JSON Formatter and Validator

Online JSON formatter and validator. Format JSON into readable indented text or minify it to a single line, with live syntax validation that reports the exact parsing error.

FreeOnline Tool
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How to Use

  1. Paste or edit your JSON in the input box (a sample is loaded by default).
  2. Click Format to convert the JSON into readable text with 2-space indentation, or Minify to collapse it into a single line with no extra whitespace.
  3. The status bar below shows whether the JSON is valid and reports the specific error when it is not.
  4. Click Copy result to put the converted content on your clipboard.

Features

  • Formatting: rewrites JSON with 2-space indentation so the structure is easy to follow.
  • Minifying: strips all unnecessary whitespace and outputs the smallest possible single-line JSON.
  • Live syntax validation: the JSON is checked as it is converted, and invalid input produces a specific parsing message such as a missing quote or an extra comma.
  • One-click copying of the converted result to the clipboard.

Use Cases

Checking that an API response is valid JSON
Paste the response body to confirm the format is correct and locate the exact syntax error if it is not.
Making minified JSON readable
Format a single-line JSON blob from a log or an API response into an indented structure so you can read the data by eye.
Shrinking JSON for transfer
Minify the formatted JSON you use in development into a compact form for production transfer or storage.
Finding syntax errors quickly
When hand-writing a JSON config, rely on live validation to spot and correct syntax mistakes right away.

FAQ

What is the difference between formatting and minifying?
Formatting adds 2-space indentation and line breaks so a person can read the JSON, while minifying removes all spaces and newlines to produce the smallest single-line output. The data itself is identical either way.
How do I track down a reported JSON error?
The status bar describes the specific problem, such as unbalanced brackets or an extra comma, so you can use the message to find and fix the offending part of the JSON.
Is my JSON uploaded anywhere?
No. All formatting and validation happen locally in your browser and nothing is sent to a server, so it is safe to work with JSON that contains sensitive information.
Does it handle very large JSON documents?
The JSON is processed in browser memory, so fairly large documents are fine in principle, but very large text (tens of megabytes) can slow the browser down, and splitting the work is a better idea.