How to Convert XML to YAML
XML is verbose and hard to skim; YAML says the same thing with a fraction of the noise, which is why so many teams prefer it for configuration. This converter moves you from one to the other cleanly. It parses your XML with a real parser, then walks the tree: nested elements become nested YAML mappings, repeated tags collapse into lists, and attributes are preserved with a clear prefix. Turn on type detection and numbers and booleans become real YAML values, while anything ambiguous is quoted so the output always parses back correctly. Copy or download. Everything runs in your browser, so nothing is uploaded.
Paste your XML
Paste your document or load the sample; it's parsed locally with nothing uploaded.
Choose the options
Toggle attribute handling and type detection to shape the YAML.
Copy or download
Grab the YAML with one tap or save it as a .yaml file.
XML vs YAML — What's the Difference?
XML — Extensible Markup Language
A tag-based markup format where data lives in named elements that nest and carry attributes. It's self-describing and has decades of tooling, but its opening and closing tags make it verbose and slow to read.
YAML — YAML Ain't Markup Language
A whitespace-driven format that expresses the same structures with far less punctuation. It's the default for modern configuration because it's easy to read and write. Converting XML to YAML strips the markup overhead while keeping the structure.
Common Use Cases
Modernise config
Turn legacy XML configuration into readable YAML for modern tooling.
Readable output
Convert verbose XML into YAML that's far easier to scan and edit.
DevOps pipelines
Bring XML data into YAML-based CI/CD and infrastructure files.
Inspect documents
Flatten a dense XML document into YAML to understand its structure.
Data migration
Move XML exports into systems that prefer YAML input.
Feed transformation
Normalise XML feeds into consistent YAML for processing.
Documentation
Show example data as clean YAML rather than noisy XML.
Quick exploration
A fast, no-install way to see what an XML payload contains.
Tips & Best Practices
Keep one clear root
Well-formed XML has a single root element; wrap multiple top-level elements in one parent first.
Decide on attributes
If you don't need attributes in the YAML, turn them off for a cleaner, content-only result.
Watch repeated-tag lists
A tag appearing once is a mapping; the same tag twice becomes a list — design consumers for both.
Use type detection wisely
Great for numeric data, but turn it off if identifiers like 007 must stay exact strings.
Verify it round-trips
Ambiguous values are quoted automatically so the YAML parses back to the same data.
Troubleshooting
It says the XML is invalid
XML must be well-formed: tags balanced and closed, one root element, and special characters escaped. Fix any unclosed tags and try again.
An expected list is a mapping
A tag that appears only once is treated as a single mapping, not a list. Ensure the tag repeats if you need a YAML sequence.
Attributes are missing
Turn on 'Include attributes'. They appear in the YAML with an @ prefix so they never clash with child element names.
Numbers stayed as strings
Enable type detection. Values with leading zeros or extra characters are intentionally kept as strings to avoid data loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert XML to YAML for free?
Paste your XML above and clean YAML appears instantly. Copy it or download a .yaml file — free, no signup.
Does it handle nested elements?
Yes. The converter walks the whole document tree, so nested elements become nested YAML mappings to any depth.
How are repeated tags handled?
When the same tag appears more than once under a parent, those elements are collected into a YAML list automatically.
What happens to attributes?
With 'Include attributes' on, each attribute appears with an @ prefix so it can't clash with child element names. You can also turn attributes off.
Are numbers and booleans detected?
Yes. With type detection on, numeric and true/false values in text and attributes become real YAML types.
What if my XML is invalid?
The tool validates your input and shows a clear message if the XML isn't well-formed, so you can fix balanced or unclosed tags.
Can I keep values as strings?
Yes. Turn off type detection to preserve every value as a string — useful for IDs with leading zeros.
Does the YAML parse back correctly?
Yes. Values that could be misread are quoted automatically so the YAML round-trips to the same data.
How is text alongside attributes handled?
An element with both attributes and text keeps its text under a dedicated #text key alongside the attributes.
Is my data sent to a server?
No. Everything happens inside your browser, so your data never leaves your device.
Can I download the result?
Yes. Save the output as a .yaml file, or copy it straight to your clipboard.
Does it handle namespaces?
Namespaced tags keep their prefixes as part of the key names, so the structure is preserved.
How large a document can it handle?
It comfortably converts sizeable XML documents, all within your browser.
Does it work with CDATA sections?
Yes. Text inside CDATA is treated as the element's text content.
Does it work on phones?
Yes, in any modern browser on Windows, Mac, Android or iPhone with nothing to install.
Is this converter really free?
Completely free, forever — no account, no ads and no premium wall.
100% free · No signup · Processed in your browser · Data never sent
Last updated: August 2026 · FlipMyFormat XML to YAML Converter
Written and maintained by the FlipMyFormat team · Runs entirely in your browser