JSON to YAML
Free JSON to YAML converter online. Convert JSON to YAML instantly with real-time validation, syntax highlighting, and one-click copy.
Features
Everything you need, nothing you don’t.
- Converts JSON to clean, readable YAML automatically as you type
- Accepts JavaScript object notation in addition to strict JSON
- Real-time validation with exact line and column error location
- Syntax-highlighted YAML output with collapsible sections
- One-click copy YAML output to clipboard
- Fullscreen mode for working with large payloads
- Works entirely in your browser - no server, no upload
Related Tools
Frequently asked questions
What is a JSON to YAML converter?
A JSON to YAML converter transforms JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) into YAML (YAML Ain't Markup Language). Both formats represent the same structured data, but YAML uses indentation and minimal punctuation rather than braces and quotes, making it popular for configuration files.
Is my data safe?
Yes. All data is converted entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Nothing is sent to any server. Your data stays private on your device.
What is the difference between JSON and YAML?
JSON uses braces, brackets, and explicit quotes. YAML uses indentation to denote structure and omits most punctuation, making it more human-readable for configuration files. YAML is a superset of JSON - any valid JSON is also valid YAML, but YAML supports additional features like comments, anchors, and aliases.
When should I use YAML instead of JSON?
YAML is preferred for configuration files - Kubernetes manifests, GitHub Actions, Docker Compose, Ansible playbooks, and most CI/CD systems use YAML. JSON is preferred for APIs and data interchange because it is more universally supported and has a stricter, more predictable format.
Does this handle nested objects and arrays?
Yes. The converter handles arbitrarily nested objects, arrays, strings, numbers, booleans, and null values. Nested objects become indented YAML mappings; arrays become YAML sequences with dash notation.
What happens if my JSON is invalid?
The tool displays an error message with the exact line and column number where the syntax issue occurred. The tool also accepts JavaScript object notation, so unquoted keys and single-quoted strings are handled automatically.
Can I use this offline?
Yes. Once the page is loaded, the tool works entirely offline because all conversion logic runs in your browser. No internet connection is required.
What indentation does the YAML output use?
The output uses 2-space indentation, which is the most widely accepted convention in YAML and the default used by Kubernetes, GitHub Actions, and most YAML tooling.
Common Conversions
Popular ways developers use JSON to YAML conversion.
CloudFormation JSON to YAML
AWS CloudFormation templates can be written in JSON or YAML. YAML is generally preferred for readability and supports inline comments. Paste your JSON CloudFormation template above to convert it to clean YAML for the AWS CLI, AWS Console, or any CloudFormation tooling.
Swagger and OpenAPI JSON to YAML
OpenAPI (formerly Swagger) specifications are often distributed as JSON but are easier to read and maintain in YAML. Paste your Swagger or OpenAPI JSON definition above to convert it to YAML for version control, documentation, or editing with Swagger Editor.
Converting JSON to YAML in Python
Install PyYAML with pip install pyyaml, then convert programmatically:
import json, yaml
with open('data.json') as f:
data = json.load(f)
print(yaml.dump(data, default_flow_style=False, allow_unicode=True))For quick one-off conversions, paste the JSON directly into the tool above.
Using yq to Convert JSON to YAML
yq is a command-line YAML processor that can also read JSON. To convert a JSON file to YAML on the command line:
# Using yq (Mike Farah's Go version)
yq -oy data.json
# Using yq (Python version via pip)
cat data.json | python3 -c "import sys,json,yaml; print(yaml.dump(json.load(sys.stdin)))"