Kotlin Formatter is a tool for formatting Kotlin source code.
It is built around ktfmt and provides a unified formatting workflow across the command line, Git hooks, Gradle, and IntelliJ IDEA.
Kotlin Formatter is designed for teams that want an automated and consistent Kotlin formatting setup across different developer workflows. Its command-line utility can be used directly, wired into Git hooks, or run from build tooling. The IntelliJ plugin extends the same formatter into the IDE, helping keep formatting behaviour consistent between local editing, commits, and automated checks.
The Gradle plugin supplies formatting and checking tasks, while the Git hook scripts help catch formatting drift early in the development process. The experimental daemon mode is useful for repeated formatting operations where avoiding JVM startup time can make the formatter feel more responsive.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Formats Kotlin source files from the command line
- Supports files, directories, and standard input
- Wrapper around ktfmt for consistent Kotlin formatting
- Configurable maximum line width
- Dry-run mode to preview formatting changes
- Option to return a non-zero exit status when files need formatting
- Pre-commit support for formatting staged files before committing
- Pre-push support for checking committed files before pushing
- Experimental daemon mode to reduce repeated JVM startup overhead
- IntelliJ IDEA plugin with manual formatting and format-on-save support
- Gradle plugin with tasks to apply and check formatting
- Can be installed using Hermit, GitHub Releases, Maven Central, or a standalone JAR
Website: github.com/block/kotlin-formatter
Support:
Developer: Block
License: Apache License 2.0
Kotlin Formatter is written in Kotlin. Learn Kotlin with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
Related Software
| Kotlin Code Formatters | |
|---|---|
| ktlint | Kotlin linter with built-in formatter |
| Spotless | Keeps codebases pristine with automated formatting checks |
| ktfmt | Pretty-prints (formats) Kotlin code |
| ktlint-gradle | Runs ktlint from Gradle to enforce Kotlin style rules |
| Kotlinter Gradle | Plugin for linting and formatting |
| ktlint-gradle-plugin | Brings Kotlin linting and formatting checks into Gradle projects |
| ktfmt-gradle | Adds ktfmt formatting to Gradle builds with minimal fuss. |
| Kotlin Formatter | Formats Kotlin source with a simple, consistent command-line tool |
Read our verdict in the software roundup.
LinuxLinks helps you discover the best free and open source software for Linux. Explore our extensive collection of recommended applications, including alternatives to popular proprietary software.We also publish software reviews, Linux tutorials, hardware reviews, free programming books and articles covering the wider open source community. Browse our Linux resources to discover more. Know a useful free and open source Linux application we haven't covered? Suggest a program for inclusion. Has your software been featured on LinuxLinks? Display one of our Featured on LinuxLinks badges on your website or GitHub README. |


Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.