JSON Formatter
Format, beautify and validate your JSON data
Input
Output
What is JSON Formatter?
Got messy, minified JSON that's impossible to read? This tool fixes that. It takes your JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) and makes it beautiful – proper indentation, line breaks, everything organized. Whether you're debugging API responses, checking config files, or just trying to understand what your JSON actually says, this makes it readable.
As MDN Web Docs notes, JSON is the standard format for web APIs. Our formatter follows the RFC 8259 JSON specification, so your formatted JSON is always valid and standards-compliant.
Best part? Everything happens instantly in your browser. No server uploads, no data storage – just paste, format, and copy. Your JSON stays private.
What Makes This Tool Different
Pretty Print Instantly
Paste minified JSON and get perfectly formatted output in milliseconds. We use consistent 2-space indentation so nested structures are easy to read.
Syntax Validation
While we format, we also validate your JSON. If something's broken, we'll show you exactly where so you can fix it fast.
Minify Option
Need compact JSON for production? One click minifies everything, removing all whitespace while keeping it valid. Perfect for API requests or config files.
File Upload Support
Got a big file? Just upload it. Works with .json and .txt files. No need to copy-paste – just drag and drop or click upload.
Copy & Download
One click to copy, or download it as a .json file. Perfect for saving formatted versions or sharing with your team.
Syntax Highlighting
Our editor provides beautiful syntax highlighting. Strings, numbers, booleans, and keys are color-coded for easy reading.
How It Works
Paste or Upload JSON
Paste your JSON into the left editor, or click "Upload" to load a file. You can also click "Sample" to see example JSON. The tool accepts any valid JSON structure – objects, arrays, nested data, you name it.
Automatic Formatting
As soon as you paste, the formatter processes your JSON and displays the beautifully formatted version on the right. Nested objects get proper indentation, arrays are clearly separated, and everything is aligned perfectly.
Copy or Download
Click "Copy" to copy the formatted JSON to your clipboard, or "Download" to save it as a file. Need minified JSON instead? Click "Minify" to compress it. All processing happens instantly in your browser.
When You'd Actually Use This
API Development
API responses often come minified. Format them to understand the structure, debug issues, or document endpoints. Works great with Swagger/OpenAPI responses or GraphQL queries.
Config File Review
Reviewing JSON configuration files? Format them first to see the structure clearly. Makes it easier to spot errors, understand settings, or compare different configurations.
Learning JSON
New to JSON? Formatting helps you understand the syntax. See how objects nest, how arrays work, and how data structures are organized. Much easier than reading minified code.
Debugging
Trying to find a bug in your JSON? Formatting reveals the structure, making it easier to spot missing commas, unclosed brackets, or incorrect nesting. The validation feature catches syntax errors instantly.
Common Questions
Is my JSON data stored?
No. All formatting happens in your browser using JavaScript's native JSON.parse() and JSON.stringify(). Your data never leaves your computer.
What JSON formats are supported?
We support all valid JSON according to the ECMA-404 standard. Objects, arrays, nested structures, strings, numbers, booleans, null – everything standard JSON supports.
Can I format invalid JSON?
No. The formatter validates your JSON first. If it's invalid, you'll see an error message pointing to the problem. Fix the syntax error, then format again.
What indentation does it use?
We use 2 spaces for indentation, which is the most common standard. This makes nested structures easy to read without taking up too much space.
How big can my JSON file be?
Since processing happens in your browser, performance depends on your device. Small files format instantly. Very large files (10MB+) might take a few seconds, but they'll still work.
Can I customize the formatting?
Currently, we use standard 2-space indentation. If you need different formatting options, consider using command-line tools like jq for advanced customization.
Other JSON Tools You Might Need
Formatting is just one JSON task. Here are other tools that work well together:
Need to learn more about JSON? Check out the official JSON.org website or the comprehensive guide on MDN.