🔄 JSON to YAML / YAML to JSON Converter
Convert between JSON and YAML formats bidirectionally with validation, indentation control, and real-time statistics.
Last updated: May 18, 2026 · By Λ
Free JSON to YAML / YAML to JSON Converter
Convert JSON to YAML or YAML to JSON instantly in your browser. Supports nested objects, arrays, quoted and unquoted strings, numbers, booleans, null values, and multiline strings (block scalar | and folded >). Choose between 2-space or 4-space indentation. Validates your input and shows clear error messages. The parser and serializer are local page scripts, so the config you paste is converted on your own machine and never uploaded.
What is a JSON to YAML Converter?
A JSON to YAML converter transforms data between two popular serialization formats. JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) uses curly braces, square brackets, and double quotes to represent structured data. YAML (YAML Ain't Markup Language) uses indentation-based syntax that many people find cleaner and more readable, especially for configuration files. Both formats can represent the same data structures, including objects, arrays, strings, numbers, booleans, and null values, but YAML's minimal syntax makes it the preferred choice for tools like Docker Compose, Kubernetes, Ansible, GitHub Actions, and many CI/CD pipelines.
This free browser-based converter handles both directions: JSON to YAML and YAML to JSON. It is especially useful when you need to migrate configurations between platforms, compare data in different formats, or quickly convert an API response into a YAML file for a deployment manifest. The converter validates your input and shows clear error messages when something is wrong. Conversion takes place entirely on your end of the connection, which keeps the API keys and secrets that tend to live in manifests off the wire.
How to Use This Tool
- Paste your JSON into the left panel or your YAML into the right panel. You can also load sample data using the provided buttons.
- Choose your preferred indentation (2 spaces or 4 spaces) from the options row.
- Click the appropriate conversion button: "JSON to YAML" or "YAML to JSON." The result appears instantly in the opposite panel.
- Use the Copy button to send the output to your clipboard, or modify the result directly in the text area.
Key Features
- Full Data Type Support - Correctly handles strings, numbers, booleans, null values, nested objects, and arrays in both conversion directions.
- Multiline String Support - YAML block scalars (using the | character) and folded scalars (using the > character) are supported for multiline text values.
- Configurable Indentation - Switch between 2-space and 4-space indentation to match your project's style conventions.
- Input Validation - Both JSON and YAML inputs are validated before conversion, with specific error messages displayed when problems are found.
- Real-Time Statistics - Character counts and line counts are displayed beneath each panel, updating as you type or after conversion.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use YAML instead of JSON?
YAML is often preferred for configuration files because its indentation-based syntax is easier to read and write by hand. It is the standard format for Kubernetes manifests, Docker Compose files, Ansible playbooks, and many CI/CD pipeline definitions. JSON is better suited for data interchange between applications, API responses, and scenarios where strict parsing rules are important.
Does the converter preserve comments from YAML?
No. YAML supports comments (lines starting with #), but JSON does not have a comment syntax. When converting YAML to JSON, comments are stripped because they cannot be represented in JSON. If you convert back to YAML, those comments will not be restored.
Can I convert Kubernetes or Docker Compose files with this tool?
Yes. This tool handles the YAML structures commonly found in Kubernetes manifests, Docker Compose files, and similar DevOps configurations. Simply paste your YAML content and convert it to JSON for programmatic processing, or paste JSON output from an API and convert it to YAML for use in your deployment files.
Is there a file size limit?
There is no hard limit set by the tool. Since everything runs in your browser, the practical limit depends on your device's memory and processing power. Typical configuration files and moderately sized datasets convert without any issues. For extremely large files (tens of megabytes), you may experience a brief delay during conversion.