diff --git a/.editorconfig b/.editorconfig
index 066a3984bb..9dd5113285 100644
--- a/.editorconfig
+++ b/.editorconfig
@@ -15,10 +15,14 @@ indent_style = space
 indent_size = 4
 charset = utf-8
 
-#
+# trailing whitespace are relevant in .tst files
 [*.tst]
 trim_trailing_whitespace = false
 
+# our GAPDoc XML files may contain tests for which trailing whitespace are relevant
+[*.xml]
+trim_trailing_whitespace = false
+
 # In Makefile one must use tab indentation
 [Makefile*]
 indent_style = tab