Auto-indent in Notepad++

Question

We always write code like this formal:

void main(){
  if(){
    if()
    }

But when I use Notepad++, the display is:

void main(){
if(){
if()
}

How do I use Notepad++ to auto indent?

Thanks to Jonathan, I have set it, but it does not take any effect. The snapshot is below:

I am using Notepad++ version 5.1.3.

Answer 1

Notepad++ will only auto-insert subsequent indents if you manually indent the first line in a block; otherwise you can re-indent your code after the fact using TextFX > TextFX Edit > Reindent C++ code.

Answer 2

If the TextFX menu does not exist, you need to download & install the plugin. Plugins->Plugin Manager->Show Plugin Manager and then check the plugin TextFX Characters. Click 'install,' restart Notepad++.

In version Notepad++ v6.1.3, I resolve with: Plugin Manager->Show Plugin Manager** and then check the plugin "Indent By Fold"

Answer 3

There seems to be an option for auto-format of XML at least. It can be found at TextFX -> TextFX HTML Tidy -> Tidy: reindent XML.

Answer 4

Most developers of text editing programs misuse this name (auto-indent). The correct name is "maintain indentation". Auto-indent is what you actually want, but it is not implemented.

I would also like to see this feature in Notepad++.

Answer 5

In the latest version (at least), you can find it through:

• Settings (menu)
• Preferences...
• MISC (tab)
• lower-left checkbox list
• "Auto-indent" is the 2nd option in this group

[EDIT] Though, I don't think it's had the best implementation of Auto-indent. So, check to make sure you have version 5.1 -- auto-indent got an overhaul recently, so it auto-corrects your indenting.

---

Do also note that you're missing the block for the 2nd if:

void main(){
  if(){
    if() { }  # here
  }
}

Answer 6

You can use 'Indent by fold' plugin. Install it from the plugin manager. It works fine for me.

Answer 7

In the 6.6.8 version I installed the NppAutoIndent plugin from Plugins > Plugin Manager > Show Plugin Manager. Then I selected the Smart Indent option in Plugin > NppAutoIndent. Hope this helps.

Answer 8

For those who use Notepad++ v6.8.1 and later, the auto-indent setting now is placed in menu Settings → Preferences → MISC. → Auto Indent.

Answer 9

A little update: You can skip the TextFX Plugin and just use Tidy2. Here you can configure your own formating-rules for different types of codes. Easy to install and remove within

Notepad++ > Plugins > Plugin Manager > Show Plugin Manager

and just search for Tidy2 and install it. Done.

Answer 10

Try the UniversalIndentGUI plugin for Notepad++. It re-indents code based on some parameters. It worked well for me.

Answer 11

Menu TextFX → TextFX Edit → Reindent C++ code

But, Notepad++ doesn't come with this "Text FX Character" plugin. You will need to install it via

Plugins → Plugin Manager → Show Plugin Manager.

To add shortcut for Indentation.

Click on Settings → Shortcut Mapper... set the shortcut key you prefer. I prefer Ctrl + =.

Answer 12

For those who using version 7.8.5, the Auto-indent settings is now located at "Settings" -> "Preferences..." -> "Auto-Completion".

Answer 13

This may seem silly, but in the original question, Turion was editing a plain text file. Make sure you choose the correct language from the Language menu

Answer 14

Install Tidy2 plugin. I have Notepad++ v6.2.2, and Tidy2 works fine so far.

Answer 15

First download plugin manager this link then unzip the zip folder and copy this inside your program/ notepad++ folder . then restart your notepad++. then you see plugin manager inside plugin menu . then click plugin manager then click show plugin manager . It shows all your plugin list . from the list in bottom find XML tools , checked it and install it. then restart your notepad++. After open a document then plugins/xml tools/pretty plain(indent text) then enjoy.

Answer 16

Try to save the file before, then it will indent.