JSON Formatter & Validator

Format, validate, and minify JSON instantly. Free, fast, and 100% client-side.

Free online JSON formatter, validator and minifier. Beautify or compact your JSON with one click. Runs in your browser, so your data never leaves your device.

Frequently asked questions

Is my JSON data stored or sent to a server?

No. The JSON formatter runs entirely in your browser using client-side JavaScript. Your data never leaves your device, which makes it safe to use even with sensitive payloads.

What is the difference between formatting and minifying JSON?

Formatting (beautifying) adds indentation and line breaks so the JSON is easy to read. Minifying removes all whitespace to produce the smallest possible string, which is useful for embedding JSON in URLs or reducing payload size.

Why does my JSON fail to validate?

Common mistakes are trailing commas, single quotes around strings or keys, unquoted keys, or using JavaScript-style comments. JSON is strict. Keys and strings must use double quotes and the last element cannot end with a comma.

Can I use this tool to format large JSON files?

Yes. The formatter is optimized to handle files up to several megabytes. For very large datasets you may want to use a command-line tool like jq for better performance.

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