JSON Formatter & Validator
Format, validate and minify JSON instantly in your browser.
YAML to JSON Converter
Convert between YAML and JSON formats instantly in your browser. Whether you are working with Kubernetes manifests, Docker Compose files, CI/CD pipelines, or API payloads, this free tool converts YAML to JSON and JSON to YAML with proper formatting and error detection.
How to Use This Tool
- Paste your YAML or JSON into the corresponding panel above. The left panel accepts YAML and the right panel accepts JSON.
- YAML to JSON -- click the "YAML → JSON" button to parse your YAML and produce formatted JSON in the right panel.
- JSON to YAML -- click the "JSON → YAML" button to convert JSON from the right panel into clean YAML in the left panel.
- Check for errors -- the status bar below the panels updates with success or error messages, including details about any parsing issues so you can fix them.
- Copy the result -- click "Copy" to copy the most recently generated output to your clipboard, ready to paste into your editor or configuration file.
What Is YAML?
YAML (YAML Ain't Markup Language) is a human-friendly data serialization format widely used for configuration files and data exchange. Unlike JSON, YAML relies on indentation rather than braces and brackets to define structure, which makes it easier to read and write by hand. It is the default format for tools like Kubernetes, Ansible, Docker Compose, GitHub Actions, and many other DevOps platforms.
YAML supports all the same data types as JSON -- strings, numbers, booleans, null, arrays, and objects -- plus additional features like comments, multi-line strings, and anchors for reusing values. Since YAML 1.2, the specification defines JSON as a subset of YAML, meaning any valid JSON document can be parsed as YAML without modification.
Converting between YAML and JSON is a common task when working across different tools and APIs. Configuration files are often written in YAML for readability, but APIs and programmatic interfaces typically expect JSON. Having a quick converter available in the browser eliminates the need to install command-line tools or write throwaway scripts for this routine transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between YAML and JSON?
YAML uses indentation and minimal punctuation to represent data structures, making it more human-readable and easier to write by hand. JSON uses braces, brackets, and double quotes, making it more verbose but also more universally supported by parsers and APIs. Both formats can represent the same data structures -- objects, arrays, strings, numbers, booleans, and null values.
Is YAML a superset of JSON?
Yes, since YAML 1.2 every valid JSON document is also valid YAML. This means you can paste JSON directly into a YAML parser and it will be interpreted correctly. However, YAML offers additional features like comments, anchors, and multi-line strings that JSON does not support.
Can this tool handle nested YAML structures?
Yes. The converter supports nested objects via indentation, arrays using the dash syntax, inline flow syntax for both objects and arrays, quoted strings, multi-line values, and comments. It handles the most common YAML patterns used in configuration files, Docker Compose files, Kubernetes manifests, and CI/CD pipelines.
Is my data sent to a server?
No. All conversion happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your data never leaves your machine, making this tool safe to use with sensitive configuration files, API keys, and private data.
Why would I convert YAML to JSON or vice versa?
Many APIs and tools require JSON input, while configuration files for tools like Docker, Kubernetes, Ansible, and GitHub Actions use YAML. Converting between the two formats lets you reuse data across different systems. For example, you might convert a Kubernetes YAML manifest to JSON for use with a REST API, or convert a JSON API response to YAML for a more readable configuration file.