How to Convert JSON to YAML and YAML to JSON
JSON and YAML are both used to represent structured data, but they serve different ecosystems. APIs speak JSON; Kubernetes, Docker Compose, and GitHub Actions speak YAML. This guide shows you how to convert between them instantly.
When You Need JSON ↔ YAML Conversion
- Converting an API response to a Kubernetes config file
- Turning a Docker Compose YAML into JSON for programmatic processing
- Migrating configuration between tools that use different formats
- Making a YAML file easier to parse in JavaScript/Python
- Generating YAML from a JSON schema or template
How to Convert JSON to YAML
Step 1: Open the tool
Go to the JSON ↔ YAML Converter and select the "JSON → YAML" tab.
Step 2: Paste JSON
Paste your JSON in the left panel. Click "→" to convert. The YAML output appears on the right with proper indentation.
Step 3: Copy or download
Click "Copy" or "Download" to save as a .yaml file. Use "↕ Swap" to convert the output back.
How to Convert YAML to JSON
Switch to the "YAML → JSON" tab, paste YAML, and click convert. The output is formatted JSON with 2-space indentation.
Tips
- YAML comments (
#) are lost when converting to JSON — JSON does not support comments. Save a backup of your commented YAML. - If your JSON has deeply nested objects, the YAML output uses indentation — make sure to use 2-space indent (the default).
- Need to validate your JSON first? Use the JSON Formatter to check for syntax errors.
- For converting JSON to tabular format, use the JSON to CSV Converter.
FAQ
What is the difference between JSON and YAML?
JSON uses braces, brackets, and quotes for structure. YAML uses indentation and is more human-readable. Both can represent the same data structures (objects, arrays, strings, numbers, booleans, null). YAML is common in config files (Kubernetes, Docker Compose, GitHub Actions), while JSON is standard for APIs.
Does YAML support features that JSON doesn't?
Yes. YAML supports comments (#), multi-line strings (| and >), anchors and aliases for reuse, and multiple documents in one file (---). These features are lost when converting to JSON. Our tool handles standard YAML structures correctly.
Why would I convert between them?
Common scenarios: converting an API response (JSON) to a config file format (YAML), migrating between tools that use different formats, or making a YAML config easier to process programmatically by converting to JSON.
Is my data uploaded to a server?
No. All conversion happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your data never leaves your device.
Try It Now
Ready to convert? Open the JSON ↔ YAML Converter — it works entirely in your browser with no sign-up required.