JSON Formatter
The JSON Formatter helps you beautify, validate, and explore JSON data with proper indentation and syntax highlighting. JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is the standard data interchange format used by APIs, configuration files, and web applications. Paste minified or messy JSON to instantly format it with readable indentation, line breaks, and structure. The formatter also validates your JSON in real time, highlighting syntax errors and showing exactly where the problem is. This tool is essential for developers working with REST APIs, debugging responses, or editing configuration files.
Formula
JSON structure:
{
"key": "value",
"array": [1, 2, 3],
"nested": {"a": true}
}
Indentation: 2 or 4 spaces (configurable)
Validation: RFC 8259 JSON specification Example
Input (minified): {"name":"John","age":30,"city":"New York"} Output (formatted): { "name": "John", "age": 30, "city": "New York" }
How to Use
- Paste your JSON data into the input field
- Choose indentation (2 or 4 spaces)
- The formatter validates and beautifies your JSON automatically
- Copy the formatted output or download it
- Fix any validation errors shown in the error message
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 is the standard format for REST API responses and web configuration files.
What is the difference between JSON and JavaScript objects?
JSON is a text format, while JavaScript objects are a data structure. JSON requires double-quoted keys and string values. JavaScript objects allow unquoted keys, single quotes, functions, and undefined. JSON is a subset of JavaScript object syntax.
How do I validate JSON?
Paste your JSON into the formatter. If the JSON is valid, it will be formatted and displayed. If invalid, an error message will show the location and type of the syntax error. Common errors include trailing commas, missing quotes, and unescaped characters.
What indentation should I use?
2 spaces is the most common convention for JSON. 4 spaces is also acceptable. Tabs are less common and can cause issues in some parsers. This formatter defaults to 2 spaces but can be configured.
Can JSON contain comments?
Standard JSON (RFC 8259) does not support comments. Some tools like VS Code allow JSONC (JSON with Comments). If you need comments, consider using JSON5 or YAML instead. This formatter follows standard JSON and will flag comments as errors.