JSON Formatter & Validator

Format, minify, and validate JSON data instantly

JSON Formatter Features:

  • • Format: Beautify JSON with proper indentation
  • • Minify: Remove whitespace to reduce file size
  • • Validate: Check if your JSON syntax is correct
  • • Download: Save formatted JSON to a file
  • • All processing is done client-side - your data never leaves your browser

Frequently Asked Questions

What is JSON and why does it need formatting?

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight data format used for storing and exchanging data. Formatting JSON adds proper indentation and line breaks to make it human-readable, which is essential for debugging and understanding data structures.

Is my JSON data secure when using this tool?

Yes, your data is completely secure. All JSON processing happens directly in your browser using JavaScript - your data is never sent to any server. You can even use this tool offline once the page is loaded.

What does minifying JSON do?

Minifying removes all unnecessary whitespace (spaces, tabs, newlines) from JSON, reducing file size. This is useful for production environments where you want to minimize data transfer. The JSON remains functionally identical but takes up less space.

How do I fix invalid JSON?

Common JSON errors include: missing quotes around keys, trailing commas, single quotes instead of double quotes, and unescaped special characters. Our validator will show you the specific error and its location to help you fix it.

What is the best indent size for JSON?

The most common indent sizes are 2 or 4 spaces. 2 spaces is popular in JavaScript/Node.js communities, while 4 spaces is common in Python and Java ecosystems. Choose based on your team's coding standards or personal preference.