JSON Beautifier
JSON Beautifier produces a two-space-indented serialization of valid JSON. It is similar to the approved JSON Formatter page but exposes only this formatting operation. It does not preserve comments, original property spacing, escape choices, duplicate object keys, or exact unsafe integer values; nor does it validate an application schema or repair malformed input.
Runs locally — files stay on your deviceHow many spaces are used for indentation?
Two per nesting level.
Beautifying changes presentation, not intended data
A valid parsed JSON value can be written with different insignificant whitespace while retaining arrays, objects, and primitive values.
How it works
JSON.parse validates and constructs the value; JSON.stringify(value,null,2) writes the result.
Key concepts
Two-space style is fixed
No tabs or alternate width selector exists.
Duplicate keys collapse on parse
Later values normally replace earlier identical keys.
When to use it
- Read a compact API response.
- Prepare JSON for code review.
- Expose nested arrays and objects.
When not to use it
- Do not preserve duplicate keys or original token spelling.
- Do not expect JSON Schema validation.
- Do not use it as a malformed-JSON repairer.
Worked examples
Nested object
- Input
{"a":{"b":2}}- Expected output
Indented two levels
Structure becomes visible.
Array
- Input
[1,2]- Expected output
One item per indented line
Stringify applies its standard layout.
Malformed
- Input
{a:1}- Expected output
Error
Keys require quotes.
Common mistakes
Assuming source preservation
Parsing rewrites lexical form. Correction: Keep the original for evidence.
Calling formatted data schema-valid
Only grammar was checked. Correction: Run schema validation.
Expecting custom indentation
Two spaces are fixed. Correction: Use a configurable formatter.
Best practices
- Format generated JSON before review.
- Represent large IDs as strings.
- Diff parsed values when whitespace is irrelevant.
Related operations and differences
XML Formatter
Choose XML Formatter when you need to indent XML markup for readability.; use JSON Beautifier specifically for json format.
YAML Formatter
Choose YAML Formatter when you need to format YAML with consistent indentation.; use JSON Beautifier specifically for json format.
CSV Formatter
Choose CSV Formatter when you need to normalize CSV quoting and row structure.; use JSON Beautifier specifically for json format.
CSV to JSON
Choose CSV to JSON when you need to convert a header-based CSV table to JSON.; use JSON Beautifier specifically for json format.
Extract JSON Values
Choose Extract JSON Values when you need to list every primitive value in a JSON document.; use JSON Beautifier specifically for json format.
JSON Flattener
Choose JSON Flattener when you need to flatten nested objects into dot paths.; use JSON Beautifier specifically for json format.
Limitations and privacy
- Fixed two spaces.
- No repair, schema, comments, JSON5, tabs, key-order option, lossless numbers, or source-map/lexical preservation.
Input is processed locally in this browser and is not uploaded by the tool.
Frequently asked questions
Does it minify too?
No, this page returns indented output.
Can indentation be changed?
No.
Does it preserve duplicate keys?
No reliable preservation after parsing.
Does it upload JSON?
No.