Clean API examples
Turn a single-line cURL command into a readable multi-line snippet.
Free browser tool
cURL Formatter
The cURL formatter turns a dense cURL command into a clearer breakdown of method, URL, headers, and body. It also creates a readable multi-line cURL version that is easier to paste into documentation or tickets.
This is a practical formatter for common cURL commands, not a full shell interpreter. It handles typical flags such as -X, -H, -d, --data, and URLs.
cURL formatter
Format basic cURL commands into readable request details.
What this tool does
cURL commands are often copied from API docs, browser DevTools, bug reports, and terminal history. They can become dense quickly when headers, methods, and JSON bodies are all packed into one line.
This formatter parses common cURL flags and presents the request in a readable form. It is meant for understanding and documenting commands, not executing them. The command stays local in your browser.
Common use cases
Inspect request details
Extract method, URL, headers, and body from a copied command.
Prepare support tickets
Share a clearer request example without making someone parse shell flags manually.
Example before and after
The formatter separates request parts so the command is easier to inspect and document.
Compact cURL
curl -X POST https://api.example.com/users -H 'Content-Type: application/json' -d '{"name":"Ada"}'Readable request
Method: POST
URL: https://api.example.com/users
Header: Content-Type: application/jsonHow to use
- Paste a basic cURL command.
- Click Format cURL.
- Review the parsed request and formatted command.
Common errors
Expecting shell execution
The tool parses text only. It never sends the request.
Complex shell syntax
Variables, pipes, command substitution, and redirects are not part of the basic parser.
Unbalanced quotes
Copied commands with missing quotes can be hard to parse correctly.
Why use this tool
Make API examples easier to read.
Inspect headers and request bodies quickly.
Clean up cURL commands copied from browser tools.
Best practices
Redact secrets
Remove Authorization headers and tokens before sharing commands.
Keep examples minimal
Include only the headers and body fields needed to reproduce the issue.
Format before documenting
Multi-line commands are easier for readers to scan and edit.
Related tools
Related guides
What is cURL used for
cURL is a command-line tool for making network requests, testing APIs, and sharing reproducible request examples.
How to read HTTP headers
HTTP headers carry metadata that explains how an API response should be parsed, cached, authenticated, and traced.
Best practices for working with API responses
API responses are easier to debug when you validate syntax, format payloads, inspect errors, and compare changes deliberately.
FAQ
Does this execute the cURL command?
No. It only parses and formats text. It does not send network requests.
Which flags are supported?
It handles common method, header, data, and URL flags for basic API examples.
Can complex shell scripts be parsed?
No. Shell variables, pipes, redirects, and command substitution are outside the intended scope.
Is the command uploaded?
The tool runs in your browser and does not require login, a database, or server-side processing.