JSON Formatter

What is JSON?

JSON stands for JavaScript Object Notation. It is a text format used to store and exchange structured data in APIs, configuration files, web applications, logs and many developer tools. JSON uses objects, arrays, strings, numbers, booleans and null values. Although its name comes from JavaScript, JSON is used by almost every modern programming language.

What does a JSON formatter do?

A JSON formatter parses valid JSON and rewrites it with indentation and line breaks so the structure is easier to read. This is also called formatting, pretty printing or beautifying JSON. This formatter can use 2, 3 or 4 spaces, optionally sort object keys and show the result as formatted code or an expandable JSON tree.

How do I open a JSON file?

Click Open JSON File and choose a .json file from your device, or drag a JSON file directly onto the input editor. The file is read locally in your browser. Nothing needs to be uploaded to JSONFormatter24.com. After opening the file, you can format, validate, minify, inspect and download it again.

JSON formatter vs JSON viewer: what is the difference?

A JSON formatter changes how JSON is displayed by adding readable indentation. A JSON viewer helps you inspect the structure, often with syntax colors or an expandable tree. This tool combines both jobs. The formatted view is useful for copying code, while Tree View is useful for exploring deeply nested objects and arrays.

How do I validate JSON?

Paste your data and click Validate JSON. The browser parses the text using strict JSON syntax. If parsing fails, the tool reports an error and highlights the approximate problem location when the browser provides one. Common JSON errors include missing quotes, trailing commas, unescaped characters, missing brackets and using single quotes instead of double quotes.