Writing clean, readable SQL is not just about style it directly impacts maintainability, debugging speed, and collaboration. Poor Man’s T-SQL Formatter is one of the most popular free tools for formatting T-SQL code, and the best part is that it takes only a few minutes to install.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to install Poor Man’s T-SQL Formatter step by step, verify that it works correctly, and format your SQL queries like a pro even if you’re a complete beginner.
What Is Poor Man’s T-SQL Formatter?
Poor Man’s T-SQL Formatter is an open-source SQL formatting tool designed specifically for Microsoft SQL Server. It automatically formats messy T-SQL queries into a clean, consistent, and readable structure.
Why Developers Use It
- Improves SQL readability instantly
- Reduces errors caused by unclear query structure
- Saves time during code reviews
- Works directly inside SSMS and Visual Studio
Prerequisites Before Installation
Before installing Poor Man’s T-SQL Formatter, make sure you have the following:
- Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or Visual Studio
- Windows OS
- Basic understanding of SQL queries
No advanced configuration or paid license is required.
How to Install Poor Man’s T-SQL Formatter
Step 1: Download the Formatter
Visit the official Poor Man’s T-SQL Formatter website or its GitHub repository and download the latest installer. Choose the version compatible with your SQL Server Management Studio or Visual Studio.
Step 2: Run the Installer
Once downloaded:
- Double-click the installer file
- Follow the on-screen installation steps
- Accept the default settings (recommended for beginners)
The installation usually takes less than a minute.
Step 3: Restart Your Editor
After installation, restart SSMS or Visual Studio to ensure the formatter is properly loaded.
How to Use Poor Man’s T-SQL Formatter
Using the formatter is straightforward. Open any SQL query and apply formatting using the toolbar or shortcut.
Example: Unformatted SQL
select id,name,email from users where status=1 order by created_at desc
Formatted SQL Output
SELECT
id,
name,
email
FROM users
WHERE status = 1
ORDER BY created_at DESC;
This makes the query significantly easier to read and maintain.
Common Installation Issues and Fixes
Formatter Not Showing in SSMS
Ensure that your SSMS version is supported. Restarting SSMS after installation usually fixes this issue.
Shortcut Keys Not Working
Check your editor’s keyboard shortcut settings and confirm there are no conflicts.
Alternative: Online SQL Formatting Tool
If you don’t want to install any plugins or are working on a shared system, you can use an online formatter.
SQL Formatter lets you format SQL instantly in your browser with no setup required.
- No installation needed
- Works on any device
- Perfect for quick formatting tasks
Best Practices for Writing Clean T-SQL
- Always use uppercase for SQL keywords
- Indent nested queries properly
- Keep SELECT columns on separate lines
- Format SQL before committing code
Final Thoughts
Installing Poor Man’s T-SQL Formatter is one of the easiest ways to improve your SQL workflow. In just a few minutes, you can turn messy queries into clean, professional-looking SQL code.
Whether you prefer a desktop plugin or an online solution like SQL Formatter , consistent formatting will save time, reduce errors, and make collaboration easier.
Start formatting your SQL today your future self (and your teammates) will thank you.