What can you do with the JSON viewer?
Four ways developers use this tool every day.
Debug API responses
Paste the raw response from a REST API call and explore the structure instantly. Collapse top-level keys to get an overview, expand the paths you care about, and copy the exact JSON path to use in your code or a JSONPath query.
Validate JSON syntax
Minified or hand-edited JSON often contains syntax errors — trailing commas, missing quotes, unescaped characters. Paste the JSON and click View: if there's an error, the viewer reports the exact position so you can fix it immediately.
Format and share
Turn a single-line minified JSON blob into a properly indented, human-readable document with one click. Download the formatted file, or copy it to paste into a PR review, a Slack message or a documentation page.
Find keys in large JSON
Large API responses and config files can have hundreds of keys. Use the search box to filter the tree in real time — only nodes matching your search term stay visible, whether the match is in a key name or a value.
Related JSON tools
Convert your JSON once you've inspected it.
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JSON explored in
your browser. No upload.
The viewer parses and renders your JSON entirely in JavaScript locally. Your data is never transmitted to any server, never stored, and gone the moment you close the tab. Open the Network inspector — you will see zero outbound data requests.
The tree renderer handles any valid JSON structure: deeply nested objects, arrays of thousands of elements, mixed types, null values and Unicode strings — all rendered with correct syntax highlighting and clickable collapse controls.
Syntax highlighting by type
Strings, numbers, booleans and null values each have a distinct colour — making it easy to spot type mismatches at a glance.
Copy path to any node
Click any value in the tree to copy its full JSON path — $.users[0].address.city — ready to use in JavaScript, jq or JSONPath queries.
Real-time search
Filter the tree as you type — matching keys and values stay visible, everything else fades. Works across deeply nested structures.
47 tools, always free
No file size limits, no watermarks, no account. Funded by non-intrusive display advertising only.
Common questions about viewing and formatting JSON online.
How do I view and format JSON online?
Paste your JSON into the input above and click View JSON. The output shows an interactive collapsible tree with syntax highlighting. Click any key to expand or collapse that node. Use Pretty-print to get an indented copy you can download or paste elsewhere.
How do I validate JSON and find errors?
Paste your JSON and click View JSON. If the JSON is invalid, the viewer shows a parse error with the character position of the mistake. Common errors: trailing comma after the last array or object element, single quotes instead of double quotes, missing comma between elements, and unescaped backslash or newline in a string.
How do I copy the path to a JSON value?
After viewing the JSON tree, click on any value (string, number, boolean or null). The JSON path to that value — e.g. $.users[0].address.city — is copied to your clipboard and shown in a brief notification. Use this path in JavaScript with bracket notation, in jq with .users[0].address.city, or in a JSONPath query.
How do I pretty-print minified JSON?
Paste your minified JSON, click View JSON to validate it, then click Pretty-print. The formatted output appears below with 2-space indentation. Copy it to clipboard or download as a .json file. You can also minify it back with the Minify button.
Is my JSON safe when using this viewer?
Yes. The viewer runs entirely in your browser. Your JSON is never uploaded to any server. Open the Network inspector while using the tool — you will see zero outbound data requests.
Yes, completely free. No file size limits, no account required. JSONshift is funded by non-intrusive display advertising.
