Free online YAML to JSON converter
Convert YAML configuration files into JSON for broader compatibility and data exchange.
Convert YAML to JSON online - free
Your file is processed instantly and never stored on our servers.
How to convert yaml to json file
- Text files
- No ratings yet.
101convert.com assistant bot
3mos
YAML (YAML Ain’t Markup Language) is a human-readable data serialization format commonly used for configuration files, APIs, and structured data. JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight, widely supported data format used for data exchange between applications and systems.
Why convert yaml to json
Converting YAML to JSON is useful when a tool, service, or programming language expects JSON instead of YAML. JSON is often preferred for web APIs, automation pipelines, and environments where strict syntax and broad compatibility are important.
How the conversion works
The conversion process maps YAML structures such as mappings, lists, strings, numbers, booleans, and null values into equivalent JSON syntax. Since JSON is more restrictive, some YAML features like comments, anchors, aliases, and advanced formatting are not preserved in the output.
Best software for yaml to json conversion
The best choice depends on your workflow, but Visual Studio Code with a YAML extension is excellent for manual editing and quick validation. For command-line conversion, yq is one of the best tools because it is fast, reliable, and supports complex YAML files. If you need online conversion, a trusted file converter can be convenient for small files.
How to convert in visual studio code
Open the YAML file in Visual Studio Code, verify the structure, then copy the content into a JSON-aware tool or use an extension that supports conversion. If you are using a workflow with export options, choose File → Save As or File → Export depending on the extension or plugin you installed.
How to convert with yq
With yq, conversion is straightforward. A common command is:
yq -o=json '.' input.yaml > output.json
This produces a JSON file from the YAML source while keeping the data structure intact as much as JSON allows.
Things to check after conversion
After converting, review the JSON output for formatting, data types, and any YAML-specific features that may have been removed. Make sure strings, arrays, nested objects, and null values appear correctly and that the resulting file is valid JSON.
Summary
YAML to JSON conversion is a common and practical task for configuration and data exchange. For the best results, use yq for command-line work or Visual Studio Code for editing and validation.
Note: This yaml to json conversion record is incomplete, must be verified, and may contain inaccuracies. Please vote below whether you found this information helpful or not.
YAML vs JSON: format comparison
How the YAML and JSON formats compare on the properties that matter most for this conversion.
| Property | .YAML YAML Ain't Markup Language | .JSON JavaScript Object Notation |
|---|---|---|
| Open standard | Yes | Yes |
| Compression | Uncompressed | Uncompressed |
| Typical file size | Small | Small |
| Opens in a web browser | No | Yes, natively |
| Further editing | Easy | Easy |
| Metadata support | Basic | None |
| Plain-text readable | Yes | Yes |
| Best used for | Data exchange | Data exchange |
| Introduced | 2001 | 2001 |
| Developer | Clark Evans, Ingy döt Net, Oren Ben-Kiki | Douglas Crockford / ECMA International |
| MIME type | application/x-yaml | application/json |
Frequently asked questions
Is the YAML to JSON converter free?
Yes, converting YAML to JSON on 101convert.com is completely free. No registration, email address or installation is required.
How large can my YAML file be?
You can upload YAML files up to 300 MB and convert up to 100 files at once in a single batch.
What happens to my uploaded files?
Files are processed automatically and deleted from our servers within a few minutes after conversion. We never view or share your files.
Do I need to install any software to convert YAML to JSON?
No. The YAML to JSON conversion runs entirely online in your browser and works on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iPhone.
Did the conversion fail?
In most cases, the cause is an incorrect file format. Please upload a valid YAML file for this YAML to JSON conversion. Occasionally, the issue may be on our side. We analyze recurring conversion failures and disable or fix the converter if we detect a defect.