JSON Formatter
The JSON Formatter makes it easy to format, beautify, and validate JSON online. Turn compact or messy JSON into readable, properly indented data, making it easier to debug API responses, review configuration files, and work with structured data. Use this free online JSON formatting tool to organize your data and spot syntax issues quickly. Paste your JSON to get started.
Use your own data or load a sample to see how this tool works.
Validation and processing errors are kept in this browser session so you can review the failure location and download a JSON log.
What is JSON Formatter?
A JSON Formatter converts compact, unformatted, or difficult-to-read JSON into clean, properly indented data. Use this free online JSON formatting tool to inspect API responses, troubleshoot syntax issues, review configuration files, and understand nested objects and arrays more easily.
Why use this tool?
- Readable JSON makes nested objects and arrays easier to inspect.
- Formatting can expose missing commas, quotes and brackets before data reaches an application.
- A browser-based formatter is convenient when you need a quick inspection without installing another utility.
How to use JSON Formatter
- Step 1. Paste or enter the JSON you want to inspect.
- Step 2. Run the formatter and review validation messages if the input is not valid JSON.
- Step 3. Use the formatted result when debugging an API response, configuration file or development payload.
Common use cases
Format JSON in JavaScript
Pretty-print a JSON string with two-space indentation before inspecting or logging it.
const input = '{"name":"Ada","skills":["JS","SQL"]}';
const formatted = JSON.stringify(JSON.parse(input), null, 2);
console.log(formatted);Important notes
- Formatting changes whitespace; it does not turn invalid JSON into valid JSON automatically.
- JSON requires double-quoted property names and string values.
- If the input is sensitive, check the tool's processing behavior before pasting it.
More JSON & Data Tools
JSON Formatter FAQ
What is JSON formatting?
Formatting adds indentation and line breaks to valid JSON so objects, arrays and values are easier to read.
Does formatting change the data?
For valid JSON, formatting changes presentation whitespace rather than the underlying values.
Can it find invalid JSON?
The tool can validate the input while processing it and can surface syntax problems instead of silently producing misleading output.
What is the difference between a JSON formatter and a JSON beautifier?
The terms are used interchangeably. Both add indentation and line breaks so JSON is easier to read. A formatter can also imply validation or other formatting controls.
Can I beautify a JSON file?
Yes. Upload a .json file in the workspace, format it, review any syntax error details, and download the result.