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How to Format and Beautify JSON

4 min read · Updated October 2026

JSON from an API or a log is often one long line. Beautifying adds line breaks and indentation so you can read it. Minifying does the opposite for the smallest size.

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Open JSON Formatter

How to format

  • Open JSON Formatter and paste your JSON.
  • Choose Beautify or Minify.
  • For Beautify, choose the indent and tick Sort keys A to Z if you want a tidy order.
  • Copy the result.

When to minify

Minified JSON removes every unneeded space, which makes the data smaller to send. Beautified JSON is better for reading, reviewing and comparing.

If you see an error

The message points to the place where the JSON breaks. The usual causes are a missing comma between items, a trailing comma at the end, single quotes instead of double quotes, or a missing closing bracket.

Frequently asked questions

Does sorting keys change the meaning?

No. JSON objects are unordered, so sorting only makes them easier to compare.

Is my data uploaded?

No. Everything runs in your browser, so what you type never leaves your device.

Ready to start?

Open JSON Formatter