Format and validate JSON
Paste or type JSON, choose two spaces, four spaces or tabs for indentation, then select Format. Formatting changes presentation and whitespace while preserving the JSON data and its key order.
The browser parser validates standard JSON syntax. If the input is invalid and the parser supplies enough detail, the error includes a useful line and column. The formatter reports malformed JSON but does not repair it.
Formatting and minification
Formatted JSON is easier to read because it adds indentation and line breaks. Minified JSON removes unnecessary formatting whitespace. Whitespace inside string values remains part of the data and is preserved.
Inspect the tree and copy paths
Valid JSON can be inspected as a collapsible tree. Select a key or value to see and copy its JSONPath-style path. The copied text represents that location; the tool does not execute JSONPath queries.
Search runs locally across keys and primitive values. Previous and Next move through exact text matches in tree order.
Statistics and complex documents
The result shows input size, object, array, key and primitive-value counts, and maximum depth. Documents over 5,000 nodes or 100 nesting levels retain validation, formatting and minification, while tree view and search may be unavailable.
Your JSON stays in your browser
UtiliBits processes entered JSON in your browser. It is not uploaded to UtiliBits or added to the page URL.
Frequently asked questions
Is my JSON uploaded?
No. The formatter processes your JSON in your browser and does not upload it to UtiliBits.
How do I format JSON?
Paste or type JSON, choose an indentation size, then select Format. Formatting changes whitespace and presentation without changing the JSON data.
How do I validate JSON?
The browser parser checks the input against standard JSON syntax. When the parser provides enough information, the tool shows a useful line and column for the error.
What is the difference between formatting and minifying?
Formatting adds indentation and line breaks. Minifying removes unnecessary formatting whitespace. Both preserve whitespace that belongs inside string values.
Can I view JSON as a tree?
Yes. Valid JSON can be inspected as a collapsible tree, subject to the document-complexity safeguards.
What does Copy path do?
Select a value in the tree to expose and copy its JSONPath-style location. This represents a path to the value; it does not run JSONPath queries.
Does the tool repair invalid JSON?
No. It reports syntax errors but does not change or repair malformed JSON.
What happens with very large or deeply nested JSON?
Documents over 5,000 nodes or 100 nesting levels can still be validated, formatted and minified, but tree view and search may be unavailable.