JSON Formatter & Viewer Help Guide
Everything you need to know about formatting, validating, and viewing JSON data online
Quick Start: How to Format JSON
- 1
Paste Your JSON Data
Copy your JSON data from any source and paste it into the editor. The tool accepts both valid and malformed JSON.
- 2
Click Format
Click the "Format" button to beautify your JSON with proper indentation. Invalid JSON will be automatically fixed when possible.
- 3
Explore View Modes
Switch between different views: Tree View for navigation, Graph View for visualization, Diff View for comparisons, and more.
- 4
Copy or Download
Use the "Copy" button to copy formatted JSON to clipboard, or continue working with your data in various visualization modes.
Features Overview
JSON Editor
Advanced Monaco editor with syntax highlighting, auto-completion, and real-time validation.
Tree View
Interactive tree visualization for easy navigation and editing of nested JSON structures.
Diff View
Compare two JSON objects side-by-side with highlighted differences.
Data Visualization
Automatic chart generation from numerical JSON data with multiple chart types.
Smart Search
Search through JSON data with regex support, filters, and instant highlighting.
Map View
Visualize geographic JSON data on an interactive map with markers and regions.
JSON Syntax Guide
Valid JSON Rules
- Data must be in name/value pairs
- Data is separated by commas
- Curly braces hold objects
- Square brackets [] hold arrays
- Strings must be in double quotes ""
Common JSON Errors
- Trailing Commas
Remove commas after the last item in objects or arrays
- Single Quotes
Always use double quotes for strings, not single quotes
- Unquoted Keys
Object keys must always be enclosed in double quotes
- Comments
JSON doesn't support comments (// or /* */)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is JSON?
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight data-interchange format that is easy for humans to read and write, and easy for machines to parse and generate. It's based on JavaScript object syntax but is language-independent.
How do I format JSON online?
Simply paste your JSON data into our editor and click the "Format" button. Our tool will automatically validate and beautify your JSON with proper indentation, making it easy to read and debug.
Is this JSON formatter free to use?
Yes, our JSON formatter is completely free to use with no limitations. There are no ads, no registration required, and no hidden fees. You can format as much JSON as you need.
Is my JSON data secure?
Absolutely! All JSON processing happens locally in your browser using JavaScript. No data is ever sent to our servers, ensuring complete privacy and security for sensitive information.
What are common JSON syntax errors?
Common JSON errors include: missing quotes around keys, trailing commas, single quotes instead of double quotes, undefined values, and comments. Our formatter automatically fixes many of these issues.
Can I validate JSON syntax?
Yes, our tool automatically validates JSON syntax as you type and shows real-time error messages with line numbers to help you fix issues quickly. Invalid JSON is highlighted immediately.
What's the difference between Format and Compact?
Format adds proper indentation and line breaks to make JSON readable. Compact removes all unnecessary whitespace to minimize file size, useful for production environments or APIs.
Can I edit JSON in tree view?
Yes! Our tree view is fully interactive. You can expand/collapse nodes, edit values directly, add new properties, delete nodes, and your changes will sync with the main editor.
What file size limits are there?
There are no strict file size limits since processing happens in your browser. However, extremely large files (>10MB) may impact performance depending on your device's capabilities.
Does the tool work offline?
Once the page is loaded, most features work offline since JSON processing happens locally. However, you need an internet connection to initially load the tool and access map features.
JSON Best Practices
- Use Consistent Naming
Stick to camelCase or snake_case throughout your JSON
- Keep It Simple
Avoid deeply nested structures when possible
- Use Arrays for Lists
When order matters or items are similar, use arrays instead of objects
- Validate Before Production
Always validate JSON before using in production environments
- Use Meaningful Keys
Choose descriptive property names that clearly indicate the data they hold
Keyboard Shortcuts
Editor Shortcuts
- Format JSONCtrl/Cmd + Shift + F
- FindCtrl/Cmd + F
- ReplaceCtrl/Cmd + H
- UndoCtrl/Cmd + Z
Navigation
- Go to LineCtrl/Cmd + G
- Fold AllCtrl/Cmd + K, 0
- Unfold AllCtrl/Cmd + K, J
- Command PaletteF1
Privacy & Security First
Your JSON data never leaves your browser. All processing is done locally using JavaScript, ensuring complete privacy and security for your sensitive data. No server uploads, no data storage, no tracking.
Need More Help?
If you have questions not covered in this guide, feel free to explore our tool or check out the source code on GitHub.