JSON Formatter
Format, beautify, validate and minify JSON directly in your browser.
Format and validate JSON
Paste JSON, then format, minify, or validate it locally in your browser.
Your JSON is processed locally in your browser and is not sent to a server.
Overview
What is a JSON formatter?
A JSON formatter turns compact or inconsistently spaced JSON into a structured, readable representation. Developers commonly use formatted JSON when reviewing API responses, configuration files, logs, and test data.
The same parsed data can also be minified when a compact representation is more useful. This formatter checks JSON syntax before producing either form.
Steps
How to format JSON
- Paste JSON into the JSON Input field.
- Select Format JSON.
- Review the 2-space formatted result.
- Use Copy to copy the output.
Example
JSON formatting example
Before
{"name":"Orbilyra","features":["format","minify"],"free":true}After
{
"name": "Orbilyra",
"features": [
"format",
"minify"
],
"free": true
}Comparison
JSON Formatter vs JSON Validator
A formatter primarily changes valid JSON into a readable or compact representation. A validator focuses on confirming whether JSON syntax is valid. This formatter detects parsing errors as part of formatting and also provides a dedicated Validate action.
For syntax-focused checks and clearer parsing errors, use theJSON Validator.
Use cases
When should you minify JSON?
Minified JSON is useful when testing compact payloads, reducing unnecessary whitespace during transfer, or storing fixtures where human readability is not the priority. It preserves the parsed data while removing formatting whitespace.
Workflows
Common JSON formatting workflows
- Make compact API responses readable while debugging an integration.
- Normalize indentation before sharing a configuration example or test fixture.
- Minify valid JSON when whitespace is unnecessary for a payload or fixture.
- Confirm that copied JSON still parses before using it in code or documentation.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is JSON formatting?
JSON formatting adds consistent indentation and line breaks so structured data is easier to read, review, and debug.
Is my JSON uploaded to a server?
No. Formatting, minifying, and validation happen locally in your browser. Your JSON is not sent to a server by this tool.
Can this tool validate JSON?
Yes. The Validate action checks whether the input can be parsed as valid JSON and displays the browser parsing error when it cannot.
What indentation does the formatter use?
The formatter uses two spaces for each indentation level.
What is the difference between formatted and minified JSON?
Formatted JSON includes whitespace for readability. Minified JSON removes unnecessary whitespace to create a compact single-line result.