JSON Formatter & Validator
Paste raw JSON, choose your indent style, and get clean, readable output instantly.
How the JSON Formatter Works
Paste any JSON string into the input area and click Format. Choose between 2 spaces, 4 spaces, or tab indentation. The tool validates your JSON first — if it contains syntax errors, you'll see the exact error message with the position.
Click Minify to strip all whitespace for compact storage or transmission. The stats panel shows the total number of keys, maximum nesting depth, and output size in bytes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is JSON?
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight data format used to exchange data between servers and web applications. It uses key-value pairs and arrays, and is readable by both humans and machines.
Why format JSON?
Raw JSON from APIs is often minified (no whitespace) to save bandwidth. Formatting adds indentation and line breaks, making it much easier to read, debug, and understand the data structure.
Is my data sent to a server?
No. All formatting and validation happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your JSON data never leaves your device.
What does the depth stat mean?
Depth refers to the maximum nesting level of your JSON. A flat object like {"a": 1} has depth 1. An object containing another object has depth 2, and so on. Deeply nested JSON (depth 5+) can sometimes indicate a design that could be simplified.
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