JSON Formatter & Validator
Format, validate and minify JSON data instantly
Input
Output
Paste JSON to begin
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Characters: 0
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Max Depth: 0
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 has become the de facto standard for data exchange in web APIs, configuration files, and modern applications.
Our JSON Formatter & Validator helps you quickly format, validate, and minify JSON data. Whether you're debugging an API response, cleaning up configuration files, or preparing data for documentation, this tool makes it effortless.
How to Use This Tool
- Paste your raw JSON data into the input area on the left, or click "Load Example" to try a sample.
- Click "Format" to pretty-print with 2-space indentation, or "Minify" to compress it.
- The status bar shows validation results, character count, and nesting depth.
- Copy the result or download it as a
.jsonfile.
JSON Format Examples
| Type | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Object | {"key": "value"} | Key-value pairs wrapped in curly braces |
| Array | [1, 2, 3] | Ordered list of values in square brackets |
| Nested | {"a": {"b": [1]}} | Objects and arrays can be nested arbitrarily |
| Null | null | Represents an empty or unknown value |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes JSON invalid?
Common reasons include trailing commas after the last element, single quotes instead of double quotes, unquoted keys, comments (JSON does not support comments), and missing or extra brackets or braces.
What is the difference between JSON.stringify and JSON.parse?
JSON.stringify() converts a JavaScript object into a JSON string, while JSON.parse() converts a JSON string back into a JavaScript object. Together, they enable serialization and deserialization of structured data.
Is there a size limit for JSON?
The JSON specification does not define a maximum size. However, practical limits depend on the parser and runtime environment. Most modern browsers and Node.js can handle JSON strings of several hundred megabytes. This online tool works best with files under 5 MB for optimal performance.
Can I use this tool to fix broken JSON?
This tool validates and formats well-formed JSON. If your JSON has syntax errors, the validator will highlight the error location and message, helping you identify and fix the issue manually. It does not auto-correct broken JSON.