How to Format and Check JSON Online

Developer · Step-by-step guide · 3 steps · 2 min read

JSON is a common way to store data as text. It is often squashed onto one line. This tool makes it neat and easy to read. It also tells you if something is broken.

Open the JSON Formatter & Validator

In the pictures, orange letters like A show where to look. Each step tells you its letter.

Step 1: Paste your JSON

Paste your JSON into Enter JSON. Or click choose a file to open a .json file. See A in the picture.

Step 2: Press Beautify

Pick how far to indent: 2, 4 or Tab. Then press Beautify. Minify puts it on one line. Validate only checks it. See B in the picture.

JSON Formatter with one line of JSON and the Beautify button — Paste JSON (A) and press Beautify (B).

Step 3: Read or copy the result

The neat JSON shows in the result box. If there is a mistake, like a missing comma, you see a message that points to it. Press Download .json to save it. See C in the picture.

Neat, indented JSON with customer and item details — The neat result (C).

Tips and questions

What breaks JSON?

Common mistakes are an extra comma after the last item, single quotes instead of double quotes, and names without quotes. The error message tells you where to look.

Can I see my JSON as a tree?

Yes. Open the Tree tab. Press Build Tree View. Then open and close each level.

Can it change JSON to other formats?

Yes. The Convert tab turns JSON into YAML, XML, CSV or TypeScript.

What does Sort keys do?

It puts the names in each block in A to Z order. This makes two files easier to compare.

Privacy

Your data is handled in your browser. It is never sent to us. So it is safe to paste private or work data.

Try it now

The JSON Formatter & Validator is free. You do not need an account.