8 Best Free and Open-source XML Editors

Extensive Markup Language (XML) is a language that is understood by both machines and humans. In this language, we define the format rules which are followed by the machine when the documents and files are encoded. Contrary to popular belief, you can easily edit XML files when you use an XML Editor. If you also want to edit or create an XML File and looking for some free XML Editors, this guide is for you. In this guide, we will share the top 8 best free and open-source XML Editors in 2022. Let’s get started.

List of the Best Free XML Editors

1. Notepad++

Notepad++ is a legendary XML Editor. It is considered as one of the best free and open-source XML Editors of all time. It also has been around for a long time. It’s a very powerful XML Editor which you can use to create and edit XML files without any problem. The best thing about Notepad++ is that it’s well-optimized, and it uses very low resources, which will lead to low power consumption.

In Notepad++, you will also find tons of useful features which will assist you when you are making changes to the XML File. For example, one of the popular features of Notepad++ is the XML Syntax check which analyzes the code you write and corrects the syntax of your XML File. Similarly, it allows you to easily cut, copy, paste, or highlight the code according to your choice.

If you look at the user interface of Notepad++, it’s very well-refined and organized. It is one of the things you won’t find in many free XML Editors out there. So, overall, if you are looking for a powerful free and open-source XML Editor, Notepad++ is a great option for you.

2. XML Notepad

Microsoft XML Notepad is one of the best free and open-source XML Editors for Windows in 2022. It’s designed by Microsoft, and it’s completely free to use. You can also access the source code and make changes to it to personalize it.

The most prominent feature of Microsoft XML Notepad is the Tree View. This allows you to break down the XML Files into different classes, making it easier to edit and organize. Also, it comes with unlimited undo and redo actions, making it easier to make changes and back-track to the original file.

XML Notepad helps you by highlighting the errors present in your XML File to correct them with its XML Schema Parser. One of the best features of XML Notepad is that it allows you to completely customize it. From changing fonts, colors, and more from the settings. Overall, if you are looking for a highly customizable free and open-source XML Editor for Windows, Microsoft XML Notepad is an excellent option for you.

3. XMLPad

XMLPad is among the good XML Editors available for both Windows and macOS. The best thing about XMLPad is that it’s a very refined Editor, and it comes with many useful features which make it a great XML Editor. It lets you highlight the syntax of XML Files with its color syntax highlighter. It will be easy for you to view XML files since XMLPad lets you view files in tables, grids, and preview mode.

It’s easy to find errors in your XML Files and correct them as XMLPad also features Auto Parsing and Auto Formatting. This XML editor also lets you open XML Files directly in the software using the URL. This allows you to edit XML Files directly into the software without the need to download the plugin first.

4. TextEdit

TextEdit is developed by apple which makes it one of the most popular and reliable XML editors. Like other XML Editors on the list, TextEdit is also an open-source software and completely free to use.

In TextEdit, you get many great features that make it easier to Edit or make XML Files. One of its best features is the syntax highlighter which lets you highlight parts of the syntax in your XML File. Additionally, you’ll be able to use your XML files again in the future by bookmarking them. You will not experience size limitation issues when editing XML Files in TextEdit since it lets you edit large XML files.

Another nifty feature of TextEdit is that it comes with unlimited Undo and Redo actions, making it easier to track back to the changes. It also has a drag and drop feature that allows you to easily add XML files to the software.

5. OpenEditor

OpenEditor is one of the best open-source Text editors which you can use to edit XML, and other programming and scripting languages. In OpenEditor, you will be able to multitask and edit multiple XML files simultaneously using the tab view system.

Another useful feature of OpenEditor is that it lets you edit large XML files with no issues. So, if you are looking for an editor to edit big XML Files, OpenEditor can be an excellent option for you. OpenEditor is also a lightweight editor and you can use it on your entry-level laptop as it does not require a lot of resources.

6. Notepas

Notepas is a multi-platform and portable XML Editor, which means that you won’t need to install it, and you will be able to use it on the go.

In Notepas, you will find a variety of features that will make it easier to edit XML Files. For starters, it comes with a Code filter, which you can easily use to search the XML File and find the text you are looking for. Similarly, it comes with a highlighting option that you can use to highlight the various parts of the XML File. Overall, if you are looking for a lightweight and portable XML Editor in 2022, Notepas is a great option for you.

7. SynWrite

SynWrite is one of the best free and open-source XML Editors in 2022. It’s a cross-platform and highly customizable XML Editor which you can use to edit your XML Files. One of the main features of SynWrite is that it comes with plugins that you can use to extend the functionality of the editor. Similarly, it allows you to write your own plugins, which you can use to customize the software according to your requirements.

In SynWrite, you get the tree view of your XML files, making it easier to edit and organize the files. Similarly, you can also favorite your XML files to edit them later. Also, it allows you to save XML Files in other formats, including HTML and RTF. Overall, if you are looking for a free and open-source XML Editor with Plugins, SynWrite is a great option for you.

