Highlight YAML

Highlight YAML syntax instantly with this online tool. See keys, values, strings, numbers, and booleans color-coded live as you type or import.

Paste your input above or import a file below.
No file chosen
Supported file types: .txt, .yaml, .yml, .md, .ini, .json, .xml, .html, .htm, .css
Total characters: 0
Options
Highlight keys
Highlight values
Maximize output

How to Use:

  • Paste your YAML into the “Input Text” box, or click Choose File to import a .yaml, .yml, .txt, or similar supported file.
  • Below the input box, you’ll see a note listing all supported file types.
  • Use the toggles in the Options box to control:
    • Highlight keys – Bold the keys before the colon. On by default.
    • Highlight values – Bold the values after the colon. On by default.
    • Maximize output – Expand the output box for easier viewing of long YAML.
  • Click Highlight to format your YAML. It auto-updates with each change.
  • The output box will flash when updated so you know it’s refreshed.
  • Below the output, you’ll see a Total characters counter that updates live.
  • Click Copy Output to copy the result to your clipboard.
  • Use Export to File to save the highlighted YAML as a .yaml file.
  • Click Clear All to reset everything inputs, toggles, file name, and the counter.

What Highlight YAML can do:

Highlight YAML makes it easier to visually navigate YAML documents by letting you bold keys, values, or both. Whether you’re working with a deeply nested config file, a multi-level document, or just cleaning up some markup before review, this tool makes things stand out. You can paste YAML directly or import it from a supported file. With the maximize toggle, it’s easy to focus on larger outputs, and everything runs live no reloads, no fuss. It’s also useful when trying to explain YAML to others or generate more readable diffs for edits.

Example:

Input:
user:
  name: Alice
  age: 30
  active: true

Output:
Keys in blue
Strings like "Alice" in red
Numbers like 30 in dark blue
Booleans like true in purple

Common Use Cases:

Perfect for reviewing YAML config files, checking values before deployment, or visually scanning long documents. Ideal for developers working with Kubernetes, CI/CD, or any YAML-heavy environment.

Useful Tools & Suggestions:

After highlighting YAML, it’s worth using Visualize YAML Structure to get a clearer sense of how keys nest and relate. And if you’re prepping it for another format, Transform YAML into CSV can break things out into rows and columns you can scan fast.

Related Tools