JSON Formatter
Format, minify, and validate JSON with instant error detection.
This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional financial, medical, legal, or engineering advice. See Terms of Service.
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Request a ToolHow to Use the JSON Formatter
This tool formats, minifies, and validates JSON data right in your browser. Nothing is sent to a server. Here is how to use it:
- Paste your JSON. Copy raw JSON from an API response, config file, or database export and paste it into the input box.
- Choose your indent size. Select 2 spaces (common in JavaScript and web projects) or 4 spaces (common in Python and Java projects).
- Click Format or Minify. Format will pretty-print your JSON with proper indentation. Minify will compress it to a single line, removing all unnecessary whitespace.
- Check the results. If your JSON is valid, you will see a green confirmation with object stats: key count, nesting depth, and byte size. If there is an error, you will see the error message with details to help you fix it.
- Copy the output. Use the Copy button to copy the formatted or minified result to your clipboard.
About the JSON Formatter
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is the most common data interchange format on the web. API responses, configuration files, package manifests, and database exports all use JSON. Raw JSON from APIs is usually minified, making it hard to read. This tool uses your browser's built-in JSON parser, so parsing is fast, accurate, and matches exactly what JavaScript engines expect. It handles deeply nested objects, arrays, unicode strings, and all valid JSON types. Your data never leaves your browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as valid JSON?
Valid JSON must have a root value that is an object, array, string, number, boolean, or null. Objects use curly braces with double-quoted keys. Arrays use square brackets. Strings must be double-quoted (single quotes are not valid). Trailing commas are not allowed. Comments are not allowed in standard JSON.
Why does my JSON fail validation?
Common reasons include: single quotes instead of double quotes, trailing commas after the last item in an object or array, unquoted keys, comments (// or /* */), and missing commas between items. The error message will tell you where the parser encountered the problem.
Is my data sent to a server?
No. All formatting, minification, and validation happens in your browser using JavaScript. Your JSON is never transmitted anywhere. This tool is safe for API keys, credentials, and sensitive configuration data.
What is the difference between format and minify?
Format (also called beautify or pretty-print) adds indentation and line breaks to make JSON human-readable. Minify removes all unnecessary whitespace to reduce file size, which is ideal for production APIs and storage. Both operations produce identical JSON data.