JSON formatter

Format, validate, and minify JSON data

Input JSON

Paste your JSON data here

Output

Formatted or minified JSON

How to use this tool

Paste your JSON data into the input field
Click "Format" to add indentation and make it readable
Click "Minify" to remove all whitespace and reduce file size
Click "Validate" to check if your JSON is valid without changing it
If there are errors, they will be displayed below the input field
Copy the output or download it as a .json file

Example

Input (minified):

{"name":"Alice","age":28,"city":"Portland"}

Output (formatted):

{
  "name": "Alice",
  "age": 28,
  "city": "Portland"
}

Frequently asked questions

What is JSON?

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight data format used for storing and exchanging data. It's human-readable and widely used in web APIs.

What does formatting do?

Formatting adds indentation and line breaks to make JSON easier to read. Minifying removes all whitespace to reduce file size.

How do I fix JSON errors?

Common errors include missing commas, unmatched brackets, or unquoted keys. The error message will indicate the line and character where the problem occurs.

Can I validate JSON without formatting?

Yes, use the "Validate" button to check if your JSON is valid without changing its format.

Is my data private?

Yes, all JSON processing happens locally in your browser. Your data is never sent to our servers.

Related tools

JSON formatter

How the json formatter helps

Use the JSON formatter to make compact or messy JSON easier to read, validate API responses, clean configuration snippets, and prepare data for debugging. Formatting does not change the values in valid JSON; it changes spacing and indentation so arrays, objects, keys, and nested structures are easier to inspect.

Utility Tally tools are built for quick, practical workflows: prepare the input, review the result, copy or download the output, and move on without creating an account. The guidance below explains how to use this page responsibly, what the result means, and which related tools or guides can help with the next step.

For best results, start with sample or non-sensitive data when you are learning a tool, then move to real work only after you understand the output. If the result will be sent to a client, imported into software, printed, published, or used in a security-related workflow, take an extra minute to verify formatting, totals, links, spelling, privacy, and destination requirements.

How to use it

Paste JSON into the input box.
Click Format to add indentation and line breaks.
Click Minify when you need compact JSON for storage or transfer.
Use Validate to confirm that the syntax is correct.
Copy or download the result after checking that the structure looks right.

How it works

The tool parses the input with the browser JSON parser. Valid JSON is converted into a JavaScript value and then serialized again with either indentation for formatting or no extra whitespace for minification. Invalid JSON triggers an error instead of producing misleading output.

The result should be treated as a working output, not a substitute for professional review where tax, security, accessibility, legal, accounting, or production data requirements apply. Check the destination system, final format, and any local rules before relying on the result.

Practical tips

Common JSON mistakes include trailing commas, unquoted keys, single quotes, comments, and mismatched braces.

Formatting helps spot nesting problems in API responses and configuration files.

Minification reduces whitespace but does not encrypt or protect data.

Avoid pasting secrets into any online tool unless you understand how the page processes data.

JSON Formatter FAQ

Does formatting change JSON data?

No. For valid JSON, formatting changes whitespace and indentation, not the actual keys or values.

Why is my JSON invalid?

Common causes include missing commas, trailing commas, unquoted keys, and mismatched brackets.

Can I use this for API responses?

Yes. It is useful for inspecting API responses, but be careful with private or sensitive data.