JSON Formatter

About Our JSON Formatter

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is the standard data format used on the web. Almost every API, most configuration files and almost all front-end frameworks will use JSON. However it can sometimes be frustrating to work with JSON if it is minified or contains errors.

Our JSON formatter can take any JSON input and format it with correct indentation. It will also tell you the exact line and column where any syntax errors occur. You can also minify your data so it is shown in one line. As all this is done in your browser your data is fully private.

Using the JSON Formatter

1. Paste your JSON code into the text box on the left. You can also drag and drop a .json file or click the Sample button.
2. Select how you want your JSON formatted. Choose your indentation size (2 spaces, 4 spaces or tab). Optionally choose to sort keys alphabetically.
3. Click the Format button to format your JSON. The JSON will be validated while being formatted. If there is an error it will let you know where it occurred. Click the Minify button to remove all whitespace and create the smallest file.
4. Click copy or download to save your formatted/minified JSON.

Why Use Our JSON Formatter?

There are many JSON formatters available online but our tool has some benefits.

• All the parsing/formatting is done locally. Your JSON will never be sent to a server. This is important if you are working with API tokens, config files or client data.
• You will receive the exact line and column a JSON error has occurred on. This can save you minutes of searching.
• Sort keys alphabetically. This is a unique feature that sorts all keys in your objects alphabetically. This can help you compare two JSON files.
• View detailed stats. See the size of your JSON, amount of objects, arrays, total keys, depth and parsing time.
• Use keyboard shortcuts. Press Ctrl + Enter (Cmd + Enter for Mac) to quickly format your JSON. Press Tab whilst editing to add correct indentation.

Who Uses JSON Formatters?

JSON formatters are a common tool used by developers, testers and technical writers.

• Debugging API responses.
• Validating configuration files.
• Comparing two JSON files.
• Extracting data from API logs and requests.
• Creating documentation.
• Creating minified JSON for deployment.
• Debugging errors in JSON based configuration files such as package.json, tsconfig.json and composer.json.

JSON Syntax

JSON has strict syntax requirements and if there is any mistakes in the JSON it will no longer be valid. Common mistakes made are:

• Trailing commas. JSON doesn't allow commas at the end of an object/array.
• Keys without quotes. Keys in objects must always be surrounded by double quotes. {"name": "John"} is fine but {name: "John"} won't work.
• Single quotes. JSON only allows double quotes. {'name': 'John'} won't work.
• Comments. Unlike JavaScript, JSON doesn't allow comments (// or /* */).
• Unescaped characters. Some characters in strings need to be escaped using a backslash.

Our JSON formatter will detect all of these issues and let you know where they occurred. This makes debugging much quicker.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is JSON?

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight text based data storage and transfer format. It stores data in key value pairs, arrays, strings, numbers, booleans and nulls. JSON is completely language agnostic and is the standard data format used in most modern APIs, configuration files and web applications.

What is a JSON formatter?

A JSON formatter will take a block of unformatted/minified JSON and format it with correct indentation, line breaks and spacing. Most JSON formatters will also validate your JSON so you know if there are any syntax errors such as missing commas or unclosed brackets.

What is the difference between format and minify?

Formatting (or pretty printing) will add indentation and line breaks to your JSON to make it easier to read. Minifying will remove all unnecessary spacing to create the smallest file. Use formatting to debug and view your data. Use minify to deploy to production, transfer over networks or store in databases.

Is my JSON data safe?

Yes! All the formatting, validating and minifying is done in your browser using JavaScript. Your JSON will never be uploaded to a server or logged. This tool can be used for API tokens, configuration files and any sensitive JSON data.

Why am I getting a JSON syntax error?

This can occur if you have trailing commas, keys without quotes, single quotes, comments or unescaped characters. Our tool will let you know the exact line and column the error occurred on.

What does sort keys alphabetically do?

When this option is selected all the keys in your objects will be sorted alphabetically. This can be useful for comparing two JSON files (due to the keys being in order), keeping your configuration files neat or creating readable outputs for documentation.

Can I use large JSON files?

Yes! Up to the memory limit of your browser. We would suggest keeping your files to 5-10MB for the best performance. Larger files can still be used but may cause a slight delay. All the parsing/formatting is done locally.

Can I use this tool to validate my JSON?

Yes! Simply paste your JSON and click Format. If your JSON is valid you will receive a formatted version. If your JSON is invalid you will receive an error message telling you what the issue was along with the line and column number.

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