JSON Formatter

This JSON formatter helps you validate and beautify JSON so it is easier to read and debug. JSON is a common data format for APIs, configuration files, and logs, and consistent formatting makes errors easier to spot.

Use the formatter with the steps below:

• Paste JSON into the input editor.
• Select "Format" to validate and beautify the JSON.
• Review the formatted output.
• Copy the output for use in your project.

Input:

{\"name\":\"Ada\",\"roles\":[\"engineer\",\"reviewer\"]}

Output:

{
  \"name\": \"Ada\",
  \"roles\": [
    \"engineer\",
    \"reviewer\"
  ]
}

Formatting JSON can help you:

• Read nested structures more clearly.
• Spot missing commas or invalid strings faster.
• Keep API payloads and configuration files consistent.
• Review changes during debugging or code reviews.

“Pretty JSON” or “pretty print JSON” refers to formatting JSON with readable indentation and line breaks. This makes complex objects easier to scan and reduces mistakes when editing by hand.

This tool follows the JSON specification in RFC 8259.

In PHP, json_decode parses a JSON string into an object or associative array. Check json_last_error to confirm the input is valid.

$json = '{\"name\":\"Ada\",\"role\":\"engineer\"}';
$data = json_decode($json, true);

if (json_last_error() !== JSON_ERROR_NONE) {
  echo 'Invalid JSON';
} else {
  print_r($data);
}

Use the formatter without installing extra software. Additional benefits include:

• No registration is required.
• Works on any modern browser.
• Quick formatting for small and large JSON inputs.

Use this tool to format JSON before debugging, sharing, or committing configuration files.

Does this tool validate JSON? Yes. The formatter parses the input and reports errors if the JSON is invalid.

What is pretty JSON? Pretty JSON is JSON formatted with indentation and line breaks so it is easier to read and review.

Does formatting change the data? No. Formatting changes whitespace and indentation only; keys and values remain the same.

• JSON Lint
• XML Formatter
• HTML Formatter
• PHP Beautifier

If you are working with YAML too, use the YAML Lint or YAML Formatter to validate and format YAML files.

If you need to encrypt JSON data, use the Encrypt Tool and choose an algorithm that fits your requirements.