CSS Formatter

This tool formats CSS code to a consistent, readable style. It targets front-end developers, UI engineers, code reviewers, and students learning CSS formatting. It accepts raw CSS and outputs a consistently formatted version that improves readability, maintainability, and review efficiency. Example: input a{color:red;font-size:14px} becomes a { color: red; font-size: 14px; }. The formatter can run in-browser or on a server and outputs a single string representing the formatted CSS. It supports common CSS syntax including selectors, at-rules, nested blocks within media queries, and vendor-prefixed properties. It does not perform linting or transform semantics beyond formatting.
Conceptual operation: The formatter tokenizes CSS, builds an abstract syntax tree (AST), and regenerates CSS from the AST using configuration options such as indentation (2 or 4 spaces), brace placement (same line vs new line), and line breaks between declarations. Declarations are sorted when enabled; comments are preserved near their rules. It handles edge cases like empty rules, multiple selectors, and complex selectors. The process is deterministic: the same input and settings yield identical output, enabling consistent style across files and teams.
Value proposition and use cases: The tool reduces code review time, improves readability, and enforces team coding standards. Core features include multi-line formatting, two-space or four-space indentation, braces placed on the same line by default or per setting, preservation of comments, and robust handling of media queries and nested rules. Use cases include cleaning legacy CSS before merging, standardizing code after imports, preparing code for handoffs, and teaching CSS syntax to learners. Unique value lies in its non-destructive operation, configurability, and absence of build steps, linting requirements, or reliance on external services.