pgFormatter

pgFormatter is a free SQL formatter focused on PostgreSQL queries and PL/pgSQL code, with support for several SQL standards. It suits developers who want configurable formatting in a console, editor, web workflow or pre-commit hook; teams using other databases may need to maintain custom keyword and function lists.

Overview

pgFormatter can run as a console program or CGI application and produce text or HTML according to its environment. It also offers a JSON response when a CGI request includes an Accept: application/json header, which can be useful for integrating formatting into a service. Its range of ways to run is a practical strength for developers who want the same formatter in local and automated workflows.

The project supports SQL-92, SQL-99, SQL-2003, SQL-2008, SQL-2011 and PostgreSQL syntax, and says it works with other databases as well. That broader use has a caveat: pgFormatter cannot automatically recognize other databases' user-defined functions or keywords, so those need custom lists.

Key features

Formatting options cover keyword, function, identifier and type capitalization, indentation, line wrapping and comma placement. This gives teams control over common style choices rather than forcing one layout. Automatic fixes, a configuration file, editor extensions and CI/CD integration support repeatable formatting across individual editing and shared workflows.

The --anonymize command-line option obscures query literals before formatting, a useful safeguard when queries contain confidential values. It is not a substitute for broader security assurances: pgFormatter carries no stated security certification or compliance claim.

Developers can use it with Vim and (Neo)Vim, and the project links to Atom and Visual Studio Code integrations. A pre-commit hook can format SQL files before commits. The online demo is convenient for a quick try, but its ten-thousand-character query limit makes it a poor fit for large inputs.

Pricing

pgFormatter: free. The free software is distributed under the PostgreSQL Licence, and there is no free trial because the software is free. The project documents installation from a GitHub source tarball using Perl Makefile.PL, make and make install, as well as building a Docker image and piping SQL input to a container. Those options suit developers comfortable with command-line setup; the online demo offers a lower-effort way to format shorter queries.

Platforms

pgFormatter is available for API, Linux, self-hosted and web use. Its console and CGI modes, Docker workflow and editor integrations give developers multiple ways to fit it into a setup, though the online demo's input cap limits its usefulness for long queries.

Who it's for

Choose pgFormatter if PostgreSQL is central to your work and you want formatting options that can be used from a terminal, an editor or a pre-commit workflow without a software charge. It is also worth considering for mixed-database work if you are prepared to curate custom lists. If you need other databases' functions and keywords recognized without that maintenance, pgFormatter is a less natural fit.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Console, CGI, JSON, editor and pre-commit workflows make it adaptable to both individual and automated SQL formatting.
• Pro: Detailed controls for case, indentation, wrapping and comma placement let teams align output with their chosen style.
• Pro: Literal anonymization can hide query values before formatting.
• Con: Other databases' custom functions and keywords require user-maintained lists rather than automatic detection.
• Con: The online demo limits queries to ten thousand characters.
• Con: Installation paths documented by the project involve command-line setup, which may be less appealing to users seeking a simple standalone app.

Alternatives

For more options in this category, browse SQL Linters and Formatters or Code Formatting Tools.

• Sqruff is another free option, with extensions and support for Linux, macOS, Windows, self-hosted and web use.
• TSQLLint is free and supports extensions plus Linux, macOS and Windows.
• SQL Formatter is free, with extension, desktop and web platform support and a browser demo.
• sqlfmt is a free option for API, Linux, self-hosted and web use, including a browser formatter that runs via WebAssembly without installation.
• Sleek is a free alternative with extension, Linux, macOS and Windows support.
• SQL Formatter VSCode is a free MIT-licensed extension for formatting SQL files in VS Code.
• JSQLFormatter is a free option for Linux, macOS, Windows and self-hosted use.
• Squawk is a free alternative spanning mobile, desktop, web, extension, API and self-hosted platforms.

Verdict

pgFormatter is a strong choice for PostgreSQL developers who want configurable SQL formatting they can carry from console use into editors and commit workflows, at no cost. Its main drawback for mixed-database teams is the need to maintain custom lists for other databases' functions and keywords; look elsewhere if automatic recognition across databases matters more than its PostgreSQL-centered workflow.