YAML to JSON / JSON to YAML

Convert between YAML and JSON instantly.

Developer

About YAML Converter

YAML (YAML Ain't Markup Language) and JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) are both popular formats for representing structured data. YAML uses indentation to define hierarchy and is commonly used in configuration files for Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines, and application settings. JSON uses braces and brackets and is the dominant format for web APIs, package manifests, and data storage.

This converter bridges the two formats, allowing you to paste YAML and get properly formatted JSON, or paste JSON and get clean YAML. The tool uses the js-yaml library, which supports the full YAML 1.2 specification. It correctly handles complex data types including nested objects, arrays, multiline strings, anchors, and aliases. Since everything runs in your browser, your configuration data and API payloads remain completely private.

How to Use YAML Converter

  1. Paste your YAML or JSON into the Input area.
  2. Click YAML to JSON to convert YAML input to JSON, or JSON to YAML to convert JSON input to YAML.
  3. The converted result appears in the output area. If the input has syntax errors, an error message is shown.
  4. Use Copy result to copy the output to your clipboard.

Key Features

  • Bidirectional conversion — YAML to JSON and JSON to YAML in one tool
  • Full YAML 1.2 support — Handles complex data types, anchors, aliases, and multiline strings
  • Error reporting — Shows descriptive error messages for invalid input
  • Powered by js-yaml — Uses a trusted, widely-used parsing library
  • One-click copy — Copy the converted result to your clipboard instantly
  • 100% client-side — No server communication; your data stays private

When to Use This Tool

  • Converting Docker Compose, Kubernetes, or CI/CD YAML configs to JSON for API consumption
  • Turning JSON API responses into YAML for use in configuration files
  • Migrating settings between tools that use different formats
  • Quick format conversion during development without writing a script
  • Verifying that YAML and JSON representations of the same data are equivalent

Technical Details

The converter uses the js-yaml library for both parsing and serialization. YAML to JSON: the YAML input is parsed with jsyaml.load() into a JavaScript object, then serialized to JSON with JSON.stringify() using two-space indentation. JSON to YAML: the JSON input is parsed with JSON.parse(), then serialized to YAML with jsyaml.dump(). The js-yaml library supports the full YAML 1.2 specification. Note that JSON object key order is not guaranteed, so converting YAML to JSON and back may reorder keys. All processing runs in JavaScript within your browser.

Conclusion

YAML Converter is a fast, reliable tool for switching between YAML and JSON formats directly in your browser. With full YAML 1.2 support, error reporting, and complete privacy, it streamlines configuration management and data format conversion. For validating YAML syntax, use the YAML Validator, or format JSON with the JSON Formatter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which direction can I convert?
Both. Paste YAML and click "YAML to JSON" to get JSON output. Paste JSON and click "JSON to YAML" to get YAML output. The tool shows an error if the input is invalid for the selected conversion.
Is my data sent to a server?
No. Conversion uses the js-yaml library running in your browser. Your data never leaves your device.
Why does YAML to JSON sometimes change key order?
JSON objects do not guarantee key order by specification. When YAML is parsed into a JavaScript object and then serialized to JSON, some keys may appear in a different order. The data content remains identical.
Does it support advanced YAML features like anchors and aliases?
Yes. The js-yaml library supports the full YAML 1.2 specification, including anchors (&), aliases (*), multiline strings (| and >), and complex data types.