YAML to XML — Generate an XML Document

How to use

Paste one YAML document, upload a .yaml file, or load the sample.
Check the generated XML beneath the input; the document uses a root wrapper.
Review element names, repeated list items, and escaped text for your destination's schema.
Copy or download the XML after confirming that the structure matches the receiving system.

Examples

Convert a simple service map

Mapping keys become nested element names under one XML root.

Input

service:
  name: api
  enabled: true

Output

<root>
  <service>
    <name>api</name>
    <enabled>true</enabled>
  </service>
</root>

Escape reserved text

An ampersand in a YAML string is escaped so the generated XML remains well formed.

Input

title: A & B

Output

<title>A &amp; B</title>

Translate data, then check the schema

This converter is useful when a test fixture, configuration export, or integration starts as YAML but the next step accepts XML. A YAML mapping becomes a set of child elements. Nested mappings create nested elements, and values become text. The converter adds a root wrapper so the document has one top-level XML element. A list beneath a key creates repeated elements using that key; a top-level list uses item elements inside the wrapper.

Text is escaped for XML. An ampersand becomes &, and angle brackets in a value are encoded rather than treated as markup. Empty values become empty elements. Mapping keys are adapted to safe element names, so a key containing spaces or punctuation may change. Inspect the result if the destination expects exact names or namespaces.

Understand the boundary of automatic conversion

YAML and XML do not encode every idea in the same way. The converter does not infer XML attributes, namespace declarations, or a custom document schema from ordinary YAML data. It also does not preserve YAML comments or alias notation. It reads the JSON-compatible data values, expands supported aliases, and writes XML from those values. Unsupported custom tags and circular aliases produce errors rather than ambiguous output.

Review a small sample against the receiving application’s requirements before converting a large file. The tool runs in a Web Worker and keeps the full result available for Copy and Download, even when the visible preview is shortened. Input and output stay in your browser.

Frequently asked questions

How are YAML sequences represented?

A list under a mapping key becomes repeated elements with that key. A top-level list is wrapped in root and item elements.

Are XML attributes created?

No. Mapping keys become child elements. If your target schema requires attributes, edit or transform the XML afterward.

What happens to unusual mapping keys?

Characters that are unsafe in a basic XML element name are replaced, and some names receive a field_ prefix. Check the output against your schema.

Does the converter preserve YAML comments?

No. Comments are not data values and are omitted from the XML document.

Can it guarantee my XML application's schema?

It generates well-formed XML, but it does not know the element names and structure required by a particular application.