Using clang-format in CLion

Question

I\'d like to format my code using clang-format in CLion. I\'ve gone through the settings and haven\'t found any setting that would allow me to run an external command to tra

Answer 1

The previous answers work well, but do not allow executing clang-format on save without the use of workarounds which don't work with the Vim emulation plugin I am using.

Here is a solution which executes clang-format on save and works well in every situation that I have encountered.

• First you need to install the File Watchers plugin.
• From there you need to go to File->Settings->Tools->File Watchers And create a custom template

• I use the following settings to execute clang-format when one of the currently open files is saved. You can tweak these settings to match your needs

  • For example, if you wish to execute clang-format automatically whenever the file changes (without needing to save) you can enable Advanced Options->Auto-save edited files to trigger the watcher

Documentation for the File Watchers plugin: https://www.jetbrains.com/help/clion/using-file-watchers.html

Answer 2

Since CLion 191 EAP ClangFormat is supported from the box.

Answer 3

The lates version of CLion 2019.1 has native support for ClangFormat.

For previous version go to File->Preferences->Plugins and search for ClangFormatIJ. Install this plugin.

It installs the context menu to invoke locally installed clang-format for a file or for a selection. It also set up the key shortcut for 'Reformat current Statement with clang-format' action.

This option works quite well for me in CLion 218.3 however, it might be included in an early version as well.

Answer 4

You can use External Tools in CLion.

Go to File->Settings->Tools->External Tools and click on the plus sign.

A window should pop up. Use a name of your choice.

For the Tool settings tab I'm using this configuration:

• Program: clang-format-3.7 (you should use the name of your executable here)

• Parameters: -i $FileName$

• Working directory: $FileDir$

Now, with your file open, you can go to Tools->External tools and run the config above. It basically calls clang-format and does inplace formatting.

You can also set a custom keymap to it, just search the name of your external tool in "Keymap" of the Settings menu.