How to Format JSON for Debugging

Debugging APIs or reading config files? Messy JSON is impossible to read. Format it instantly to see the structure clearly and spot issues fast.

{ } Format JSON Now

⚠️ The Problem

API responses and minified JSON are unreadable walls of text. Finding a specific field or spotting a missing comma in thousands of characters is nearly impossible.

The Solution

Paste messy JSON, get beautifully formatted output with proper indentation. Syntax errors are highlighted so you can fix them instantly.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. 1

    Paste Your JSON

    Copy JSON from your API response, log file, or config. Paste it in the input area.

  2. 2

    View Formatted Output

    Instantly see properly indented JSON with each key-value pair on its own line.

  3. 3

    Check for Errors

    Invalid JSON shows error location. Missing quotes, commas, or brackets are highlighted.

  4. 4

    Navigate the Structure

    Collapse/expand nested objects to focus on the data you need.

  5. 5

    Copy or Download

    Copy the formatted JSON to paste elsewhere, or download as a file.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Use 2-space indentation for compact viewing, 4-space for maximum readability
  • Collapse large arrays to see the overall structure before diving into details
  • The line number in error messages helps you find problems in large JSON
  • Minify your JSON (remove whitespace) before storing or transmitting to save bytes

Related Tools

Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn't my JSON formatting?
Invalid JSON can't be formatted. Check for missing quotes around keys, trailing commas, or unescaped special characters.
What's the difference between JSON and JavaScript objects?
JSON requires double quotes around keys and doesn't allow trailing commas or comments. JavaScript objects are more flexible.
Can I format really large JSON files?
Yes, but very large files (10MB+) may take a moment to process in the browser.
Is my data secure?
Yes. All processing happens in your browser. Your JSON never leaves your device.
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