Free developer tool
JSON Formatter, Validator & Minifier
A JSON formatter parses JSON text and serializes the resulting value with consistent whitespace; a validator reports when the text does not follow JSON syntax. This browser-only tool can pretty-print, sort object keys, or minify valid JSON while showing its root type, nesting depth, key count, and output size.
Last updated: July 19, 2026 · No sign-up · Runs in your browser
JSON input
Validated output
Valid JSON
Root type
—
Keys
—
Depth
—
Output
—
What the formatter changes—and what it does not
The tool uses the browser’s JSON parser as the syntax gate, recursively sorts object keys only when requested, and serializes the parsed value with zero, two, or four spaces. Sorting changes object member order in the text but not array order. The tool does not validate a domain-specific JSON Schema or preserve comments, duplicate object names, or original numeric formatting.
| Action | Changes | Does not prove |
|---|---|---|
| Validate | Checks whether the text parses as JSON. | That values meet your API or business schema. |
| Pretty print | Adds consistent whitespace and indentation. | That the payload is safe or semantically correct. |
| Sort keys | Orders object member names recursively. | Cryptographic JSON canonicalization. |
| Minify | Removes insignificant serialization whitespace. | Compression, encryption, or redaction. |
Primary references
- RFC 8259: The JavaScript Object Notation Data Interchange Format — JSON grammar, types, parser behavior, and interoperability guidance.
- JSON Schema getting started — why syntax-valid JSON and schema-valid data are separate checks.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between JSON formatting and validation?
Syntax validation determines whether text can be parsed as JSON. Formatting serializes a valid value with consistent indentation or no extra whitespace. A document can be syntactically valid but still violate an application-specific schema.
Does sorting JSON keys change the data?
Sorting changes object member order in the serialized text but keeps values and array order. RFC 8259 describes an object as an unordered collection, although some applications may still expose or rely on input order.
Does this JSON formatter upload my data?
No. Formatting, validation, sorting, statistics, and copying run in the browser. Network analytics may record a page visit, but the JSON text is not sent by the tool logic.
Can standard JSON contain comments or trailing commas?
No. RFC 8259 JSON syntax does not include comments or trailing commas. Configuration formats that accept them are extensions and may not work with strict JSON parsers.
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