JSON Formatter
Prettify and validate JSON, or minify it to save space.
How It Works
This tool parses your JSON using the browser's built-in JSON.parse, which
validates the structure and catches any syntax errors. Formatting re-serializes the parsed
value with indentation for readability. Minifying removes all unnecessary whitespace,
producing the most compact representation for use in APIs or config files.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is JSON and why do I need to format it?
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a text format for structured data. APIs, config files, and databases commonly use it. Minified JSON removes all whitespace for compact transfer; formatted JSON adds indentation so humans can read it easily.
How do I fix a JSON syntax error?
Common JSON errors: trailing commas after the last item in an object or array (not allowed), using single quotes instead of double quotes for strings, unquoted keys, and missing commas between items. Paste your JSON here and the error message will point to the exact location.
What is the difference between JSON and JavaScript objects?
JSON is a strict subset of JavaScript object notation. In JSON, all keys must be double-quoted strings, values must be one of: string, number, boolean, null, array, or object. JavaScript objects allow unquoted keys, single quotes, functions, undefined, and comments — none of which are valid JSON.
How do I minify JSON?
Minifying removes all whitespace (spaces, newlines, tabs) that is not inside string values. This reduces file size for API payloads and network transfers. Use the Minify button to produce the most compact valid JSON representation.