FreeXmlToolkit
XML Editor
Last Updated: November 2025 Version: 1.0.0
The XML Editor is the main feature of FreeXmlToolkit. It provides a powerful and easy-to-use interface for working with XML files.
Overview
The XML Editor in text mode with syntax highlighting
The XML Editor in grid mode for structured editing
Working with Files
Opening and Saving Files
-
File toolbar with Open, Save, and New buttons*
- Open Files: Click the “Open” button or use
Ctrl+Oto browse for XML files - Save Files: Click “Save” or use
Ctrl+Sto save your changes - Create New Files: Click “New” to start with an empty XML document
- Drag & Drop: Simply drag files from your file explorer into the editor window
Favorites
Save your frequently used files for quick access:
- Click the star icon to add a file to favorites
- Organize favorites into custom categories
- Access favorites from the sidebar panel
Learn more: Favorites System
Editing Modes
Text Mode
Screenshot placeholder: Text editor with syntax highlighting
The text editor provides:
- Syntax Highlighting: XML elements, attributes, and values are color-coded for easy reading
- Line Numbers: Every line is numbered for easy reference
- Code Folding: Click the arrows next to elements to collapse or expand sections
- Auto-Completion: Type
<to see suggestions for valid elements
Tree View
Tree view showing XML structure
- See your XML document as a hierarchical tree
- Drag and drop elements to reorganize the structure
- Right-click for context menu options
Grid Mode
Grid editor showing table-like XML editing
The grid editor provides:
- Table View: Edit XML data in a spreadsheet-like interface
- Direct Cell Editing: Click cells to edit values directly
- Easy Navigation: Move through the document using arrow keys
Auto-Completion (IntelliSense)
Auto-completion popup showing element suggestions
The editor automatically suggests valid elements and attributes based on your XSD schema:
- Type
<to see a list of valid child elements - Navigate through suggestions with arrow keys
- Press Enter to insert the selected element
- Press Escape to close the suggestions
The suggestions are context-sensitive - only elements that are valid at your current position will be shown.
Learn more: Auto-Completion Guide
Formatting Tools
Pretty Print
Before pretty print
Click “Pretty Print” to format your XML with proper indentation. This makes messy or compressed XML easy to read.
After pretty print
Validation
Validation panel showing errors and warnings
How to Validate
- Load a Schema: Click the folder icon in the XSD Schema section to select your schema file
- Automatic Detection: If your XML references a schema, it will be loaded automatically
- View Results: Errors and warnings appear in the validation panel
- Navigate to Errors: Click on an error to jump to the problem location
Supported Validation Methods
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Well-Formed Check | Ensures basic XML syntax is correct |
| XSD Validation | Validates against XML Schema files |
| Schematron | Validates against business rules |
Supported Schema Formats
| Format | Support |
|---|---|
| XSD (XML Schema) | Full support |
| Schematron | Full support |
| DTD | Not supported |
| RelaxNG | Not supported |
XPath and XQuery
Screenshot placeholder: XPath tab with query input and results
Use XPath and XQuery to find and extract data from your XML documents:
- Switch to the XPath/XQuery tab at the bottom of the editor
- Enter your query in the input field
- Click Execute to run the query
- View Results in the results panel
Example Queries
//element- Find all elements named “element”//element/@attribute- Find all attributes named “attribute” on “element”/root/child[1]- Find the first child of root
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
Ctrl+O |
Open file |
Ctrl+S |
Save file |
Ctrl+Z |
Undo |
Ctrl+Y |
Redo |
Ctrl+F |
Find |
Ctrl+H |
Replace |
Ctrl++ |
Zoom in |
Ctrl+- |
Zoom out |
< |
Open auto-completion |
Tips
- Multiple Files: You can open multiple XML files in different tabs
- Remember Location: The editor remembers the last folder you used
- Font Size: Use
Ctrl++andCtrl+-to adjust the font size - Quick Validation: Errors are highlighted as you type
Navigation
| Previous | Home | Next |
|---|---|---|
| Home | Home | XML Editor Features |
| All Pages: XML Editor | XML Features | XSD Tools | XSD Validation | XSLT | FOP/PDF | Signatures | IntelliSense | Schematron | Favorites | Templates | Tech Stack | Licenses |