What this tool does
Convert between JSON and YAML formats instantly. Auto-detects your input format, validates syntax, and produces clean formatted output. Perfect for config files, APIs, and more.
Convert JSON to YAML or YAML to JSON
Syntax checking with error messages
All processing in your browser
Input
Output
Format Reference
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation)
{
"name": "Example",
"version": 1.0,
"features": ["fast", "reliable"],
"config": {
"enabled": true
}
}- • Uses braces {} and brackets []
- • Keys must be quoted strings
- • No comments allowed
- • Strict syntax rules
YAML (YAML Ain't Markup Language)
# Configuration file name: Example version: 1.0 features: - fast - reliable config: enabled: true
- • Uses indentation for structure
- • Unquoted keys and values
- • Supports comments with #
- • More human-readable
Common Use Cases
Convert manifests between formats
Work with compose files
GitHub Actions, GitLab CI
OpenAPI, Swagger specs
About JSON/YAML Converter
Convert between JSON and YAML formats instantly with our free online converter. Supports bidirectional conversion with automatic format detection, syntax validation, and customizable output formatting. Perfect for developers working with configuration files, APIs, Kubernetes manifests, Docker Compose files, and more. Features include real-time conversion, error highlighting, indent size options (2 or 4 spaces), copy to clipboard, and file download. All processing happens locally in your browser - your data never leaves your device.
Understanding JSON and YAML
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation)
A lightweight data-interchange format that is easy for humans to read and write, and easy for machines to parse and generate. JSON is language-independent but uses conventions familiar to programmers of C-family languages.
- • Native to JavaScript/TypeScript
- • Strict syntax with required quotes
- • Widely used in REST APIs
- • No comment support
YAML (YAML Ain't Markup Language)
A human-friendly data serialization standard for all programming languages. YAML is often used for configuration files and data exchange where human readability is important.
- • More human-readable format
- • Uses indentation for structure
- • Supports comments with #
- • Popular for DevOps configs
Common Use Cases
- Configuration Files - Convert between JSON and YAML formats for app configs, environment settings, and feature flags
- Kubernetes & Docker - Work with K8s manifests and docker-compose.yml files that use YAML format
- CI/CD Pipelines - Convert configs for GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, CircleCI, and other CI/CD tools
- API Development - Transform OpenAPI/Swagger specifications between JSON and YAML
- Infrastructure as Code - Work with Terraform, Ansible, and CloudFormation templates
- Data Migration - Convert data exports between formats for different systems
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between JSON and YAML?
JSON uses braces, brackets, and quotes for structure, making it more verbose but stricter. YAML uses indentation and is more human-readable, supports comments, and is often preferred for configuration files. Both can represent the same data structures.
Does the converter validate my input?
Yes! The tool validates your input syntax and displays detailed error messages if there are any issues. It helps you identify exactly where the problem is in your JSON or YAML.
What happens to YAML comments during conversion?
YAML supports comments (lines starting with #), but JSON does not have comment syntax. When converting YAML to JSON, comments are removed since they cannot be represented in JSON.
Can I convert large files?
Yes! Since all processing happens in your browser, the limit depends on your device's memory. For most typical configuration files and data structures, the tool handles them instantly.
Is my data secure?
Absolutely! All conversion happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your data is never sent to any server, ensuring complete privacy and security. You can even use this tool offline.
Which indentation should I use?
The choice between 2 and 4 spaces is mostly a matter of preference. 2 spaces is more compact and common in JavaScript/Node.js projects. 4 spaces provides better visual distinction and is common in Python. Both are valid and widely accepted.