Prettier is a free, open-source code formatter that parses source code and prints it in a consistent style while taking line length into account. Built-in language support includes JavaScript, JSX, Angular, Vue, Flow, TypeScript, CSS, Less, SCSS, HTML, JSON, GraphQL, Markdown, YAML, LWC, and MJML. Its command-line interface can format files with `--write` or check formatting with `--check` in CI. Listed editor integrations include VS Code, Emacs, Vim, Helix, Sublime Text, JetBrains IDEs, Visual Studio, and Espresso; formatting can run from an editor shortcut or when saving a file. Prettier provides configuration options but keeps them limited. Plugins can add languages or formatting rules, and languages beyond the built-in web-focused set require a plugin. For ESLint integration, the install guide recommends `eslint-config-prettier` to disable rules that are unnecessary or may conflict with formatting. Prettier supports browser and JavaScript API use, and is available for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Commercial support and maintenance are available through the Tidelift Subscription.
Who it is for
Prettier suits developers who want consistent formatting across supported languages and editor workflows. Teams using languages beyond its built-in set need a plugin.
What is good
- Free and open source
- CLI can format files or check them in CI
- Integrations are listed for several editors and IDEs
- Can format automatically when saving a file
What to know first
- Configuration options are intentionally limited
- Languages beyond the built-in set require a plugin
- Exact local versions are recommended for project consistency
Verdict
Prettier offers a consistent formatting workflow through its CLI, editor integrations, and API. Its limited configuration and plugin requirement for additional languages are worth considering.
Prettier plans and pricing
All plansCompared on code formatting tools
- Supported languages
- JavaScript, JSX, Angular, Vue, Flow, TypeScript, CSS, Less, SCSS, HTML, Ember/Handlebars, JSON, GraphQL, Markdown, GFM, MDX v1, YAML, LWC, MJML
- Supported platforms
- Browser and JavaScript API
- Editor integration
- Yes
- Ignore files
- Yes
- Library API
- Yes
- License model
- open_source