8. Atom

Atom is a full-fledged IDE that you can use to edit various programming and scripting languages. This includes XML, Python, JavaScript, C++, and more. It’s a free and open-source editor which comes with tons of features that you can use to edit XML and other files. The best thing about Atom is that it’s highly customizable, and it comes with themes and other options which you can use to customize the software according to your requirements.

If you look at the features of Atom, you will find tons of useful features such as Smart Autocompletion, Cross-platform editing, multiple panes, and more. Similarly, it comes with support for packages that allow you to add different features and functionality to the software. If you want, you can also write your own package and add it to the Atom to get some additional features that you want.

Overall, if you are a programmer and looking for an Editor to edit XML and other programming and scripting languages, Atom is our top recommendation.

FAQs

Q1: What is an XML editor?

An XML editor is a software tool that allows you to create, edit, and manipulate XML files. It provides specialized features and functionality for working with XML, such as syntax highlighting, automatic code completion, and tree view representation of the XML structure. An XML editor is a software tool that allows users to create, edit, and view XML code. It provides a user-friendly interface for manipulating XML data, making it easier to write and manage XML files.

Some of the best XML editors in 2023 include online XML editors that offer features like XML viewer, code editor, and XML tools for converting XML to different formats like JSON. These editors also typically include code browsing capabilities and provide XML support for efficient and error-free editing of XML files.

Q2: Are there any free XML editors available?

Yes, there are several options for free XML editors available. Some popular choices include XML Notepad, Notepad++, and Oxygen XML Editor. These editors offer advanced features and tools without the need for purchasing a license. Yes, there are several free XML editors available. One such option is a graphical editor that allows users to easily edit XML documents by generating C# code and providing instant XML schema validation.

Another free XML editor is an online editor with features like beautifying XML code and performing instant validation of XML documents. XML, being a markup language, is often edited using specialized XML editors to efficiently manage and organize lines of code.

Q3: What is XML format?

XML format stands for eXtensible Markup Language format. It is a standard way of representing structured data in a human-readable and machine-readable format. XML files use tags to define elements and their relationships, allowing for flexible and customizable data organization. XML format stands for Extensible Markup Language. It is a widely-used standard for structuring and storing data in a human-readable format. XML allows users to beautify and improve the readability of their data through the use of tags and attributes.

Also, XML can be validated using tools like XMLNotepad, which helps identify errors and ensures data integrity. XML also supports features like incremental search, text views, and XPath expressions. It is compatible with various programming languages and supports Unicode, facilitating multilingual data representation.

Q4: How can I edit XML files?

You can edit XML files using an XML editor. With an XML editor, you can open the XML file, make changes to the content, modify the structure, and save the updated file. XML editors often provide features like syntax highlighting, validation, and code completion to simplify the editing process. To edit XML files, you can open and edit them using a text editor or an XML-specific editor. XML validators ensure the file is properly structured.

Some editors provide features like the ability to indent the code, customize fonts and colors, and use XSLT transformations. Editors with GUI interfaces offer tree and text views, making it easier to navigate and edit the XML. Right-click options allow for quick editing. When working with large files, editors that efficiently load and edit them are recommended.

Q5: Is there a best free XML editor available?

Yes, there are several contenders for the best free XML editor, such as XML Notepad++, Oxygen XML Editor (community edition), and Eclipse XML Editors and Tools. The choice depends on your specific requirements and preferences. There are several free XML editors available, but it is subjective to determine the best one.

However, one popular option is XML Notepad, which allows you to open, work and use XML files within a tree structure. This software offers support for custom tools, line numbers, different instances, and color coding, making it user-friendly and efficient for XML editing tasks.

Q6: What is XML schema?

XML schema is a description of the structure and constraints of an XML document. It defines the allowed elements, their attributes, data types, and relationships. XML schema provides a way to validate XML documents against a predefined set of rules and ensure their integrity. XML schema is a powerful tool used for defining the structure and constraints of XML documents.

It is often used in conjunction with an XML editor, which provides a syntax highlighting feature and allows for the loading and editing of large XML files. This software also offers a code browser and the ability to generate C code and add-ons, making it an essential tool for efficient development and manipulation of XML data.

Q7: Can I use an XML editor on Linux?

Yes, there are XML editors available for Linux operating systems. Some popular Yes, you can use an XML editor on Linux. There are several options available that have received positive user reviews. These editors allow you to edit XML files using code, with custom functions and support for w3c standards. They offer features like URL support, code folding, and project support.

Additionally, they can be fully customizable and some even support command line arguments for efficient usage. Basically, these editors provide a comprehensive and versatile solution for editing XML files on Linux.

Conclusion

That’s all, folks. These are the 8 best free and open-source XML Editors for Windows, Mac, and Linux. We have also shared the portable editor, which you don’t have to install in your system, and edit XML Files without installing it. We hope that you found our guide helpful, and if you liked it, please share it with your colleagues and friends. Happy Editing!