JSON Formatter & Validator
Format, validate, minify, and explore JSON data. All processing happens in your browser—your data never leaves your device.
Input
0 charactersFormatted
Enter valid JSON to see the output
Privacy First
All processing happens locally in your browser. Your JSON data never leaves your device or gets sent to any server.
Instant Processing
No waiting for server responses. Format, validate, and minify JSON instantly with real-time syntax highlighting.
Tree Explorer
Navigate complex JSON structures with the interactive tree view. Expand and collapse nodes to explore your data.
What is JSON?
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) 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's based on a subset of JavaScript but is language-independent.
JSON is built on two structures: a collection of name/value pairs (objects) and an ordered list of values (arrays). These universal data structures are supported by virtually all modern programming languages.
Common JSON Data Types
"Hello World"42, 3.14, -17true, falsenull[1, 2, 3]{"key": "value"}How to Use the JSON Formatter
- Paste your JSON data into the input field
- The tool automatically validates and formats the JSON
- Choose your preferred indentation (2 spaces, 4 spaces, or tabs)
- Use 'Minify' to compress JSON for production use
- Copy or download the formatted JSON
Common Examples
Formatting API Responses
Paste raw JSON from API responses to make them readable. Useful for debugging and development.
Validating JSON Syntax
Check if your JSON is valid before using it in your application. The tool highlights syntax errors.
Minifying for Production
Compress JSON files by removing whitespace. Reduces file size for faster loading in web applications.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using single quotes instead of double quotes (JSON requires double quotes)
- Trailing commas in objects or arrays (not allowed in JSON)
- Comments in JSON (JSON doesn't support comments)
- Unescaped special characters in strings
- Not properly escaping backslashes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is JSON?
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight data format used for data interchange. It's easy to read and write for humans and easy to parse for machines.
Is JSON the same as JavaScript?
No, JSON is a subset of JavaScript but is language-independent. It's used across many programming languages, not just JavaScript.
Can I format invalid JSON?
The tool will show validation errors for invalid JSON. Fix the errors first, then the formatter will work properly.
Does formatting change the data?
No, formatting only changes whitespace and indentation. The actual data structure and values remain unchanged.
Is my JSON data secure?
Yes, all processing happens in your browser. Your JSON data never leaves your device or is sent to any server.
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