Format JSON

Validate and format JSON. Interactive tree view. For free, forever.
Input JSON
Formatted JSON
Input JSON

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Secure by default

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JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight data-interchange format that's easy for humans to read and write and easy for machines to parse and generate. It is based on a subset of JavaScript and has become the de facto standard for data exchange on the web.

JSON is built on two structures: a collection of name/value pairs (often realized as an object, record, struct, dictionary, hash table, keyed list, or associative array) and an ordered list of values (often realized as an array, vector, list, or sequence). These universal data structures are supported by virtually all modern programming languages, making JSON an ideal data-interchange language.

A JSON formatter is a tool that takes JSON data and formats it in a human-readable way. This typically involves adding proper indentation, line breaks, and spacing to make the structure clear and easy to understand. Formatting is especially useful when working with minified or compressed JSON data that has all whitespace removed.

JSON validation is the process of checking whether a JSON string conforms to the JSON specification. A validator will check for common errors such as missing commas, unclosed brackets or braces, improper use of quotes, and other syntax violations. Validation helps catch errors early in development and ensures data integrity when exchanging information between systems.

Modern JSON tools often include additional features like syntax highlighting, which uses colors to distinguish between different parts of the JSON structure (keys, values, strings, numbers, etc.), making it even easier to read and understand complex data structures. Tree views provide an interactive way to explore nested JSON objects by allowing users to expand and collapse different sections.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 transmitting data in web applications.

Why do I need to format JSON?

Formatting JSON makes it human-readable by adding proper indentation and line breaks. This is especially useful when working with minified or compressed JSON data, debugging, or reviewing API responses.

What does JSON validation do?

JSON validation checks whether your JSON string conforms to the JSON specification. It identifies syntax errors like missing commas, unclosed brackets, or improper quotes, helping you catch errors early.

What's the difference between code view and tree view?

Code view displays the formatted JSON as text with syntax highlighting, similar to how it appears in a code editor. Tree view presents JSON as an interactive, collapsible structure where you can expand and collapse nested objects and arrays.

Is my JSON data secure?

Yes! All JSON formatting and validation happens entirely in your browser. Your data never leaves your computer, ensuring complete privacy and security.

Can I upload a JSON file?

Yes, you can upload a JSON file using the 'Open file' button. The tool will read the file and display the formatted output immediately.

What are common JSON errors?

Common JSON errors include: missing commas between key-value pairs, using single quotes instead of double quotes for strings, trailing commas, unclosed brackets or braces, and unquoted keys.

Can I copy the formatted JSON?

Yes, use the 'Copy' button to copy the formatted JSON to your clipboard. This is useful for pasting the cleaned-up JSON into your code or documentation.