JSON to YAML Converter

Convert JSON data to YAML format with validation, pretty-printing, and syntax highlighting. Perfect for configuration files and data transformation.

Configuration

Auto-convert

Pretty print YAML

File Input

Drag and drop a JSON file here, or click to select

JSON Input

Characters: 0

YAML Output

Characters: 0

Usage Examples & Guide

1. Simple Object Conversion

Basic JSON objects are converted to YAML key-value pairs with proper indentation.

JSON Input:

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

YAML Output:

name: John Doe
age: 30
active: true

2. Array Conversion

JSON arrays are converted to YAML lists using the dash (-) notation.

JSON Input:

{
  "fruits": ["apple", "banana", "orange"],
  "numbers": [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
}

YAML Output:

fruits:
  - apple
  - banana
  - orange
numbers:
  - 1
  - 2
  - 3
  - 4
  - 5

3. Nested Objects & Complex Structures

Complex nested JSON structures are converted with proper hierarchical indentation.

JSON Input:

{
  "user": {
    "name": "John Doe",
    "settings": {
      "theme": "dark",
      "notifications": true
    },
    "permissions": ["read", "write"]
  }
}

YAML Output:

user:
  name: John Doe
  settings:
    theme: dark
    notifications: true
  permissions:
    - read
    - write

4. Configuration File Example

Real-world example showing how to convert API configuration to YAML format.

JSON Input:

{
  "server": {
    "host": "localhost",
    "port": 3000,
    "ssl": false
  },
  "database": {
    "type": "mongodb",
    "url": "mongodb://localhost:27017/myapp"
  }
}

YAML Output:

server:
  host: localhost
  port: 3000
  ssl: false
database:
  type: mongodb
  url: mongodb://localhost:27017/myapp

💡 Pro Tips

✅ Best Practices

• Use consistent 2-space indentation
• Quote strings with special characters
• Validate output before production use
• Use meaningful key names

⚠️ Common Gotchas

• YAML is indentation-sensitive
• No tabs, only spaces for indentation
• Boolean values: true/false (lowercase)
• String values may need quotes

What is JSON to YAML Conversion?

JSON to YAML conversion transforms JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) data into YAML (YAML Ain't Markup Language) format. YAML is a human-readable data serialization language that excels at configuration files, data exchange, and infrastructure as code applications where readability and maintainability are paramount.

Why Convert JSON to YAML?

Superior Readability: YAML's clean, indentation-based syntax is significantly more readable and easier to edit than JSON's bracket-heavy structure
Industry Standard for Configuration: Modern tools like Docker, Kubernetes, Ansible, and CI/CD platforms prefer YAML for configuration files
Comment Support: Unlike JSON, YAML allows inline comments using the # symbol, enabling better documentation
Reduced Verbosity: YAML eliminates unnecessary brackets, quotes, and commas, resulting in cleaner, more concise files
Multi-line String Handling: YAML provides elegant solutions for handling long text blocks with proper formatting
Enhanced Data Visualization: The hierarchical structure is immediately apparent, making complex data relationships easier to understand

Common Use Cases

Docker Compose Files: Transform API responses into Docker Compose configurations for containerized applications
Kubernetes Manifests: Convert JSON data into Kubernetes deployment, service, and configuration files
CI/CD Pipelines: Create GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, or Jenkins pipeline configurations from JSON build data
API Documentation: Convert OpenAPI JSON specifications to YAML for better readability and maintenance
Application Configuration: Generate application config files that are easier for teams to modify and maintain
Infrastructure as Code: Transform resource definitions into Terraform, CloudFormation, or Ansible playbooks

Features of Our JSON to YAML Converter

Real-time Conversion: Instant JSON to YAML transformation as you type, with live preview
Advanced JSON Validation: Comprehensive JSON syntax validation with detailed error reporting and line-by-line feedback
Smart Formatting: Intelligent YAML output with proper indentation, spacing, and structure optimization
File Upload Support: Drag-and-drop or browse to upload JSON files for batch conversion
Export Options: One-click copying to clipboard and direct file download as .yaml/.yml files
Error Handling: Clear, actionable error messages with suggestions for fixing invalid JSON input

How to Use This JSON to YAML Converter

Input Your JSON: Paste JSON data directly into the input area or upload a JSON file
Automatic Processing: The tool instantly converts and validates your JSON in real-time
Customize Output: Toggle pretty-printing options for optimal YAML formatting
Copy Results: Use the clipboard button to copy the generated YAML instantly
Download File: Save the converted YAML as a file for immediate use in your projects

JSON vs YAML Syntax Comparison

JSON Example:

{
  "name": "John Doe",
  "age": 30,
  "skills": ["JavaScript", "Python", "Go"],
  "address": {
    "street": "123 Main St",
    "city": "New York"
  },
  "active": true
}

YAML Equivalent:

name: John Doe
age: 30
skills:
  - JavaScript
  - Python
  - Go
address:
  street: 123 Main St
  city: New York
active: true

Key YAML Advantages

Minimal Syntax: Eliminates brackets, quotes, and commas for a cleaner appearance
Inline Documentation: Native comment support using # for better code documentation
Advanced String Handling: Supports literal blocks (|) and folded blocks (>) for complex text
Rich Data Types: Built-in support for dates, timestamps, and custom data types
Anchors & References: Reduce duplication with anchor (&) and alias (*) features
Multi-document Support: Handle multiple YAML documents in a single file using ---

Best Practices for YAML

Consistent Indentation: Use 2 or 4 spaces consistently throughout your file
Avoid Tabs: Always use spaces for indentation; tabs can cause parsing errors
Quote Ambiguous Values: Use quotes for strings that might be interpreted as other types
Meaningful Keys: Choose descriptive, consistent naming conventions for keys
Production Validation: Always validate YAML output before deploying to production environments
Document Structure: Use comments to explain complex configurations and relationships

Security & Privacy

This converter operates entirely within your browser using client-side JavaScript. Your JSON data is never transmitted to our servers, ensuring complete privacy and security. The conversion process is instantaneous and private, making it safe for sensitive configuration data. Always validate the converted YAML output before using it in production environments.