IntelliJ Code Formatter for VSCode

Format your code using IntelliJ IDEA's formatting engine directly in VSCode. Get the same high-quality formatting as IntelliJ IDEA without leaving your favorite editor.

Features

• Multiple Languages: Format Java, Kotlin, Groovy, XML, HTML, JSON, YAML, and Properties files
• Identical Results: Uses IntelliJ IDEA's native formatting engine
• Custom Code Styles: Import your IntelliJ code style settings (XML export)
• Flexible Formatting: Format entire documents or just selections
• Per-Language Control: Enable/disable formatting for specific languages
• Format on Save: Optional automatic formatting when saving files

Supported Languages

Requirements

• Java 21 or higher installed and available in PATH
• The formatter JAR is bundled with this extension

Installation

From VSIX File

code --install-extension intellij-formatter-0.1.0.vsix

From Source

# Clone the repository
git clone <repository-url>
cd vscode-idea-code-formatter

# Build the extension
./gradlew build

# Install
code --install-extension vscode-extension/intellij-formatter-0.1.0.vsix

Usage

Format Document

1. Open a supported file (Java, Groovy, XML, JSON, YAML, etc.)
2. Use one of the following methods:
   • Press Shift+Alt+F (Windows/Linux) or Shift+Option+F (Mac)
   • Right-click and select "Format Document"
   • Open Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P) and run "Format Document"

Format Selection

1. Select the code you want to format
2. Use one of the following methods:
   • Press Ctrl+K Ctrl+F (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+K Cmd+F (Mac)
   • Right-click and select "Format Selection"
   • Open Command Palette and run "Format Selection"

Set as Default Formatter

Add to your settings.json to make IntelliJ Formatter the default for specific languages:

{
  "[java]": {
    "editor.defaultFormatter": "idea-formatter.intellij-formatter"
  },
  "[kotlin]": {
    "editor.defaultFormatter": "idea-formatter.intellij-formatter"
  },
  "[groovy]": {
    "editor.defaultFormatter": "idea-formatter.intellij-formatter"
  },
  "[xml]": {
    "editor.defaultFormatter": "idea-formatter.intellij-formatter"
  }
}

Configuration

Global Settings

Per-Language Settings

Example Configuration

{
  // Enable the formatter
  "intellijFormatter.enabled": true,

  // Use custom IntelliJ code style
  "intellijFormatter.codeStylePath": "/path/to/your-code-style.xml",

  // Enable format on save
  "intellijFormatter.formatOnSave": true,

  // Language-specific settings
  "intellijFormatter.languages.java": true,
  "intellijFormatter.languages.kotlin": true,
  "intellijFormatter.languages.groovy": true,
  "intellijFormatter.languages.gradle": true,
  "intellijFormatter.languages.xml": true,
  "intellijFormatter.languages.html": true,
  "intellijFormatter.languages.json": false,  // Disable for JSON
  "intellijFormatter.languages.yaml": true,
  "intellijFormatter.languages.properties": true,

  // Set as default formatter for specific languages
  "[java]": {
    "editor.defaultFormatter": "idea-formatter.intellij-formatter",
    "editor.formatOnSave": true
  }
}

Using Custom Code Style

Export from IntelliJ IDEA

1. Open IntelliJ IDEA
2. Go to Settings (or Preferences on Mac)
3. Navigate to Editor > Code Style
4. Click the gear icon next to the scheme dropdown
5. Select Export > IntelliJ IDEA code style XML
6. Save the file

Configure in VSCode

Add the path to your exported code style in settings:

{
  "intellijFormatter.codeStylePath": "/path/to/your-code-style.xml"
}

Or use workspace-relative path:

{
  "intellijFormatter.codeStylePath": "${workspaceFolder}/.idea/codeStyles/Project.xml"
}

Commands

Troubleshooting

"Formatter JAR not found"

The JAR is bundled with the extension. If you see this error:

1. Check that the extension installed correctly
2. Or manually set the JAR path:

   {
     "intellijFormatter.jarPath": "/path/to/vscode-idea-code-formatter.jar"
   }
   

"Java not found"

Ensure Java 21+ is installed and in your PATH, or set the path explicitly:

{
  "intellijFormatter.javaPath": "/path/to/java"
}

Formatting is Slow

The first format operation may take 2-3 seconds as the JVM starts. Subsequent operations are faster due to process caching.

Incorrect Formatting

1. Ensure you're using a compatible IntelliJ code style XML
2. Check the Output panel (View > Output, select "IntelliJ Formatter") for errors
3. Try re-exporting your code style from IntelliJ IDEA

View Logs

1. Open the Output panel: View > Output
2. Select "IntelliJ Formatter" from the dropdown
3. Review logs for errors or warnings

Known Limitations

• First format operation has JVM startup latency (~2-3s)
• Some advanced IntelliJ-specific code style options may not be supported

Feedback and Issues

Report issues and feature requests on GitHub.

License

MIT License

Acknowledgments

Built using IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition by JetBrains.