YAML to JSON Converter — Convert YAML to JSON Online Free [2026]
Convert YAML to JSON instantly online. Paste YAML and get formatted JSON output with syntax validation and pretty-print options. Free online YAML converter.
What is YAML to JSON Converter?
How to Use YAML to JSON Converter
Paste your YAML text into the left input panel. Click "Convert to JSON" to transform it into formatted JSON. The result appears in the right panel. Use "Format JSON" to pretty-print an already-converted result. Click "Copy" to copy the JSON to your clipboard, or "Clear" to reset both panels.
How YAML to JSON Converter Works
Common Use Cases
- Converting Kubernetes YAML manifests to JSON for API requests and tooling
- Transforming Docker Compose files to JSON for processing with CLI tools and scripts
- Converting GitHub Actions workflow YAML to JSON for programmatic analysis
- Migrating configuration from YAML files to JSON-based systems and databases
- Transforming Ansible variable files from YAML to JSON for REST API consumption
- Debugging YAML by converting to JSON to verify the parsed data structure
Frequently Asked Questions
What YAML features does this converter support?▼
This converter handles the most common YAML patterns: scalar values (strings, numbers, booleans, null), mappings (key-value pairs), sequences (arrays with - prefix), nested structures using indentation, and single/double quoted strings. YAML comments (#) are stripped. Advanced features like anchors (&), aliases (*), multi-line strings (| and >), and YAML directives are not supported.
What is the difference between YAML and JSON?▼
YAML uses indentation for structure and supports comments, making it more human-readable. JSON uses explicit braces, brackets, and commas with no comment support, making it strict and unambiguous. Both represent the same data types (strings, numbers, booleans, null, arrays, objects). YAML is preferred for config files; JSON is preferred for APIs and data interchange.
Why would I convert YAML to JSON?▼
Many tools and APIs require JSON input but configuration is maintained in YAML. Common scenarios: converting Kubernetes or Docker configs for API calls, transforming YAML fixtures into JSON test data, processing YAML configuration with JSON-only tools, or migrating from a YAML-based system to a JSON-based one.
Does YAML support all JSON data types?▼
Yes. YAML is a superset of JSON, meaning every JSON document is valid YAML. YAML additionally supports features not in JSON like comments, anchors/aliases, and multi-line block strings. All JSON types (string, number, boolean, null, array, object) have direct YAML equivalents.
What are YAML booleans? How does this tool handle them?▼
YAML has multiple representations for boolean values: true, false (standard), yes, no, on, off (alternate forms). This converter maps all of these to JSON true or false. For example, YAML "enabled: yes" becomes JSON {"enabled": true}. This matches standard YAML 1.1 behavior used in most configuration tools.