User Guide

Online JSON & YAML Formatter and Validator

Format or minify JSON and YAML online, choose 2- or 4-space indentation, sort keys and locate syntax errors.

How to use

1. Paste JSON or YAML. Auto prefers valid JSON and reports JSON-like syntax errors; choose JSON or YAML manually to override.
2. Choose Format or Minify, 2 or 4 spaces, and optional Sort keys. Options work independently of input line count.
3. Errors show line, column and an excerpt. Go to error selects the offending input. Expanded results offer the same formatting controls.

Input and output example

{"b":2,"a":1}

{
  "a": 1,
  "b": 2
}

Background knowledge

JSON / YAML

JSON and YAML represent data such as key/value pairs and lists. JSON uses braces, brackets, commas and double quotes; YAML can express structure through indentation. YAML indentation affects the data structure.

Formatter / Validator

A formatter organizes presentation such as indentation; a validator checks syntax. Valid syntax can still contain missing fields or values that violate business rules. Syntax checking and content validation are separate.

Notes

• Result line numbers are excluded from selection and copy. Sort keys is recursive and preserves array order. Numeric JSON values follow JavaScript precision.
• YAML comments and source formatting are not preserved. Only one document is accepted; unsupported tags and duplicate keys are reported. Large YAML integers and aliases are preserved when formatting YAML.
• This online JSON·YAML Formatter also validates syntax. Choose the input format beside the input heading and output formatting on the right of the result heading. Errors show the line, column and cause; Go to error selects that position without fixing the input automatically. Expanded-view options stay in sync.

Frequently asked questions

What can I use this online tool for?

Format or minify JSON and YAML online, choose 2- or 4-space indentation, sort keys and locate syntax errors.

Can I change indentation or sort keys without toggling line count?

Yes. Format/Minify, 2/4 spaces and Sort keys are independent options. Sorting is recursive and preserves array order. The expanded view offers the same controls.

How do I find a syntax error in the input?

The result shows a line, column and excerpt. Go to error selects the input location. Invalid JSON-like input is not silently accepted as YAML; choose an input format manually if needed.

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