What Is JSON?
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight data interchange format that is easy for humans to read and write, and easy for machines to parse and generate. It is based on a subset of JavaScript and is language-independent, making it a universal format for APIs, configuration files, and data storage.
How to Use This Tool
- Paste or type your JSON data in the input area on the left.
- Click Format to beautify and indent your JSON with proper formatting.
- Click Minify to compress your JSON by removing all whitespace.
- If your JSON contains errors, the tool will highlight the issue and show the error location.
Common JSON Errors
- Missing quotes: All keys in JSON must be enclosed in double quotes.
- Trailing commas: JSON does not allow a comma after the last item in an array or object.
- Single quotes: JSON requires double quotes, not single quotes.
- Unescaped characters: Special characters like backslashes and newlines must be escaped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my data safe?
Yes. All formatting and validation happens entirely in your browser. Your JSON data is never sent to any server.
What is the difference between JSON and XML?
JSON is generally more compact and easier to read than XML. It has become the preferred format for web APIs, while XML is still used in some enterprise systems and document formats like SVG and RSS.