How to modify the default indent value when creating an XML file?

Question

I have been looking at different methods for creating an XML document using: XmlDocument, XDocument and XmlWriter. It seems like I have to use XmlWriterSettings along with XmlWriter in order to specify the Indent and IndentChars.

This MSDN Article specifies that the default IndentChars value is Two spaces.

My question: Is it possible to save an XML file using XmlDocument or XDocument where I can specify the indent value for the saved XML file?

If it is possible to do so without using XmlWriter, can someone provide an example or documentation?

Anton · Accepted Answer · 2020-04-02 18:08:04Z

1

Update: Sorry, I didn't read clearly your question. No, it is not possible. If you want to specify IdentChars, you should create XmlTextWriter

    var xmlDoc = new XmlDocument();

    // your logic 


    using (var writer = new XmlTextWriter("filename.xml")) {
        writer.Indentation = 1;
        writer.IndentChar = ' ';

        xmlDoc.Save(writer);
    }

edited Apr 2, 2020 at 18:08

answered Apr 2, 2020 at 17:59

Anton

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5 Comments

Heretic Monkey Over a year ago

And where are you specifying the indent value?

Elias Wick Over a year ago

I don't think you understand the question. I am looking for a method where I can specify the indent value before saving the file. Using your code would save the file with only two spaces as the indent value. How can I save the file with four spaces as the indent value without using XmlWriter?

Elias Wick Over a year ago

@Anton, thank you for changing your answer. I recently read that XmlTextWriter isn't the optimal way for changing the IndentChars, they recommend using XmlWriter. Here is a link to the source: stackoverflow.com/a/6899460/7556093

Elias Wick Over a year ago

However, I will accept your answer as the correct answer unless someone knows a solution within the day.

Anton Over a year ago

@Elias Wick Agreed.

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