Introduction:
Writing clean and easy-to-read JavaScript is a habit every developer needs. However, code style can quickly become messy when projects grow and teams get bigger. That’s why code formatting matters for JavaScript developers. A good formatter keeps your code neat, readable, and error-free without wasting time fixing style manually.
When it comes to JavaScript development, VS Code is the top choice. It’s fast, lightweight, packed with extensions, and trusted by millions of developers. Plus, it gives you complete control over how your JavaScript code looks.
This guide will compare the best code formatters for VS Code JavaScript, such as Prettier, ESLint, StandardJS, Beautify, and new tools like Rome and Biome. Each tool has a different purpose; some focus on style, some on rules, and some on speed.
By the end, you will know which formatter fits your workflow, how to set it up, and how to avoid conflicts. Let’s format smarter, not harder.
Why Do You Need a Code Formatter for JavaScript in VS Code?
JavaScript can become unreadable very fast if everyone writes code differently. A formatter fixes spacing, line breaks, indentation, and style automatically. This means your code always stays clean and consistent.
Using a formatter in VS Code saves time. You don’t need to check style issues line by line. Just save the file, and auto-formatting works.
It prevents arguments about coding style in teams. Everyone follows the same structure, so reviews become easier. Well-formatted code is also easier to scan and understand, reducing debugging time.
How VS Code Enhances JavaScript Code Structure Automatically
VS Code can auto-organize imports, align brackets, adjust indentation, and apply format rules when you save your file. With the correct settings and extensions, VS Code becomes your coding assistant, ensuring every JavaScript file stays clean and professional without extra effort.
Best Code Formatters for VS Code JavaScript:
1. Prettier Best Overall
Prettier is the most popular JavaScript code formatter for VS Code. It makes your code look clean and consistent every time. It handles spacing, semicolons, quotes, line length, and more without style arguments.
Pros:
✔ Easy to use
✔ Automatic formatting on save
✔ Works across many languages
Cons:
✘ Does not check for code errors (only formats)
✘ May override personal style preferences
Recommended Config: .prettierrc.json for custom rules
Enabling Prettier for JavaScript Without Conflicts in VS Code
To avoid issues, disable VS Code’s default formatter and set Prettier as the default:
| “editor.defaultFormatter”: “esbenp.prettier-vscode”, “editor.formatOnSave”: true |
This ensures Prettier formats JavaScript smoothly every time.
2. ESLint Best for Code Quality
ESLint checks your JavaScript for mistakes and enforces coding standards. It catches unused variables, bad syntax, and styling mistakes. ESLint is powerful for teams that care about clean and bug-free code.
Pros:
✔ Finds and fixes errors
✔ Enforces coding rules
✔ Works well with frameworks like React and Node.js
Cons:
✘ Setup can be confusing
✘ Needs configuration to format like Prettier
Why ESLint Sometimes Modifies Your JavaScript Code in VS Code
ESLint may change formatting because it applies rules defined in .eslintrc. To avoid surprises, combine ESLint with Prettier and turn off the style rules that ESLint has already handled.
3. StandardJS Zero-Config Strict Rules
StandardJS gives you a clean, opinionated coding style with no configuration needed. It follows strong conventions like no semicolons and consistent spacing.
Pros:
✔ Zero config
✔ Very consistent style
✔ Easy to start with
Cons:
✘ Some developers dislike forced rules
✘ Slight learning curve if you prefer semicolons
StandardJS Integration in VS Code for Strict Style Enforcement
Install the StandardJS extension and enable auto-fix on save. That’s it, VS Code will apply StandardJS formatting rules automatically.
4. Beautify Simple UI Formatter
Beautify is excellent for beginners who need a basic formatter. It formats HTML, CSS, and JavaScript but doesn’t enforce strict rules.
Pros:
✔ Simple to use
✔ Good for small projects
✔ Multi-language support
Cons:
✘ Not as smart as Prettier or ESLint
✘ Limited customization
5. Rome / Biome Fast Next-Gen Formatter
Rome (now Biome for JS formatting) is the new generation formatter designed to replace ESLint + Prettier. It’s lightning fast and comes with built-in linting and formatting.
