Developer Tools

JSON Formatter & Validator

Paste JSON to format it, check syntax, minify it, search it, sort object keys or inspect the structure in a tree view. Invalid input produces an error instead of being repaired silently.

JavaScript JSON parserFormat & minifyCode and tree views

Paste JSON and validate it

JSON Formatter & Validator

Beautify, validate, minify, search, and explore JSON without sending it to a server.

Paste JSON or load a local .json file to begin.

Sorting changes object key order, not values. Array order is preserved.

JSON is parsed with JSON.parse and is never executed as JavaScript.

Local JSON files up to 5 MB are supported by default.

Advanced string utilities

Escape converts the editor text to one JSON string literal. Unescape requires the editor to contain a valid JSON string literal.

Your JSON is processed in your browser and is not uploaded or stored by this tool.

Local data handling

JSON text is processed in your browser and is not sent to a ToolHub service. Avoid pasting secrets into any browser page unless your own policy allows it.

How to format and validate JSON

  1. 1

    Paste JSON into the input editor or load the sample to understand the expected structure.

  2. 2

    Select an indentation level and format the data for readable nested output.

  3. 3

    If validation fails, use the error message and highlighted area to find an unquoted key, trailing comma, bad escape or missing bracket.

  4. 4

    Use minify when you need valid JSON without insignificant whitespace, or sort keys when stable object-key order helps a comparison.

  5. 5

    Inspect code or tree view, search the result, then copy or download the validated output.

What valid JSON allows

Standard JSON can contain objects, arrays, strings, numbers, true, false and null. Property names and strings use double quotes. Comments, trailing commas, functions, undefined values and single-quoted strings are not valid JSON.

Input: {"name":"ToolHub","count":60,"active":true}
Formatted: the same data is displayed across readable indented lines. The values do not change.

How the formatter works

The tool uses the browser’s JavaScript JSON engine to parse the input. Formatting serializes valid data with the selected indentation. Minifying serializes the same data without optional whitespace. Recursive sorting changes object-key order, but it does not sort array items because array order is part of the data.

Formatting is not data repair. When syntax is invalid, the tool reports the problem rather than guessing what the author meant. This protects against quiet changes that could make a configuration or API payload behave differently.

Common JSON validation errors

  • Trailing comma: {"a":1,} is common in JavaScript objects but invalid in JSON.
  • Unquoted key: {a:1} must be written as {"a":1}.
  • Single quotes: JSON strings require double quotes.
  • Unescaped characters: quotes and control characters inside a string need valid escapes.
  • Mismatched structure: every opening object or array token needs the correct closing token.

Formatting, minifying and sorting are different

Formatting improves readability. Minifying reduces whitespace for storage or transport. Sorting can make two objects easier to compare, but it creates a different textual order even when the parsed data is equivalent. Choose the action that matches your development task.

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JSON Formatter & Validator FAQ

How do I check whether JSON is valid?

Paste the JSON and run validation or formatting. Valid data is parsed and displayed; invalid syntax produces an error that helps locate the problem.

What is the difference between formatting and minifying JSON?

Formatting adds indentation and line breaks for people. Minifying removes optional whitespace for a smaller text representation. Both keep the same parsed data.

Why are trailing commas rejected?

The JSON standard does not allow a comma after the final object property or array item, even though some JavaScript source code styles do.

Can I sort JSON object keys?

Yes. Recursive sorting can order object keys. It does not reorder arrays because changing array order can change meaning.

Does this use Python, Java or .NET regex and parsing rules?

No. JSON parsing is performed by the browser’s JavaScript JSON engine. Standard JSON should be portable, but error wording can differ between engines.

Is my JSON sent to a server?

No ToolHub service receives the input. It is processed in your browser, but you should still follow your organization’s policy for sensitive data.

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