YAML → JSON Converter

Paste YAML on the left, get clean JSON on the right. Private by design—everything runs locally in your browser.

YAML Input & Actions

Tip: Drag & drop a .yml/.yaml file onto the box. Press Ctrl/Cmd + Enter to convert.

JSON Output

About this tool

This YAML to JSON converter helps you turn human-friendly configuration files into clean, structured JSON in a few seconds. YAML is popular because it is easy to read and write, while JSON is widely used by APIs, web apps, and automation tools. This calculator bridges the gap so you can move between the two formats without manual edits. Everything runs locally in your browser, so your data stays on your device.

In simple terms, YAML and JSON describe the same kinds of information: lists, objects, and simple values like text, numbers, and true/false. YAML focuses on readability with indentation and minimal punctuation. JSON uses braces, brackets, and quotes to be explicit. This converter parses your YAML and produces an equivalent JSON structure, preserving the meaning of your configuration, settings, or data file.

To use it, paste or type your YAML into the left panel. Adjust options like indentation for pretty-printing or minified output, then press Convert. The JSON output will appear on the right, ready to copy or download. If you are preparing a file for an API request, a web app, or a build tool, you can also sort keys for consistent ordering and remove null values to trim unused fields.

This tool is helpful for everyday tasks such as converting Kubernetes manifests, configuration files, or CI/CD pipelines into JSON, checking whether YAML syntax is valid, or quickly generating JSON for testing. Developers often use it when an API expects JSON but their source data lives in YAML. It is also handy for documentation, tutorials, or debugging because it makes complex structures easier to inspect.

If you are new to YAML, remember that indentation matters, arrays can be written inline or with dashes, and some values that look like numbers or dates may need quotes if you want them treated as strings. With those basics in mind, this YAML to JSON converter provides a fast, reliable way to format and transform your data.

Common YAML gotchas

  • Indentation matters—use spaces, not tabs.
  • Quote strings that look like numbers/dates if you need exact strings.
  • Arrays can be inline ([a, b]) or multi-line with dashes (- a).

5 Fun Facts about YAML ⇄ JSON

Kubernetes secretly converts

Most kubectl YAML you write is turned into JSON before it hits the API server—your manifests are JSON on the inside.

Cloud twist

Comments vanish

YAML allows # comments, but JSON doesn’t. When you convert, the data survives but the commentary disappears.

Silent notes

Anchors become copies

YAML anchors/aliases (&ref / *ref) flatten into duplicated values in JSON because JSON has no references.

Dedup trick

JSON is already valid YAML

YAML 1.2 treats pure JSON as valid YAML, so you can paste JSON straight into the left box and still convert or prettify it.

Spec overlap

Order isn’t guaranteed

JSON objects are unordered by spec. Sorting keys before conversion keeps Git diffs calmer when order doesn’t matter.

Stable diffs

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