Amazon Redshift, SingleStoreDB, Snowflake, Spark, SQLite, SQL Server Transact-SQL, Trino/Presto |
| Automatic fixes | Yes |
| Custom rules | Not verified |
| Editor extensions | Yes |
| CI/CD integration | Not verified |
| Configuration file | Yes |
| Deployment | Cloud, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | Docs, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 4 integrations: VS Code, Vim, Prettier, ESLint |
| Pricing | Open source |
| Website | sql-formatter-org.github.io |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
SQL Formatter integrations
SQL Formatter lists 4 integrations on its own site.
- VS Code
- Vim
- Prettier
- ESLint
Alternatives to SQL Formatter
- SQLFluffConfigurable SQL linting with autofix, templating, plugins, and CI workflows.9.4
- SqruffA focused open-source choice for dbt teams needing linting, formatting, and CI workflows.9.1
- pgFormatterA configurable, open-source formatter for PostgreSQL-focused SQL workflows.8.8
See all SQL Formatter alternatives →
SQL Formatter vs the competition
- SQL Formatter vs SQLFluff
- SQL Formatter vs Sqruff
- SQL Formatter vs pgFormatter
- SQL Formatter vs SQL Enlight
- SQL Formatter vs TSQLLint
- SQL Formatter vs SQL Formatter VSCode
Compare SQL Formatter with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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