What is JSON Lab?
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight, human-readable data interchange format that has become the de facto standard for web APIs, configuration files, and data storage. A JSON formatter takes raw, minified, or poorly formatted JSON and transforms it into a well-structured, indented format that is easy to read and debug. Our JSON Lab goes beyond simple formatting by incorporating AI-powered validation, schema inference, and automatic error repair. Whether you are debugging API responses, working with configuration files, or validating data structures, JSON Lab provides the tools you need to work efficiently with JSON data.
Why Use This Tool?
Traditional JSON formatters simply add whitespace and indentation. GetDevUtils JSON Lab offers significant advantages: First, all processing happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript - your sensitive data, API responses, and configuration files never leave your device. This is critical for developers working with proprietary data, credentials, or enterprise applications. Second, our AI-powered features can automatically repair broken JSON, fixing common errors like trailing commas, unquoted keys, and mismatched brackets. Third, we provide real-time validation as you type, instantly highlighting syntax errors with helpful messages. Finally, the tool works offline after initial load, making it perfect for development in restricted environments.
How to Use JSON Lab
- Paste your JSON data into the input area - it can be minified, malformed, or properly formatted
- The tool instantly parses and validates your JSON, highlighting any syntax errors
- Click "Format" to beautify the JSON with proper indentation (2 or 4 spaces)
- Use "Minify" to compress JSON for production use or API payloads
- Click "AI Repair" to automatically fix common syntax errors using Gemini AI
- Copy the result or download as a .json file
Features
- Real-time JSON validation with descriptive error messages
- Syntax highlighting with color-coded keys, values, strings, and numbers
- AI-powered automatic repair for broken JSON using Google Gemini
- Tree view for navigating complex nested structures
- JSON path extraction - click any value to copy its JSONPath
- Schema inference - AI suggests TypeScript interfaces from your data
- Minification with optional key sorting
- Support for JSON5 syntax (comments, trailing commas)
- Large file support up to 10MB with optimized parsing
Common Use Cases
- API Development: Format and validate JSON responses from REST and GraphQL APIs
- Configuration Files: Edit and validate package.json, tsconfig.json, and other config files
- Debugging: Inspect nested data structures and locate problematic values
- Data Migration: Validate JSON before importing into databases like MongoDB
- Documentation: Create well-formatted JSON examples for API documentation
Tips & Best Practices
- ✓ Use keyboard shortcuts: Ctrl+Shift+F to format, Ctrl+Shift+M to minify
- ✓ Enable "Strict Mode" to catch additional issues like duplicate keys
- ✓ Use the tree view for complex nested objects with hundreds of properties
- ✓ Right-click any value to copy as different formats (string, number, JSONPath)
How It Compares to Alternatives
Unlike JSONLint and jsonformatter.org which only validate and format, JSON Lab includes AI-powered repair that can fix broken JSON automatically. While most online tools send your data to their servers, JSON Lab processes everything locally in your browser, making it safe for sensitive data. Compared to desktop apps like DevUtils, JSON Lab is free, requires no installation, and works on any device with a browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I format JSON online for free?
Simply paste your JSON data into the JSON Lab input area and it will be automatically formatted with proper indentation and syntax highlighting. Our JSON formatter online tool works entirely in your browser with zero server uploads, ensuring your data stays private.
What is a JSON validator and how does it work?
A JSON validator checks if your JSON follows the correct syntax rules. Our JSON Lab instantly validates your JSON as you type, highlighting syntax errors like trailing commas, missing quotes, or unmatched brackets.
How can I fix broken JSON automatically?
Click the AI Repair button in the JSON Lab to automatically fix broken JSON. Our Gemini-powered repair engine intelligently fixes common errors including trailing commas, unquoted object keys, missing closing brackets, and single quotes instead of double quotes.
Ready to Get Started?
Use JSON Lab for free - no registration required.
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