YAML to JSON Converter

Simple Key-Value Pairs

name: John Doe
age: 30
email: john@example.com
active: true

{
  "name": "John Doe",
  "age": 30,
  "email": "john@example.com",
  "active": true
}

Arrays and Lists

roles:
  - admin
  - developer
  - user

{
  "roles": [
    "admin",
    "developer",
    "user"
  ]
}

Nested Objects

address:
  street: 123 Main St
  city: San Francisco
  state: CA
  zip: 94102

{
  "address": {
    "street": "123 Main St",
    "city": "San Francisco",
    "state": "CA",
    "zip": 94102
  }
}

What is YAML to JSON conversion?

YAML to JSON conversion transforms YAML (YAML Ain't Markup Language) format into JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) format. YAML is a human-readable data serialization format commonly used for configuration files (Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines), while JSON is a lightweight data interchange format widely used in APIs and web applications. Our YAML to JSON converter parses YAML syntax—including key-value pairs, nested objects, arrays, comments, and multi-line strings—and outputs equivalent JSON structure. For example, YAML 'name: John' converts to JSON '{"name": "John"}'. The conversion preserves data types (strings, numbers, booleans, arrays, objects) and hierarchical structure while transforming syntax from YAML's indentation-based format to JSON's bracket-based format.

How do I convert YAML to JSON?

Converting YAML to JSON is simple: (1) Paste your YAML text into the input editor or upload a .yaml/.yml file using the Upload button. (2) The tool automatically converts YAML to JSON in real-time—no button clicking needed. (3) Review the JSON output in the right panel with syntax highlighting. (4) Toggle 'Beautify JSON' for readable formatting with indentation, or disable for compact minified output. (5) Copy to clipboard or download as .json file. The converter handles complex YAML structures including nested objects, arrays, multi-line strings, and comments. For example, a Kubernetes deployment.yaml file converts instantly to deployment.json with all configurations preserved. Syntax errors display immediately with clear error messages to help you fix invalid YAML before conversion.

What YAML features are supported?

Our YAML to JSON converter supports all essential YAML features: (1) Key-value pairs: 'name: value' → '{"name": "value"}'. (2) Nested objects: indented structures convert to nested JSON objects. (3) Arrays/Lists: YAML lists with dash syntax (- item) convert to JSON arrays ["item"]. (4) Data types: strings, numbers, booleans (true/false), null values are preserved. (5) Comments: YAML comments (# comment) are stripped during conversion as JSON doesn't support comments. (6) Multi-line strings: YAML's | and > operators for multi-line text. (7) Anchors and aliases: YAML's & and * for reusable content blocks. The converter handles complex real-world YAML files like Docker Compose (services, volumes, networks), Kubernetes manifests (deployments, services, configmaps), and CI/CD configs (GitHub Actions, GitLab CI).

Can I upload YAML files for conversion?

Yes! Click the 'Upload YAML' button to select .yaml or .yml files from your computer (up to 10MB). The tool reads the file contents and automatically converts YAML to JSON in real-time. Perfect for converting large configuration files like docker-compose.yaml (Docker multi-container configs), deployment.yaml (Kubernetes manifests), .gitlab-ci.yml (GitLab CI/CD pipelines), or config.yaml (application settings). After upload, the YAML content appears in the input editor where you can review or edit before conversion. The JSON output updates instantly and can be downloaded as a .json file with the same structure. File upload works on desktop and mobile devices, supporting drag-and-drop on compatible browsers.

What's the difference between YAML and JSON?

YAML and JSON are both data serialization formats but differ in syntax and use cases. YAML uses indentation and colons (name: value), is more human-readable, supports comments, and is preferred for configuration files (Docker, Kubernetes, Ansible). JSON uses brackets and quotes ({"name": "value"}), is more compact, doesn't support comments, and is preferred for APIs and data interchange. YAML is easier to write and read for configs, while JSON is easier to parse programmatically and universally supported by programming languages. Converting YAML to JSON is necessary when: (1) APIs require JSON input, (2) Tools only parse JSON, (3) You need to process configs programmatically in JavaScript/Python, (4) Storing data in JSON databases. Our converter bridges both formats seamlessly.

Does the YAML to JSON converter work offline?

Yes! Our YAML to JSON converter works completely offline after the initial page load. All conversion happens client-side in your browser using JavaScript—no internet connection required for processing. This means: (1) Your YAML files never leave your device—perfect for sensitive configuration files or proprietary data. (2) Instant conversion with zero latency—no server round-trips. (3) Works on airplanes, in secure environments, or anywhere without internet. (4) Complete privacy—no data logged, stored, or transmitted. The tool uses browser-based YAML parsing and JSON serialization, so you can convert Docker configs, Kubernetes manifests, or CI/CD pipelines without security concerns. Bookmark the page and it works offline indefinitely.

Is this YAML to JSON converter free?

Yes, our YAML to JSON converter is completely free with no signup, registration, or hidden costs. Convert unlimited YAML files with all features (real-time conversion, file upload, syntax validation, beautify toggle, copy/download) available immediately. No file size limits beyond 10MB, no daily usage caps, no premium tiers. Process Docker Compose files, Kubernetes manifests, CI/CD configs, or any YAML data without restrictions. No watermarks, no ads interrupting workflow, no credit card required. We built this free tool for developers, DevOps engineers, and students who need reliable YAML to JSON conversion without paying for expensive developer tools. The tool runs in your browser ensuring privacy and speed—bookmark for instant access whenever you need to convert YAML to JSON.

Can I convert JSON back to YAML?

While this tool focuses on YAML to JSON conversion, you can use a JSON to YAML converter for the reverse operation. Converting JSON to YAML is useful when you need human-readable config files or want to add comments to your configuration. The conversion process is similar but reversed: JSON's bracket syntax converts to YAML's indentation-based syntax, arrays convert from ["item"] to dash format (- item), and nested objects convert to indented structures. For bidirectional conversion workflows (YAML ↔ JSON), we recommend bookmarking both tools. Common use case: convert YAML to JSON for API testing, modify the JSON response, then convert back to YAML for storage in version control where YAML configs are preferred for readability.

Docker Compose to JSON

Convert docker-compose.yaml files to JSON for programmatic manipulation, API integration, or tools that require JSON config format. Useful when building Docker management dashboards, CI/CD integrations, or container orchestration systems that consume JSON configuration.

Kubernetes Manifests to JSON

Transform Kubernetes YAML manifests (deployments, services, configmaps, secrets) to JSON for kubectl API calls, custom operators, or Kubernetes client libraries that accept JSON. Essential for programmatic cluster management and infrastructure automation.

CI/CD Pipeline Configs to JSON

Convert GitHub Actions workflows (.github/workflows/*.yml), GitLab CI (.gitlab-ci.yml), or CircleCI configs to JSON for validation, testing, or integration with CI/CD management tools that parse JSON configuration schemas.

OpenAPI/Swagger Specs to JSON

Transform OpenAPI YAML specifications to JSON format for API documentation tools, testing frameworks like Postman, or code generators that require JSON schema input. Many API tools accept both formats, but some specifically need JSON.