Free YAML to JSON Converter – Convert YAML to JSON Online

Convert YAML configuration files to JSON format. Preserves data types. Choose indentation level. Download result. Supports nested objects and arrays. 100% free.

What Is YAML to JSON Conversion?

YAML (Yet Another Markup Language) and JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) are both data serialization formats. This tool converts human-readable YAML into the more widely-supported JSON format.

Why Convert YAML to JSON?

• API compatibility: Most APIs use JSON
• JavaScript usage: JSON is native to JavaScript
• Tooling support: More tools support JSON
• Data exchange: JSON is the web standard

How to Use This Tool

Step 1: Paste YAML

Enter your YAML configuration.

Step 2: Choose Formatting

Select indentation (minified, 2 or 4 spaces).

Step 3: View JSON

See the converted output.

Step 4: Download or Copy

Get your JSON file.

YAML vs JSON Comparison

Conversion Examples

Simple Key-Value

YAML:

name: John
age: 30
active: true

JSON:

{
  "name": "John",
  "age": 30,
  "active": true
}

Nested Objects

YAML:

database:
  host: localhost
  port: 5432

JSON:

{
  "database": {
    "host": "localhost",
    "port": 5432
  }
}

Arrays

YAML:

fruits:
  - apple
  - banana
  - orange

JSON:

{
  "fruits": ["apple", "banana", "orange"]
}

Supported YAML Features

Common Use Cases

DevOps Configuration

Convert Docker Compose, Kubernetes, or CI/CD configs to JSON.

API Development

Transform YAML API specs (OpenAPI) for use in JavaScript.

Application Config

Convert YAML config files for apps that only read JSON.

Data Migration

Move data between YAML and JSON-based systems.

Data Type Mapping

YAML Syntax Tips

Indentation Matters

YAML uses 2-space indentation to define structure:

parent:
  child: value      # 2 spaces = nested
  sibling: value    # Same level

Comments

YAML supports comments (removed in JSON):

# This is a comment
name: value  # Inline comment

Strings

Quotes are optional unless special characters:

simple: hello
quoted: "hello: world"

Error Handling

Common YAML errors this tool detects:

• Invalid indentation
• Missing colons
• Unmatched quotes
• Invalid special characters

Output Options

Frequently Asked Questions

Are comments preserved?

No. JSON doesn't support comments, so they're removed.

Does it handle all YAML features?

Most common features are supported. Advanced features like anchors may not work.

Is the conversion accurate?

Yes. Data types and structure are preserved accurately.

Can I convert JSON to YAML?

Use our JSON to YAML tool for reverse conversion.