Does formatting JSON change its data?

No. Formatting changes whitespace and indentation only; minifying removes unnecessary whitespace. Neither operation changes keys or values.

What makes JSON invalid?

Common causes include trailing commas, single-quoted strings, unquoted keys, comments, or missing brackets. The output reports the parser error so you can locate the problem.

Should I use two or four spaces?

Both produce valid JSON. Two spaces make files smaller; four spaces can be easier to scan. Use the convention required by your project.

JSON Formatter

LocalFree

Validate, format, and minify your JSON data

Input JSON

Formatted Output

Runs in your browser; files and input stay on this device

How to use JSON Formatter & Validator

1Paste JSON into the editor, or select a .json or text file.
2Choose two-space or four-space formatting, or minify the JSON.
3Correct any parse error shown in the output, then copy the valid result.

Frequently asked questions

Does formatting JSON change its data?: No. Formatting changes whitespace and indentation only; minifying removes unnecessary whitespace. Neither operation changes keys or values.
What makes JSON invalid?: Common causes include trailing commas, single-quoted strings, unquoted keys, comments, or missing brackets. The output reports the parser error so you can locate the problem.
Should I use two or four spaces?: Both produce valid JSON. Two spaces make files smaller; four spaces can be easier to scan. Use the convention required by your project.