Eclipse: Can you format code on save?

Question

In Eclipse, under Windows -> Preference -> Java -> Code Style, you can define code templates for comments and code, and you can setup a code formatter. I'm wondering if it is possible in Eclipse to have these setting take affect every time I save a source file. Basically, instead of me highlighting everything and pressing Ctrl+Shift+F, I want Eclipse to be responsible for making sure my code is formatted properly.

Is this possible and how do you set it up?

Note On Using the Auto-Format: It's probably best to choose "Format Edited Lines" as merging changes becomes very difficult when you reformat a whole file that is in source control already that was not formatted properly. Already did this to a co-worker.

Answer 1

Under Preferences, choose Java --> Editor --> Save Actions. Check the "Perform the selected actions on save", and check the "Format source code" box.

This may or may not be available in previous versions of Eclipse. I know it works in:

Version: 3.3.3.r33x_r20080129-_19UEl7Ezk_gXF1kouft
Build id: M20080221-1800

Answer 2

3.1+ available

Answer 3

I strongly recommend checking your eclipse format xml descriptor into source control. That way all members of the team can use it and you don't get to and fro reformatting battles.

Answer 4

If you find that you do not have a "Save Actions" preference under Java--> Editor, it may be because you are using an older version of Eclipse. In that case you can install the Format on save plugin from here.

Then, under Preferences, choose Java --> Format on save. Select the "Run Format" option under "Select a code formatting action"