JSON to YAML Converter
JSON Input
YAML Output
About JSON to YAML Converter
YAML (YAML Ain't Markup Language) is a human-readable data serialization format commonly used for configuration files. This tool converts JSON data to YAML format with proper indentation and structure. YAML is popular in DevOps tools like Kubernetes, Docker Compose, CI/CD pipelines (GitHub Actions, GitLab CI), and configuration management tools (Ansible, Terraform). It's more readable than JSON for complex nested structures and supports comments. The conversion preserves your data structure including nested objects, arrays, strings, numbers, booleans, and null values. Perfect for converting API responses to config files, transforming JSON data for Kubernetes manifests, creating Docker Compose files from JSON schemas, or preparing configuration files for deployment pipelines. All conversion happens in your browser for complete privacy.
How to Use
- Paste or type your JSON data in the left panel.
- The YAML output will appear automatically on the right.
- Choose your preferred indent size (2 or 4 spaces).
- Click "Copy" to copy the YAML to your clipboard.
- Click "Download" to save the YAML as a .yaml file.
- Use "Clear" to reset both input and output.
- The tool handles nested objects, arrays, and all JSON data types.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is YAML?
YAML (YAML Ain't Markup Language) is a human-readable data serialization language. It's commonly used for configuration files and in applications where data is being stored or transmitted. YAML is a superset of JSON, meaning any valid JSON file is also valid YAML.
When should I use YAML instead of JSON?
Use YAML for configuration files where readability matters, like Kubernetes configs, Docker Compose files, CI/CD pipelines, and application settings. YAML is more readable for humans, supports comments, has less syntax clutter (no quotes/brackets required in many cases), and is preferred by DevOps tools. Use JSON for APIs, data exchange between systems, and when you need strict validation.
What indent size should I use?
2 spaces is the most common indentation in YAML files and is the standard for Kubernetes, Docker Compose, and most CI/CD tools. 4 spaces is used in some Python-related projects. The most important thing is consistency within your project. Never use tabs in YAML as they are not allowed.
Can I convert complex nested JSON?
Yes! This tool handles deeply nested objects, arrays within arrays, mixed data types, null values, booleans, numbers, and strings of any length. It preserves your entire data structure during conversion.
Will special characters in strings be escaped?
Yes, the tool automatically handles special characters. Strings containing colons, quotes, newlines, or other special characters will be properly quoted and escaped in the YAML output to maintain data integrity.
Why do some strings have quotes and others don't?
YAML doesn't require quotes for simple strings, but quotes are needed when strings contain special characters (like colons, quotes, or hashes), start with numbers, match reserved keywords (true, false, null), or have leading/trailing whitespace. The tool automatically adds quotes only when necessary.
Can I use this for Kubernetes manifests?
Absolutely! This is perfect for converting JSON data to Kubernetes YAML manifests. Many Kubernetes API responses are in JSON, and this tool helps convert them to the standard YAML format used for kubectl apply commands and manifest files.
Is my data safe?
Yes! All conversion happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your JSON data never leaves your computer and is not sent to any server. You can even use this tool offline once the page is loaded.
What if my JSON is invalid?
The tool will display an error message explaining what's wrong with your JSON. Common issues include missing quotes around keys, trailing commas, or mismatched brackets. Fix the error and the conversion will work automatically.
Can I convert YAML back to JSON?
Yes! Use our YAML to JSON converter tool to convert in the opposite direction. You'll find it in the Code Conversion Tools section.