How to disable code formatting for some part of the code using comments?

Question

I'd like to selectively disable the IntelliJ IDEA code formatter for a portion of code just like I can in Eclipse. Does IntelliJ support this feature, and if so, how do I use it?

Answer 1

Since version 13 it's possible to wrap the code with

// @formatter:off
...
// @formatter:on 

IntelliJ IDEA v.2018+:

File > Settings > Editor > Code Style

IntelliJ IDEA v.2016+:

Preferences > Editor > Code Style

IntelliJ IDEA v.14+:

Preferences > Editor > Code Style > Formatter Control

You can change the formatter control markers, as long as they're in comments.

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Ensure formatter markers in comments are enabled, as shown in the following figure:

Answer 2

Note for Carlos' answer of @formatter:off and @formatter:on to work, you may need to enable the preference first:

Discovered via How to config intellij-idea not format some part of the code?

IDEA-56995 Disabled code formatting per region using comments

Answer 3

In xml files use:

<!-- @formatter:off -->
<!-- @formatter:on -->

Answer 4

Obsolete answer from 2010:

No, it's not possible right now, I've submitted a new issue which you can track.

As a temporary solution you can use external formatter plug-in for IDEA which can utilize Eclipse code formatter (I didn't check whether this particular option is supported).

Answer 5

It's currently not possible to exclude entire files (like regression test data xmls) from formatting. See https://youtrack.jetbrains.com/issue/IDEA-167112

Answer 6

https://www.gamefromscratch.com/post/2015/02/01/Preventing-IntelliJ-code-auto-formatting-from-ruining-your-day.aspx edit it in code style you can anything to control unformat snippet