Raw body (text, XML) in Postman

Introduction

Raw body lets you send exact text or XML data in your API requests. This helps test how the server handles specific input formats.

You want to send plain text data to an API, like a message or note.

You need to test an API that accepts XML formatted data.

You want to simulate sending custom payloads that are not JSON or form data.

You are testing how the server processes raw text inputs.

You want to check if the API correctly parses XML requests.

Syntax

Postman

POST /api/example HTTP/1.1
Host: example.com
Content-Type: text/plain

Your raw text data here

Set the Content-Type header to match your raw data type (e.g., text/plain or application/xml).

In Postman, select 'raw' in the Body tab and choose the data format from the dropdown.

Examples

Sends plain text as the request body.

Postman

POST /api/message HTTP/1.1
Host: example.com
Content-Type: text/plain

Hello, this is a plain text message.

Sends XML data as the request body.

Postman

POST /api/xml HTTP/1.1
Host: example.com
Content-Type: application/xml

<note><to>User</to><message>Hello XML</message></note>

Sample Program

This request sends an XML order to the server. The server should parse the XML and respond accordingly.

Postman

POST /api/submit HTTP/1.1
Host: example.com
Content-Type: application/xml

<order><id>123</id><item>Book</item></order>

Important Notes

Always match the Content-Type header with the raw data format you send.

Raw body is useful when APIs do not accept JSON or form data.

Use Postman's preview or response tabs to verify the server's reply.

Summary

Raw body lets you send exact text or XML in API requests.

Set the correct Content-Type header to help the server understand your data.

Use raw body to test APIs that expect plain text or XML inputs.