Q1: What is JSON formatting and why do I need it?
JSON formatting makes JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) data readable by adding proper indentation and line breaks. Well-formatted JSON is easier to read, debug, and understand. Minified JSON removes all whitespace to reduce file size for production use.
Q2: How do I format JSON?
Paste your JSON (formatted or minified) into the input field and click "Format". The tool will parse the JSON and display it with proper indentation (2 spaces) and line breaks, making it human-readable. If the JSON is invalid, you'll see an error message.
Q3: What is JSON minification?
Minification removes all unnecessary whitespace, line breaks, and indentation from JSON to reduce file size. This is useful for production environments where smaller file sizes improve performance. Minified JSON is harder to read but functionally identical to formatted JSON.
Q4: What if I get a "Invalid JSON" error?
Common JSON errors: missing quotes around keys, trailing commas, unescaped special characters, or mismatched brackets/braces. Check that: all strings use double quotes (not single), no trailing commas, proper bracket/brace matching, and special characters are escaped. Use a JSON validator to find specific issues.
Q5: Can I format JSON with different indentation?
This calculator uses 2-space indentation, which is the standard. For different indentation (tabs, 4 spaces), you'd need a more advanced formatter. The 2-space standard is widely accepted and works well for most purposes.
Q6: Is my JSON data secure when using this tool?
All processing happens in your browser - no data is sent to any server. Your JSON stays on your device. However, be cautious with sensitive data in any online tool. For highly sensitive information, consider using offline tools or your own secure environment.