JSON Formatter & Beautifier
Format, validate and minify JSON instantly in your browser. Paste your JSON and get a clean, readable output with proper indentation.
Need JSON compare, tree view, or JSON→YAML? Open the full JSON Suite →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a JSON formatter?
A JSON formatter (also called a JSON beautifier or pretty printer) takes compact or unindented JSON and adds whitespace and line breaks to make it human-readable.
Is this JSON formatter free?
Yes, completely free. No signup or account required.
Is my data safe?
All formatting and validation runs in your browser. Your JSON is never sent to a server.
What is JSON minification?
Minification strips all unnecessary whitespace, newlines, and indentation from JSON, producing the smallest possible string for use in APIs and config files.
How do I pretty-print JSON?
Paste your JSON into the Format tab, choose an indent size (2 spaces, 4 spaces, or Tab), and click Format. The output is a properly indented, human-readable JSON string.
What is the difference between 2-space and 4-space indentation?
Both are valid. 2-space is compact and common in JavaScript projects. 4-space is standard in many style guides. Tab indent is used by some editors. All three produce valid, equivalent JSON.
How do I validate JSON syntax online?
Switch to the Validate tab and paste your JSON. The validator reports whether the JSON is valid and shows the exact line and character of any error.
Does JSON support comments?
No. Standard JSON does not allow comments. If you need comments, consider JSONC (JSON with Comments) or YAML, which both support them.
What is the difference between JSON and JSON5?
JSON5 is a superset of JSON that allows comments, trailing commas, unquoted keys, and single-quoted strings. Standard JSON parsers do not accept JSON5 syntax.
Can I share formatted JSON via a link?
Yes. Click the Share button and a link is copied to your clipboard. Opening the link restores your JSON and the active tab.
What causes 'unexpected end of JSON input'?
This error means the JSON string is cut off before it is complete — a missing closing bracket }, ], or quote. Check the end of your JSON for missing characters.