Online JSON to YAML Converter

JSON to YAML Converter

JSON is perfect for APIs, but YAML is often the format of choice for configuration files. Kubernetes manifests, Docker Compose files, CI/CD pipelines, and infrastructure tooling all use YAML because it is easy for humans to read and edit. This JSON to YAML converter lets you take API responses, configuration fragments, or JSON templates and turn them into clean, properly indented YAML in seconds. Everything runs locally in your browser, so your data stays private and secure.

Why convert JSON to YAML

JSON is strict and machine-friendly, but it can be verbose for configuration. YAML is more concise and supports comments, which makes it a natural fit for DevOps and infrastructure-as-code workflows. Converting JSON to YAML is especially helpful when you receive settings from an API or a tool that exports JSON, but your target system expects YAML. By converting, you reduce friction and make the configuration easier to understand and maintain.

How the conversion works

The converter maps JSON objects to YAML maps and JSON arrays to YAML sequences. Strings, numbers, booleans, and null values are preserved. Indentation is applied consistently so the YAML structure reflects the original JSON hierarchy. If your JSON includes keys that look like numbers or values that should be treated as strings, the converter will quote them when needed to prevent YAML parsing surprises.

Step-by-step conversion

1. Paste the JSON into the left editor or load it from a file.
2. Click Convert JSON → YAML to generate YAML on the right.
3. Review the output and copy or download it for your YAML-based tool.
4. Validate your JSON beforehand with JSON Validator to avoid syntax errors.

JSON to YAML converter online: quick tutorial

1. Paste JSON on the left and choose formatting options (indent, quotes, null style).
2. Click Convert JSON → YAML.
3. Copy or download the YAML for your config or pipeline.

Example conversion

Input JSON:

{
  "app": {
    "name": "analytics-service",
    "replicas": 3,
    "enabled": true,
    "ports": [8080, 8081],
    "labels": {
      "team": "platform",
      "tier": "backend"
    }
  }
}

Output YAML:

app:
  name: analytics-service
  replicas: 3
  enabled: true
  ports:
    - 8080
    - 8081
  labels:
    team: platform
    tier: backend

That YAML is ready for Kubernetes values files, Compose configs, or CI pipeline variables.

Common errors and fixes

• Invalid JSON: JSON must be valid before conversion. Use JSON Validator to catch missing commas or mismatched braces.
• Unquoted strings: YAML treats some strings (like yes, no, or on) as booleans. Quoting those values prevents unexpected type changes.
• Indentation mistakes: YAML is indentation-sensitive. If you manually edit the output, keep the spacing consistent and avoid tabs.
• Numbers that should be strings: IDs or version numbers might be parsed as numbers. Quote them to preserve exact formatting.
• Null handling: JSON null becomes YAML null or ~. Both are valid, but stick with one for clarity.

Best practices for YAML config

• Keep keys descriptive and avoid special characters when possible.
• Use consistent indentation (two spaces is a common standard).
• Quote strings that might be misinterpreted (dates, yes/no values, leading zeros).
• Document complex values with comments after conversion.
• Store generated YAML in version control so changes can be reviewed.

YAML output options explained

• Indent spaces: Controls nesting depth. Two spaces is the most common.
• Line width: Set a wrap width or use 0 for no wrapping.
• Sort keys: Alphabetically orders keys for stable diffs.
• Force quotes: Quotes all scalars to avoid YAML type surprises.
• Quote style: Choose single or double quotes for strings.
• Null style: Output null, ~, or empty.
• No array indent: Produces compact arrays (useful for some linters).
• No refs (duplicate): Avoids YAML anchors for repeat values.

Working with DevOps tools

Many DevOps platforms consume YAML but expect specific schemas. For example, Kubernetes expects nested objects like spec and metadata, while GitHub Actions expects jobs and steps. Converting JSON to YAML only solves syntax; you still need to ensure the structure matches the target specification. If your YAML fails validation, compare it to the official examples and adjust keys accordingly.

Handling complex data types

YAML is flexible, but it can surprise you with implicit typing. Values like 2025-01-01 may be interpreted as dates, while 00123 may be interpreted as a number. To avoid issues, quote values that should remain strings. The converter does this when it detects ambiguous values, but always review the output if type accuracy is critical.

Large files and performance

For large JSON files, conversion can take longer in the browser. If performance is a concern, break the JSON into smaller segments or convert it server-side using a CLI tool, then verify the results here. This tool is ideal for daily workflows, debugging, and quick conversions without installing dependencies.

Migration checklist

Before you move YAML into production, run through a checklist: validate JSON input, convert to YAML, format indentation consistently, review with teammates, and test in a staging environment. This reduces the risk of subtle YAML parsing errors that can cause deployment failures or misconfigured services.

Multiline strings and blocks

YAML supports block scalars for multiline text, which can make long scripts or certificates easier to read. If your JSON contains newline characters, review the YAML output and consider converting it to a block style (| or >) for clarity. This is especially helpful for Kubernetes config maps, CI scripts, or license keys where whitespace matters.

Environment-specific overrides

If you generate YAML for multiple environments (dev, staging, production), keep shared settings in a base file and override only the environment-specific keys. This keeps your YAML maintainable and reduces the chance of mistakes. When converting JSON templates, consider splitting out reusable sections into separate YAML files so you can reuse them across pipelines.

Validation after conversion

After converting, run the YAML through your target tool or a linter. This confirms that the syntax and structure are accepted by the platform before you deploy.

FAQs

Does this tool upload my JSON? No. The conversion happens locally in your browser.

Can I convert large JSON files? Yes, but very large files may be limited by your browser’s memory. Splitting large files can improve performance.

Will the YAML output be valid for Kubernetes? The output is valid YAML, but you must ensure the structure matches the schema of the target resource.

Can I add comments in JSON and keep them? JSON does not support comments, so there is nothing to carry over. You can add comments in the YAML after conversion.

Does the converter handle arrays of objects? Yes. Arrays are converted into YAML sequences with proper indentation.

How do I convert YAML back to JSON? Use the YAML to JSON tool for the reverse conversion.

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