Readable JSON in one step.
This free JSON formatter turns minified or messy JSON into clean, consistently indented text. Paste an API response, configuration file, webhook payload, or log entry above and the result updates immediately. The same tool acts as a JSON validator, beautifier, pretty printer, and minifier.
Format & beautify
Pretty-print JSON with two spaces, four spaces, or tabs.
Validate instantly
See malformed JSON errors while you type, with line and column when available.
Minify & sort
Compress JSON to one line or recursively sort object keys for stable diffs.
Open & download
Read local JSON files and save the formatted result without uploading anything.
Format JSON online.
- Paste or openPaste JSON into the input or choose a local file.
- Choose your formatSelect indentation, key sorting, or minification.
- Copy or downloadTake the valid result without any server upload.
JSON formatter questions.
What is a JSON formatter?
A JSON formatter turns compact or inconsistently spaced JSON into readable, indented text without changing its data. It is also called a JSON beautifier or pretty printer.
Does this JSON formatter upload my data?
No. Formatting, validation, sorting, file reading, and downloads happen entirely in your browser. Your JSON is never sent to Aruscus or another server.
Does formatting JSON change its values?
No. Pretty printing changes whitespace only. Sorting keys changes their display order, but not the keys or values themselves.
Can this tool validate invalid JSON?
Yes. Invalid JSON produces an error immediately, including a line and column when the browser provides an error position.
What indentation should I use?
Two spaces is common for web projects. Four spaces is useful for wider readability, and tabs can match codebases that use tab indentation.