TFT

Convert YAML to XML Online

Transform your YAML data into XML format for systems that require it. This free converter handles nested structures and offers customization options for the XML output.

YAML to XML Converter

Convert YAML documents to XML format

How YAML to XML Conversion Works

YAML to XML conversion transforms clean YAML structures into verbose XML markup. YAML keys become XML element names, values become element content or attributes, and arrays become repeated elements.

This tool handles the structural mapping between formats: YAML mappings become nested XML elements, lists become sibling elements with the same name, and scalar values become text content.

Here's the process:

  1. YAML is parsed into data structure
  2. Root element is created (customizable)
  3. Nested structures become child elements
  4. XML declaration and formatting applied

Example conversion:

YAML Input:
person:
  name: John
  age: 30

XML Output:
<?xml version="1.0"?>
<person>
  <name>John</name>
  <age>30</age>
</person>

When You'd Actually Use This

Legacy system integration

Send data to XML-only systems. Modern apps use YAML internally but need XML for integrating with older enterprise systems and SOAP services.

SOAP web services

Generate SOAP request payloads. Create XML for SOAP web service calls from YAML-defined request structures and parameters.

RSS/Atom feed generation

Create RSS or Atom feeds from YAML content. Manage feed content in YAML, convert to XML for publishing RSS/Atom feeds.

SVG generation

Generate SVG graphics from YAML definitions. Define SVG structure in YAML, convert to XML for use in web pages or graphics applications.

Enterprise data exchange

Format data for EDI/XML exchanges. Many enterprise systems require XML for B2B data exchange—convert from internal YAML format.

Documentation transformation

Convert YAML docs to XML for processing. Transform documentation from YAML to XML for XSLT processing or XML-based publishing workflows.

What to Know About XML Output

Root element is required. XML requires a single root element. The tool adds a root element if your YAML doesn't have an obvious top-level key.

Element names have restrictions. XML element names can't start with numbers or contain spaces. Invalid YAML keys are sanitized for XML compatibility.

Special characters are escaped. XML special characters (<, >, &, ") are properly escaped in element content and attributes.

Arrays become repeated elements. YAML lists become multiple XML elements with the same name, not a single element with multiple values.

Pro tip: Validate the generated XML if using with strict XML parsers. Some edge cases may need manual adjustment for specific XML schemas or DTDs.

Common Questions

Can I customize the root element?

Yes. Specify a custom root element name, or let the tool infer it from your YAML structure. Root element wraps the entire XML document.

How are YAML arrays handled?

Arrays become repeated XML elements. A list of items becomes multiple <item> elements under the parent element.

Does it add XML declaration?

Yes. The output includes <?xml version="1.0"?> declaration by default. This is required for proper XML parsing in most systems.

Can I add XML attributes?

Some converters support special YAML syntax for attributes. Otherwise, all YAML keys become child elements, not attributes.

Is the XML formatted/indented?

Yes. Output is pretty-printed with proper indentation for readability. Some tools offer minified XML option for smaller file size.

Can I convert XML back to YAML?

Yes. Use the XML to YAML converter to reverse the process. Simple XML structures convert cleanly back to YAML.

Is my data secure?

Yes. All conversion happens locally in your browser. Your YAML data never leaves your computer. Safe for sensitive documents.

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