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SQL Formatter review

Free#6 of 25 in SQL Linters and Formatters

A broad SQL formatter with strong integration options, but limited linting depth.

8.3/10Editor score
Visit SQL Formatter
SQL Formatter8.3 Visit SQL Formatter

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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.

SQL Formatter pros and cons

  • 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

SQL Formatter fact sheet, pricing and score →

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