Format Code for Stack Overflow Answers
Add 4-space indentation to code so it renders correctly as a code block in Stack Overflow answers. Paste, indent, copy, post.
Stack Overflow uses Markdown for formatting. Code must be indented by 4 spaces (or wrapped in triple backticks) to render as a code block. When code is pasted without proper indentation, it appears as broken inline text — making it unreadable and unhelpful.
This tool adds the required 4-space indentation to any code snippet. Paste your code, apply the indentation, and copy the result directly into the Stack Overflow editor. Your answer will render with a clean, readable code block.
Features
4-Space Standard
Adds exactly 4 spaces to every line — the Stack Overflow standard for code block formatting.
Instant Formatting
Paste code, indent, copy. The entire process takes seconds.
Preserves Structure
Internal indentation is preserved. Function bodies, nested blocks, and whitespace-sensitive code stay intact.
How It Works
Select the code snippet you want to include in your Stack Overflow answer.
Paste the code and set indentation to 4 spaces.
The code now has 4 spaces prepended to every line.
In the Stack Overflow editor, paste the indented code. It will render as a code block in the preview.
Formatting Code on Stack Overflow
Stack Overflow answers with properly formatted code blocks are read, understood, and upvoted more than answers with inline code fragments. A well-formatted code block makes the difference between an answer that helps hundreds of people and one that gets ignored.
The 4-space indentation method is the most reliable way to create code blocks on Stack Overflow. While triple backtick fencing also works, 4-space indentation is universally supported across all Markdown renderers and does not have issues with nested backticks.
For frequent Stack Overflow contributors, this tool saves time on the formatting step. Copy code from your IDE, indent it with this tool, and paste it into your answer — all without manually editing whitespace or counting spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
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