YAML to JSON Converter
YAML Input
JSON Output
About YAML to JSON Converter
Convert YAML configuration files to JSON format instantly. YAML (YAML Ain't Markup Language) is widely used for configuration files in DevOps tools like Kubernetes, Docker Compose, GitHub Actions, Ansible, and more. This tool parses YAML files and converts them to JSON, making it easy to work with YAML data in APIs, databases, and JavaScript applications. The parser handles nested objects, arrays, strings, numbers, booleans, null values, and common YAML syntax including indentation-based structure, dash-prefixed array items, and key-value pairs. Perfect for converting Kubernetes manifests to JSON for API calls, transforming Docker Compose files for programmatic use, processing CI/CD configuration files, or integrating YAML configs with JSON-based systems. All conversion happens in your browser for complete privacy.
How to Use
- Paste or type your YAML data in the left panel.
- The JSON output will appear automatically on the right.
- Choose your preferred JSON indent size (2 or 4 spaces).
- Click "Copy" to copy the JSON to your clipboard.
- Click "Download" to save the JSON as a .json file.
- Use "Clear" to reset both input and output.
- The tool supports nested objects, arrays, and all YAML data types.
Frequently Asked Questions
What YAML features are supported?
This tool supports the most common YAML features: nested objects (indentation-based), arrays (dash-prefixed items), key-value pairs, strings (quoted and unquoted), numbers (integers and floats), booleans (true/false), null values, inline arrays [1, 2, 3], and inline objects {key: value}. Comments are ignored during parsing.
Why would I convert YAML to JSON?
Common use cases include: using YAML configs with REST APIs (which typically expect JSON), processing Kubernetes manifests programmatically, working with YAML data in JavaScript applications, converting configuration files for databases, integrating YAML-based tools with JSON-based systems, and validating or debugging YAML files by converting them to a more familiar format.
Does this support all YAML specifications?
This tool supports the most commonly used YAML features (YAML 1.2 core schema basics). Advanced features like anchors/aliases (&, *), merge keys (<<), multi-line strings with special indicators (|, >), and custom tags are not supported. For most configuration files (Kubernetes, Docker, CI/CD), this tool works perfectly.
What if my YAML has syntax errors?
The tool will display an error message if it cannot parse your YAML. Common issues include incorrect indentation (YAML is indent-sensitive), mixing tabs and spaces (use spaces only), missing colons or dashes, or unclosed quotes. Fix the syntax error and the conversion will work automatically.
How does YAML indentation work?
YAML uses indentation (spaces, not tabs) to show structure. Child elements must be indented more than their parent. The exact number of spaces doesn't matter, but consistency is crucial - all items at the same level must have the same indentation. Most YAML files use 2-space indentation.
Can I convert Kubernetes manifests?
Yes! This tool works great for converting Kubernetes YAML manifests to JSON. This is useful when working with the Kubernetes API (which accepts JSON), testing kubectl commands, or processing manifests programmatically. Most Kubernetes YAML features are supported.
What happens to YAML comments?
Comments (lines starting with #) are ignored during parsing and won't appear in the JSON output. JSON doesn't support comments, so they cannot be preserved during conversion.
Can I convert JSON back to YAML?
Yes! Use our JSON to YAML converter tool to convert in the opposite direction. You'll find it in the Code Conversion Tools section.
Is my data secure?
Absolutely! All conversion happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your YAML data never leaves your computer and is not sent to any server. You can even use this tool offline once loaded.
Why do I get different results than other converters?
YAML has many edge cases and parsing variations. This tool focuses on the most common use cases and standard YAML syntax. For advanced YAML features or specific edge cases, you might need a specialized YAML parser library.