Free Online JSON Formatter & Validator

What is JSON?

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight data-interchange format. It is easy for humans to read and write and easy for machines to parse and generate. 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). It is a very common data format used for asynchronous browser-server communication, including by many AJAX applications and web APIs.

Why Use Our JSON Formatter & Validator?

• Improve Readability: Converts minified or poorly formatted JSON into a human-readable structure with consistent indentation and line breaks (pretty print).
• Validate JSON Syntax: Automatically checks if your JSON data is syntactically correct. Errors are highlighted, helping you debug issues quickly.
• Minify JSON: Reduces the size of your JSON data by removing unnecessary whitespace, making it more efficient for transmission over networks.
• Easy to Use: Simply paste your JSON, click a button, and get your processed output instantly.
• Customizable Indentation: Choose between spaces or tabs for formatting your JSON.
• Copy & Download: Conveniently copy the formatted/minified JSON to your clipboard or download it as a `.json` file.
• Developer Friendly: An essential tool for web developers, API testers, and anyone working with JSON data.

How to Use the JSON Formatter

• Input JSON: Paste your JSON string into the "Input JSON" textarea on the left.
• Choose Indentation (Optional): Select your preferred indentation style (2 spaces, 4 spaces, or tabs) from the dropdown. This only applies when formatting/beautifying.
• Format/Beautify: Click the "Format / Beautify" button. If the JSON is valid, it will be displayed in a neatly formatted, human-readable structure in the "Formatted / Minified JSON" textarea on the right.
• Minify/Compact: Click the "Minify / Compact" button to remove all unnecessary whitespace and convert the JSON into a single line.
• Validate: The formatting process inherently validates the JSON. If there are syntax errors, the input textarea border will turn red, and an error message will appear in the status bar.
• View Output: The processed JSON will appear in the output textarea.
• Copy or Download: Use the "Copy Output" button or "Download .json" button as needed.
• Clear: Click "Clear" to empty both input and output areas.