How to Convert YAML to XML
Plenty of systems still speak XML, while YAML is far nicer to author by hand. This converter lets you write in YAML and ship XML. It reads a YAML list of mappings — the common shape for records — and wraps them in a root element, turning each item into a row element. You choose the names of both, so the output matches your schema. By default each field becomes a child element; switch to attributes and the fields are written compactly on the row tag instead. Ampersands, angle brackets and quotes are escaped so the result is always well-formed, keys that aren't legal XML names are sanitised automatically, and any nested map or list is written compactly so nothing is lost. Toggle the XML declaration on or off, then copy or download. Everything runs in your browser, so nothing is uploaded.
Paste your YAML
Paste a list of mappings or load the sample; it's parsed locally with nothing uploaded.
Set the options
Name the root and row tags and choose elements or attributes and the declaration.
Copy or download
Grab the XML with one tap or save it as a .xml file.
YAML vs XML — What's the Difference?
YAML — YAML Ain't Markup Language
A concise, indentation-based format that's easy for people to read and write. It's popular for configuration, but many enterprise systems and APIs still expect XML instead.
XML — Extensible Markup Language
A verbose, tag-based format that's self-describing and widely supported in enterprise tooling. Converting YAML to XML lets you author comfortably and still deliver the format the target system needs.
Common Use Cases
Feed XML systems
Author records in YAML and deliver the XML an older system expects.
Config to XML
Turn a readable YAML config into an XML configuration file.
API payloads
Produce XML request or response bodies from concise YAML.
Data exchange
Convert YAML records into XML for a partner or integration.
Match a schema
Use custom root and row tags to fit an existing XML structure.
Attribute-style XML
Emit compact attribute-based XML when that's what a system wants.
Test fixtures
Generate XML samples from YAML for tests and mocks.
Quick transforms
A fast, no-install way to turn YAML records into XML.
Tips & Best Practices
Structure YAML as a list
A top-level sequence of mappings — each item starting with a dash — converts most cleanly to records.
Name tags for your schema
Set the root and row tags to match the XML structure the target system expects.
Choose elements or attributes
Elements suit rich or nested data; attributes give compact rows for simple flat records.
Keep the declaration for files
Leave the XML declaration on for standalone files; turn it off when embedding in another document.
Mind XML-legal names
Keys become tag names, so simple alphanumeric keys avoid sanitising and read best.
Flatten deep nesting first
Nested values are written compactly; flatten the YAML for a fuller element tree.
Troubleshooting
It says YAML must be a list
The top level needs to be a sequence — a series of items each starting with a dash. A single mapping isn't a list of records.
A tag name looks changed
Keys that aren't valid XML names — those with spaces or starting with a digit — are sanitised into legal tag names automatically.
A value shows braces or brackets
That value was a nested map or list. It's written compactly so no data is lost; flatten the YAML for a fuller element tree.
Indentation errors
YAML is indentation-sensitive. Use consistent spaces (not tabs) for nesting so the structure is read correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert YAML to XML for free?
Paste your YAML list of records above and well-formed XML appears instantly. Copy it or download a .xml file — free, no signup.
What YAML shape does it expect?
A list (sequence) of mappings — each item starts with a dash and contains key-value pairs. Each item becomes a row element.
Can I name the tags?
Yes. Set both the root element and the per-record row element to match your target schema.
Elements or attributes?
Choose either. By default fields are child elements; switch to attributes for compact rows on the row tag.
Is the XML well-formed?
Yes. Ampersands, angle brackets and quotes are escaped, and tag names are sanitised, so the output is valid XML.
What happens to invalid key names?
Keys that aren't legal XML names — with spaces or a leading digit — are sanitised into valid tag or attribute names.
Can I omit the XML declaration?
Yes. Turn off the declaration to embed the XML inside another document, or leave it on for standalone files.
What about nested maps or lists?
A nested value is written compactly as JSON-like text so nothing is lost; flatten the YAML first for a fuller element tree.
Does it keep data types?
XML is text-based, so values are written as text. The structure and content are preserved exactly.
What if a value has special characters?
Characters like &, < and > are escaped to their XML entities so they don't break the markup.
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 .xml file, or copy it straight to your clipboard.
How large a file can it handle?
It comfortably converts thousands of records, all within your browser.
Can I convert XML back to YAML?
Yes — use our XML to YAML converter for the reverse direction.
Does it preserve Unicode?
Yes. Any Unicode characters in your data are preserved in the XML output.
Can I convert to JSON instead?
Yes — use our YAML to JSON converter for JSON output.
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 YAML to XML Converter
Written and maintained by the FlipMyFormat team · Runs entirely in your browser