JSON Formatter Guide: Format, Validate & Debug JSON Like a Pro

What is JSON?

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is the most popular data format for APIs and configuration files. Understanding how to work with JSON is essential for any developer.

Common JSON Problems

1. Syntax Errors

// Wrong - trailing comma
{ "name": "John", }

// Correct
{ "name": "John" }

2. Missing Quotes

// Wrong - unquoted key
{ name: "John" }

// Correct
{ "name": "John" }

3. Single vs Double Quotes

// Wrong - single quotes
{ 'name': 'John' }

// Correct - double quotes only
{ "name": "John" }

How to Format JSON

Step 1: Paste Your JSON

Open our JSON Formatter and paste your JSON data.

Step 2: Format or Validate

• Format: Beautify with proper indentation
• Minify: Remove whitespace for production
• Validate: Check for syntax errors

Step 3: Copy or Download

Copy the formatted JSON or view the tree structure for complex data.

Pro Tips for Working with JSON

1. Use Tree View: Navigate complex nested structures easily
2. Validate Before Sending: Always validate API payloads
3. Minify for Production: Reduce payload size in APIs
4. Check Encoding: Ensure UTF-8 encoding for special characters

Common Use Cases

• API Debugging: Format API responses for readability
• Config Files: Validate package.json, tsconfig.json, etc.
• Data Analysis: Explore JSON data structures
• Documentation: Create readable examples

JSON Best Practices

1. Use consistent naming conventions (camelCase or snake_case)
2. Keep nesting depth reasonable (max 3-4 levels)
3. Use arrays for lists, objects for entities
4. Include meaningful property names

Try our JSON Formatter - it's free, fast, and works entirely in your browser.