JSON Formatter & Validator
Free online JSON formatter, validator, and minifier. Beautify and format JSON with custom indentation, validate syntax errors instantly, or minify JSON for production.
Input JSON
Formatted JSON
Other Tools
What is a JSON Formatter?
A JSON formatter (also called a JSON beautifier or JSON pretty printer) takes compact or minified JSON and reformats it with proper indentation and line breaks, making it human-readable. It also validates the JSON syntax and highlights any errors. Developers use JSON formatters to debug API responses, inspect configuration files, and clean up data before committing to a codebase.
Features
Format & Beautify JSON
Instantly formats minified or unreadable JSON into a clean, indented structure. Supports 1, 2, 4, and 8 space indentation, as well as tab indentation.
Minify JSON
Strips all whitespace and line breaks to produce the most compact JSON possible. Ideal for reducing payload size in APIs and web apps.
Validate JSON
Automatically detects syntax errors and shows a clear error message. Helps you locate and fix malformed JSON before it causes bugs.
Editable Output
The formatted output panel is editable. Changes you make sync back to the input so you can format and tweak in the same workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between formatting and minifying JSON?
Formatting adds indentation and line breaks to make JSON readable by humans. Minifying removes all whitespace to produce the smallest possible output for use in APIs and production environments.
How do I validate JSON online?
Paste your JSON into the input panel. The formatter automatically validates it as you type. If there is a syntax error, an error message will appear below the editor describing the issue.
What indentation should I use?
2 spaces is the most common convention for JSON in web development. 4 spaces is preferred in some languages like Python. Tabs are useful when you want editors to control the visual width.
Is my JSON data sent to a server?
No. All formatting, validation, and minification happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your JSON data never leaves your device.
Can I edit the formatted output directly?
Yes. The formatted output panel is fully editable. Valid changes you make are reflected back in the input panel automatically.