Add the text, code or data.
01Developer toolFormatted output
JSON Formatter
Pretty-print, minify and validate JSON.
100% FreeRuns instantlyNo watermark
- 1Paste inputAdd the text, code or data.
- 2AdjustChoose formatting or generation options.
- 3RunProcess everything in the browser.
Private by designProcessed on your device where possible.
Works on any deviceDesktop, tablet and mobile browsers.
No installationOpen the page and start working.
Always free coreUse the free plan for everyday tasks.
How to use JSON Formatter
Choose formatting or generation options.
02Process everything in the browser.
03Copy or download the clean result.
04Your files stay private
Your work is processed locally in your browser where possible and is never added to a Vootkit upload library.
Learn more about privacyMinified JSON from an API response is one long line that no human can read, and the error message when it is malformed is rarely where the problem is. Pretty-printing solves the first; validating tells you exactly where the second went wrong.
What JSON Formatter does
Three operations on the same text: pretty-print with two-space indentation, minify to a single line, and validate.
Validate is the one worth knowing about. It reports the parser’s own error message and position, which is far more useful than a generic "invalid" — it usually points within a character or two of the real mistake.
The three operations
| Pretty-print | Two-space indentation, one key per line |
|---|---|
| Minify | All whitespace removed — smallest payload |
| Validate | Reports the exact parser error and position |
| Common failure | A trailing comma after the last item — valid in JavaScript, not in JSON |
| Also common | Single quotes; JSON requires double |
| Also common | Unquoted keys — every key must be in double quotes |
| Processing | In this page — nothing is sent anywhere |
Detailed steps
- Paste your JSON.
- Pretty-print to read it, Minify to ship it, Validate to find out why it will not parse.
- If validation fails, read the position in the error — the real mistake is usually just before it.
Worth knowing
When the error points at a character that looks perfectly fine, look at the line above. A missing comma, or a trailing one, is reported where the parser gives up rather than where the problem is — which is why "unexpected token }" almost always means something is wrong on the previous line.
Frequently Asked Questions
It says my JSON is invalid but it looks correct.
The usual culprits are a trailing comma after the final item, single quotes instead of double, or unquoted keys. All three are legal JavaScript and none are legal JSON, which is exactly why they slip through when you write JSON by hand.
Is it safe to paste API responses here?
The parsing happens in this page and nothing is transmitted. That said, treat any credentials or personal data in a response the way you would anywhere else, and prefer redacting them.
Why would I minify JSON?
Whitespace is bytes. For a config file it is irrelevant; for an API payload sent thousands of times a minute, or data embedded in a page, removing it measurably reduces transfer size.
Does formatting change my data?
No. Only whitespace changes. Key order is preserved, and values are untouched — pretty-printing and minifying are exactly reversible.
Is JSON Formatter free?
Yes. The Vootkit free plan includes 5 tool runs a day. Upgrade to Vootkit Pro for unlimited daily use, an ad-free workspace and saved workflows.
Are my files uploaded?
No. JSON Formatter runs entirely in your browser — your file is processed on your own device and never sent to a server. There is nothing for us to store or delete.
Do I need to install anything?
No. JSON Formatter works in any modern browser on desktop, tablet or phone. Open the page and start.
How often can I use it? Is there a daily limit?
On the free plan you get 5 tool runs a day. When you reach the limit you'll see a prompt to upgrade, and it resets the next day. Vootkit Pro removes the cap entirely for unlimited daily use.
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This tool processes everything locally in your browser. You can disconnect from the internet after the page loads and it will still work.