Dev Tools/JSON Formatter
JSON Formatter
Format, validate, and minify JSON with syntax highlighting
Input JSON
Paste your JSON here...
Output
Formatted JSON will appear here...Options
JSON Formatter Guide
Learn how to format and validate JSON data effectively
What is JSON?
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight data interchange format that is easy for humans to read and write, and easy for machines to parse and generate. It's widely used for API responses, configuration files, and data storage.
How to Use This Tool
- Paste your JSON data in the input field
- Select your preferred indentation size (2, 4, or 8 spaces)
- Click 'Format' to beautify or 'Minify' to compress
- Copy the formatted result using the copy button
Pro Tips
- Use the Sample button to see a properly formatted JSON example
- Invalid JSON will show an error message with details about the syntax problem
- Minified JSON is great for reducing file size in production
Browser Support
JSON parsing and formatting is supported in all modern browsers using the built-in JSON.parse() and JSON.stringify() methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between JSON.parse() and JSON.stringify()?
JSON.parse() converts a JSON string into a JavaScript object, while JSON.stringify() converts a JavaScript object into a JSON string. This tool uses JSON.parse() to validate your input and JSON.stringify() with indentation to format the output.
Why does my JSON show 'Invalid JSON' error?
Common JSON syntax errors include: trailing commas after the last item, single quotes instead of double quotes for strings, unquoted property names, and missing commas between items. JSON is strict about syntax - use the error message to locate the problem.
What indent size should I use?
2 spaces is the most common choice for readability while keeping files compact. 4 spaces provides more visual clarity for deeply nested structures. Use whatever your team's coding standards specify, or minify for production to save bandwidth.
Can this tool validate JSON Schema?
This tool validates JSON syntax (whether the JSON is well-formed) but does not validate against JSON Schema. For schema validation, you would need a separate JSON Schema validator that checks if your data conforms to a defined schema structure.
How do I handle large JSON files?
This browser-based tool works best with JSON files up to a few megabytes. For very large files, the browser may slow down. Consider using command-line tools like jq for large files, or splitting your data into smaller chunks.