How to Format and validate JSON

Format, validate, and beautify JSON instantly. Syntax highlighting, collapsible tree view, YAML/XML conversion, and JSON Schema validation.

4 min read JSON Formatter Free, no signup required

Quick start

JSON Formatter — Format, validate, and beautify JSON instantly.

Get started in under two minutes:

  1. Paste your JSON
  2. Choose your formatting options
  3. Review the formatted output
  4. Copy or download the result
Open JSON Formatter

Step-by-step instructions

Follow these steps to get the best results from JSON Formatter:

1

Paste your JSON

Paste your JSON text into the input editor on the left side of the screen. The editor accepts any valid or invalid JSON — it will detect syntax errors as you type.

Tip: Use Ctrl+A / Cmd+A to select all existing text before pasting, so you replace rather than append.
2

Choose your formatting options

Use the indent size dropdown (2 spaces, 4 spaces, or tabs) to control how the output is indented. Toggle "Sort keys" to alphabetize object keys.

Tip: The "Minify" button switches to compact output — useful if you need to reduce JSON size for API calls.
3

Review the formatted output

The right panel updates in real time, showing your formatted JSON with syntax highlighting. Click any key in the tree view to collapse or expand nested objects.

Tip: Red underlines indicate syntax errors. Hover over the error marker to see what is wrong and on which line.
4

Copy or download the result

Click the "Copy" button above the output panel to copy the formatted JSON to your clipboard. Use "Download" to save it as a .json file.

Tip: Use the "Convert to YAML" button if you need to switch the output format.
Open JSON Formatter

Frequently asked questions

Is JSON Formatter free to use?

Yes — JSON Formatter is completely free with no account or signup required. All core features are available immediately.

Does JSON Formatter work on mobile devices?

Yes — JSON Formatter works on smartphones and tablets through any modern mobile browser. The interface adapts to smaller screens automatically.

Ready to format and validate JSON?

JSON Formatter is free to use. No account or signup required.

Open JSON Formatter