Pros:
✔ Very fast
✔ Combines linting & formatting
✔ Modern tool
Cons:
✘ Still growing
✘ Not all plugins are available yet
Rome Formatter Setup in VS Code for Lightning-Fast JS Formatting
Install the Rome extension and create a rome.json config. Enable auto-fix on save to format automatically.
How to Configure Biome as a JavaScript Formatter in VS Code
Install @biomejs/biome, then set VS Code default formatter to Biome. Use:
| biome format |
for CLI formatting or enable format-on-save.
How to Choose the Right JavaScript Formatter in VS Code?
Different projects need different tools:
| If You Want | Use |
| Simple auto-formatting | Prettier |
| Fix bugs + style | ESLint + Prettier |
| Zero configuration | StandardJS |
| Ultra-fast modern tool | Biome |
| Beginner-friendly tool | Beautify |
Choosing the Right VS Code Formatter for Modern JavaScript Projects
If you build React, Next.js, Node, or team apps, choose Prettier + ESLint.
For solo or quick projects, Prettier or StandardJS works great.
How to Install & Configure a JavaScript Formatter in VS Code?
Prettier Setup
- Install the Prettier extension
- Create .prettierrc
- Enable format on save
ESLint Setup
- Install ESLint extension
- Run npm init @eslint/config
- Enable auto-fix
Step-By-Step Guide to Installing JavaScript Formatters in VS Code
Search the extension → install → enable → add config → test by saving file.
Using the Prettier Toggle Command for Flexible Formatting Workflows
You can turn Prettier on/off using the command palette, which is useful when testing other formatters.
Recommended VS Code Settings for JavaScript Formatting
- Quotes: single or double
- Semicolons: on or off
Tab size: usually 2 - Line width: 80–120 characters
| “editor.tabSize”: 2, “editor.formatOnSave”: true |
Optimizing JavaScript Indentation Settings in VS Code for Readability
Use 2-space tabs and consistent braces. It keeps code compact and clean.
Fixing Common VS Code Formatting Issues:
- Prettier not working
- ESLint conflicts
Format on save not working
How to Switch JavaScript Formatters in VS Code Without Errors
Disable other default formatters in settings before switching tools.
How to Undo Auto-Formatting Changes in VS Code Instantly
Press Ctrl + Z after saving, and VS Code rolls formatting back.
Fixing ESLint & Prettier Conflict Issues in VS Code (Pro Method)
Disable ESLint rules handled by Prettier using:
| eslint-config-prettier |
Format Like a Pro Workflow & Performance Tips
- Always enable Format on Save
- Use ESLint auto-fix
Format before committing
Performance Benchmark: JavaScript Formatters in VS Code
Biome and Rome run fastest. Prettier is stable and reliable. ESLint is slower but detailed.
Top VS Code Extensions to Format JavaScript Code Efficiently
- Prettier
- ESLint
- Biome
- StandardJS
- EditorConfig
Advanced Developer Tips:
Best Prettier Config Settings for High-Quality JavaScript Code
Use these helpful settings:
| “singleQuote”: true, “semi”: false, “trailingComma”: “es5” |
Beginner & Troubleshooting Guides:
How to Disable Auto-Formatting for JavaScript in VS Code
Turn off:
| “editor.formatOnSave”: false |
Also disable formatters in the command palette if needed.
Conclusion:
Formatting JavaScript in VS Code makes your code clean, readable, and professional. With tools like Prettier, ESLint, StandardJS, Beautify, Rome, and Biome, every developer can find a workflow that fits their style.
Prettier is the best choice for most users, while ESLint + Prettier is ideal for advanced projects and teams. StandardJS works great for minimal setups, and Biome is the future of fast JavaScript formatting.
Now that you know which formatter to choose and how to configure it, you can write better JavaScript with less effort and avoid messy code forever.
Code smarter, not harder, and let your formatter do the work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Best formatter?
Prettier is used for formatting, and ESLint + Prettier is used for the pro setup.
Prettier vs ESLint?
Prettier formats code. ESLint finds errors and enforces rules.
Why does “format on save” fail?
Set Prettier as the default formatter and turn off others.