JSON Formatter & Validator for Pretty-Print and Minify
The JSON Formatter & Validator parses JSON and can return readable, indented output, compact minified output, or simply validate the input. If the JSON contains a syntax error, the parser reports its position to help you locate the problem. Choose 2- or 4-space indentation for formatted output, then copy the result for review, a diff, or transport.
The JSON Formatter & Validator is a browser-based JSON formatter and validator for turning pasted or dropped JSON into readable output, compact output, or a syntax check. Use it to pretty-print JSON for inspection, minify it for transport, or validate input before using it. If parsing fails, the error includes the parser's position to help you find the problem.
For formatted output, choose either 2-space or 4-space indentation. The tool parses the JSON and re-emits it in the selected form; you can also minify it or validate it without asking for readable formatting. These options help you get the output you need without changing the purpose of the JSON data.
JSON represents structured data using objects, arrays, strings, numbers, booleans, and null. Indentation makes that structure easier for people to inspect, while minified JSON is more compact because it omits presentation whitespace. Use formatted JSON when reviewing or editing content, and minified JSON when compact output is useful for transport.
The JSON Formatter & Validator runs entirely in your browser. Your input is processed on your device and is not sent to a server; the tool is free, and no signup is required. Once the page has loaded, it can also work offline because it has no server dependency.
This tool can help developers and DevOps engineers prepare JSON for code reviews, inspect generated files, check input before using it, or quickly locate syntax errors. Whether you are new to JSON or work with it regularly, you can format, minify, or validate a document and copy the result.
Step 1: Paste or drop your JSON into the tool. It accepts JSON input for formatting, minification, or validation.
Step 2: Choose what you want to do with the input: format it for reading, minify it, or validate it without re-emitting formatted output.
Step 3: If you are formatting, select 2- or 4-space indentation. The chosen indentation is used in the readable output.
Step 4: Review and copy the result. If the input has a syntax error, use the parser's reported position to help find it.
Use case: Make an unreadable, machine-generated JSON file easier to review before you commit it. Indented output makes its structure clearer.
Use case: Check that a JSON document you received parses correctly before using it. If it is invalid, the parser reports the error position.
Use case: Create consistently indented JSON so a diff is easier to review and whitespace changes are less distracting.
Use case: Format a JSON snippet before adding it to a bug report or code review. Readable indentation helps others inspect the content.
Use case: Validate JSON input when you need to confirm that it parses cleanly and locate a syntax problem if it does not.
Use case: Minify JSON when you need compact output for transport. Removing formatting whitespace makes the JSON less spread out.
Use case: Choose 2- or 4-space indentation to match the formatting style you want when preparing JSON for a review.