YAML ↔ JSON Converter

A YAML to JSON converter turns YAML mappings and sequences into JSON objects and arrays. YAML is indentation-sensitive, so structure comes from spaces rather than braces. JSON is stricter and more common in APIs, browsers, and many CLIs.

This free online YAML to JSON converter works both ways: convert YAML to JSON, or convert JSON to YAML, with validation and error highlighting. Processing stays in your browser — nothing is uploaded to LiveTechHacks.

Modern tooling generally follows the YAML 1.2 spec. Files may use anchors and aliases to reuse values, front matter blocks at the top of Markdown, and a multi-document separator (---) for several resources in one file — common in Kubernetes manifests and some CI configs.

Enable Multi-document YAML when your paste includes more than one document. Tabs are not allowed for indentation; use spaces instead.

Paste a Kubernetes manifest, OpenAPI specification, docker-compose.yml, or GitHub Actions workflow and convert YAML to JSON for debugging, editors, or pipelines. The same tool can turn Swagger YAML to JSON or OpenAPI YAML to JSON when you need a JSON export.

apiVersion: apps/v1
kind: Deployment
metadata:
  name: web
spec:
  replicas: 2
  selector:
    matchLabels:
      app: web

In scripts, people often use PyYAML safe_load, the js-yaml package, a YAML to JSON npm module, or a YAML to JSON CLI. Those are ideal for automation. This page is for quick interactive conversion, validation, and sharing a clean JSON or YAML paste without installing a toolchain.

Because YAML is a superset of JSON, many JSON documents round-trip cleanly. Complex YAML features still deserve a careful review after conversion, especially when targeting a YAML to JSON Schema workflow.

What is a YAML to JSON converter?

A YAML to JSON converter turns indentation-based YAML into structured JSON objects and arrays. This online YAML to JSON converter also works the other way, so you can convert YAML to JSON or JSON back to YAML in the browser.

Is YAML a superset of JSON?

Yes. Under the YAML 1.2 spec, JSON is a subset of YAML, so most valid JSON documents are also valid YAML. That is why a JSON to YAML converter can usually round-trip clean mappings and sequences.

Can I convert OpenAPI or Swagger YAML to JSON?

Yes. Paste an OpenAPI specification or Swagger YAML file to convert OpenAPI YAML to JSON, or use the reverse direction when you need YAML again. The same workflow works for Swagger YAML to JSON exports.

Does this work with Kubernetes and Docker Compose files?

Yes. Paste a Kubernetes manifest or docker-compose.yml and convert YAML to JSON for APIs, editors, or pipelines. Multi-document YAML separated by --- is supported when that option is enabled.

Why are tabs not allowed in YAML?

YAML is indentation-sensitive and the YAML 1.2 spec does not allow tabs for indentation. If your file uses tabs, replace them with spaces before converting. This tool highlights that warning when tabs are detected.

How is this different from PyYAML, js-yaml, or a YAML to JSON CLI?

Libraries such as PyYAML (safe_load), js-yaml, and a YAML to JSON CLI or YAML to JSON npm package are great in scripts. This page is a free browser YAML to JSON converter online for quick checks, validation, and error highlighting without installing anything.

Can it help with YAML to JSON Schema or GitHub Actions workflows?

You can convert workflow YAML, front matter, and similar mappings or sequences into JSON for inspection. Building a full YAML to JSON Schema document still requires schema design, but the converter makes the structure easy to review.