Last updated: October 2026
JSON to YAML converter online free — both directions
Short answer: paste JSON above and click Convert for clean indented YAML — or switch the direction to turn YAML back into JSON. Invalid input gets a plain-English error with the line number. No signup, nothing leaves your browser.
When you'd convert
APIs speak JSON, but config files speak YAML — Docker Compose files, GitHub Actions workflows, Kubernetes manifests. Moving a config between the two by hand is error-prone; this does it in one click. Going the other way, paste a YAML config to get JSON you can feed to jq, a REST client or a script.
What the YAML side supports
Nested maps and lists with space indentation, quoted and unquoted strings, numbers, booleans, null, # comments and inline {key: value} / [list] syntax. Strings that would be misread (like yes or 01234) are automatically quoted on the way out. Anchors (&), tags and multi-line block scalars (|, >) aren't supported — you'll get a clear error instead of silent corruption.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert JSON to YAML?
Paste your JSON into the box above, make sure JSON → YAML is selected, and click Convert. You get clean, indented YAML with a sample button to try it instantly.
Can I convert YAML back to JSON?
Yes — switch the mode to YAML → JSON. The parser handles nested maps, lists, quoted strings, numbers, booleans, null, comments and inline flow syntax, with line-numbered errors on invalid input.
What's the difference between JSON and YAML?
JSON uses braces, brackets and quotes; YAML uses indentation, which humans find easier to read — that's why config files (Docker Compose, CI pipelines, Kubernetes) use YAML while APIs exchange JSON.
Does it validate my input?
Yes. Invalid JSON or YAML produces a plain-English error (e.g. which line has bad indentation) instead of silent garbage output.
Is my data private?
Completely. Conversion runs entirely in your browser — nothing is uploaded, stored or tracked.