JSON Formatter & Validator
Format, validate, and beautify JSON data instantly. Our JSON formatter helps you organize messy JSON, validate syntax, and prepare data for development with advanced formatting options.
Input JSON
Formatted Output
JSON Formatting Tips
Common JSON Errors:
- • Missing quotes around property names
- • Trailing commas in objects/arrays
- • Single quotes instead of double quotes
- • Unescaped special characters
- • Missing closing brackets or braces
Best Practices:
- • Use double quotes for strings
- • Validate before using in code
- • Keep consistent indentation
- • Remove unnecessary whitespace for APIs
- • Sort keys for better readability
How to Use the JSON Formatter
Simple 4-Step Process
- 1Paste your JSON data into the input area or upload a JSON file
- 2Configure formatting options: indent size, key sorting, empty value removal
- 3Click "Format" to beautify, "Minify" to compress, or "Validate Only" to check syntax
- 4Copy the formatted result or download it as a JSON file
Advanced Features
- Real-time validation: Instant error detection and highlighting
- Custom indentation: Choose 1, 2, or 4 space indentation
- Key sorting: Alphabetically organize object properties
- Empty value removal: Clean up null, undefined, or empty values
- File operations: Upload JSON files and download results
When to Use JSON Formatting
API Development
Format API responses and request payloads for better readability during development and debugging.
Configuration Files
Organize and validate JSON configuration files for applications, making them easier to read and maintain.
Data Analysis
Clean and structure JSON data exports from databases or APIs for analysis and processing.
Web Development
Validate and format JSON for AJAX requests, local storage data, and frontend-backend communication.
Code Documentation
Create clean, readable JSON examples for API documentation and code comments.
Data Migration
Prepare and validate JSON data files for database migrations and system integrations.
JSON Syntax Reference
Valid JSON Structure
{
"string": "Hello World",
"number": 42,
"boolean": true,
"null": null,
"array": [1, 2, 3],
"object": {
"nested": "value"
}
}Data Types
- String: Text in double quotes
- Number: Integer or decimal
- Boolean: true or false
- null: Represents no value
- Array: Ordered list in [ ]
- Object: Key-value pairs in
Common Errors
// ❌ Invalid JSON
{
'single_quotes': 'not allowed',
"trailing_comma": "bad",
unquoted_key: "error"
}Validation Rules
- • Property names must be in double quotes
- • No trailing commas allowed
- • Strings must use double quotes
- • All brackets and braces must be closed
- • Special characters must be escaped
Frequently Asked Questions
What is JSON formatting?
JSON formatting is the process of organizing JSON data with proper indentation, line breaks, and spacing to make it human-readable. This includes validating syntax, adding consistent spacing, and organizing the structure for better readability.
How do I fix JSON syntax errors?
Common JSON syntax errors include missing quotes around property names, trailing commas, single quotes instead of double quotes, and unescaped special characters. Our validator will show you exactly where the error occurs and what needs to be fixed.
What's the difference between formatting and minifying JSON?
Formatting adds proper indentation and spacing to make JSON readable for humans. Minifying removes all unnecessary whitespace to create the smallest possible file size, which is ideal for API responses and data transmission.
Can I validate JSON without formatting it?
Yes, use the "Validate Only" button to check if your JSON syntax is correct without changing the formatting. This is useful when you only need to verify that your JSON is valid before using it in your application.
What does "Sort Keys" do?
The Sort Keys option alphabetically sorts all property names in JSON objects. This is useful for consistency, comparing JSON files, and making large JSON structures easier to navigate and read.
Is my JSON data secure when using this tool?
Yes, all JSON processing happens entirely in your browser. No data is sent to our servers or stored anywhere. Your JSON remains completely private and secure on your device.