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XML to YAML Converter Convert XML documents to clean YAML format using browser-native parsing.

XML to YAML illustration
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XML to YAML

Convert XML documents to clean YAML format using browser-native parsing.

1

Paste XML

Paste your XML document into the input area.

2

View YAML

Clean YAML output appears with proper structure.

3

Copy result

Copy the YAML for configuration files or data processing.

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What Is XML to YAML?

XML to YAML converts Extensible Markup Language documents into YAML Ain't Markup Language format. This two-step conversion first parses XML using the browser's native DOMParser, then generates YAML using the js-yaml library. Repeated XML elements with the same tag name are automatically grouped into YAML sequences (arrays). The converter preserves the hierarchical structure of the XML document in YAML's clean, indented format.

Why Use XML to YAML?

  • Two reliable engines: browser-native XML parser + js-yaml for output.
  • Automatic detection and grouping of repeated XML elements into YAML arrays.
  • Clean, readable YAML output with proper indentation.
  • Handles complex XML structures with multiple nesting levels.

Common Use Cases

Configuration Migration

Convert XML configuration files to YAML for modern DevOps tools.

Data Format Modernization

Transform legacy XML data into YAML for contemporary applications.

Build System Migration

Convert Maven/Ant XML configs to YAML-based build systems.

Documentation

Transform XML examples into YAML for documentation updates.

Technical Guide

The conversion pipeline has two stages. Stage 1: XML parsing uses the browser's DOMParser to create a DOM tree, then recursively converts it to a JavaScript object. Leaf elements (no children) become string values, and sibling elements with the same tag name are grouped into arrays.

Stage 2: The JavaScript object is serialized to YAML using js-yaml's dump() function with lineWidth: -1 (no line wrapping) and noRefs: true (no YAML anchors). The root element's tag name becomes the top-level YAML key.

This approach combines the browser's built-in XML parsing with js-yaml's reliable YAML generation, producing accurate results for well-formed XML input.

Tips & Best Practices

  • 1
    XML attributes are not included — only elements and text content are converted.
  • 2
    Repeated elements are automatically grouped into YAML sequences (arrays).
  • 3
    The root XML element name becomes the top-level YAML key.
  • 4
    Validate your XML before conversion to avoid parsing errors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q Are XML attributes included?
No, currently only element names and text content are converted to YAML.
Q How are repeated elements handled?
Sibling elements with the same tag name are automatically grouped into YAML arrays.
Q What about XML namespaces?
Namespace prefixes appear in the YAML key names. The namespace URI is not separately tracked.
Q Is the YAML output valid?
Yes, the output is generated by js-yaml which ensures YAML 1.2 compliance.
Q Can I convert back from YAML to XML?
Yes, use our YAML to XML converter for the reverse direction.

About This Tool

XML to YAML is a free online tool by FreeToolkit.ai. All processing happens directly in your browser — your data never leaves your device. No registration or installation required.