JSON to INI Converter
Convert JSON objects to INI configuration file format. Automatically converts nested objects to sections, handles arrays, and generates clean INI files. Perfect for application configuration, legacy systems, and Windows settings.
Conversion Options
Exclude null and undefined values
Add ; comments above keys
Use key = value format
Add spacing for readability
Order keys A-Z
Recommended Settings
INI File Best Practices
- •Use sections [SectionName] to group related configuration settings
- •Keep key names simple and descriptive - avoid special characters and spaces
- •INI files are case-sensitive on Unix/Linux but case-insensitive on Windows
- •Comments start with ; (semicolon) or # (hash) - place them on separate lines
- •INI format is text-only - all values are stored as strings (no native types)
Common Use Cases
- •Application configuration: Desktop apps, Windows services, legacy software settings
- •System configuration: Windows system settings, PHP config (php.ini), Git config
- •Game configuration: Many games use INI for user settings and mod configurations
- •Legacy systems: Older software that requires INI format for compatibility
- •Simple key-value storage: When you need human-readable config without JSON complexity
Pro Tips
- •Paste JSON and it auto-validates - conversion happens automatically when valid
- •Nested JSON objects automatically become INI sections with [SectionName] headers
- •Arrays can be formatted as indexed (0=, 1=), comma-separated, or semicolon-separated
- •All processing happens in your browser - your data never leaves your device
Most Popular
Most users enable blank lines between sections and use index-based arrays
When to Use This Tool
Convert JSON configuration to INI files for Windows applications and services. INI is a traditional Windows configuration format used by many desktop applications, system services, and legacy software. Generate clean, readable config files compatible with Windows APIs.
Transform modern JSON config to INI format for legacy systems and older software that only support INI. Many established applications (PHP, Git, games) use INI for configuration. Convert your JSON settings to INI for backward compatibility.
Create INI configuration files for game modifications and user settings. Many PC games use INI files to store graphics settings, gameplay preferences, and mod configurations. Convert JSON mod configs to INI format for game compatibility.
Generate human-readable configuration files from JSON for applications that need simple key-value storage. INI files are easier for non-technical users to edit manually compared to JSON. Perfect for user-facing settings and preferences.
How It Works
Paste your JSON data into the input field on the left side
The tool automatically validates JSON syntax to ensure proper formatting
Click 'Convert to INI' or paste valid JSON to trigger automatic conversion
Nested JSON objects are converted to INI sections with [SectionName] headers
Keys within nested objects become section properties (key=value format)
Root-level keys are placed outside any section as global configuration
Arrays are formatted based on your selection: indexed (0=, 1=), comma-separated, or semicolon-separated
Comments are optionally added with ; prefix to document key paths
Copy the INI output to clipboard or download as config.ini file
All processing happens in your browser - your JSON never leaves your device
100% Private
Files never leave your device. All processing happens locally in your browser.
Lightning Fast
Powered by Pure JavaScript for optimal performance on modern browsers.
Secure
No data collection, no tracking, no sign-up required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an INI file?
An INI file (.ini) is a plain text configuration file format that uses sections [SectionName] and key=value pairs. It originated with Windows but is also used on other platforms. INI files are human-readable and easy to edit manually, making them popular for application settings.
How are nested JSON objects converted to INI format?
Nested objects become INI sections. For example, {"database": {"host": "localhost"}} becomes [database] section with host=localhost. This flattens the structure while preserving logical grouping through sections.
How should I handle arrays in INI files?
INI doesn't natively support arrays. This tool offers three options: index-based (0=value1, 1=value2), comma-separated (key=val1,val2,val3), or semicolon-separated (key=val1;val2;val3). Index-based is most compatible with INI parsers.
Are INI files case-sensitive?
It depends on the platform and parser. On Windows, INI files are typically case-insensitive. On Unix/Linux systems, they're usually case-sensitive. For maximum compatibility, use consistent casing (typically lowercase) for keys.
What happens to JSON data types in INI format?
INI files store all values as strings - there are no native types like JSON's booleans or numbers. The tool preserves the string representation (true, false, numbers as digits), but the INI parser will read them as strings unless it implements type coercion.
Can I add comments to the INI output?
Yes! Enable "Add Comments" to include semicolon-prefixed comments above each key explaining its JSON path. For example: ; database.host above host=localhost. This helps document the structure for manual editing.
What's the difference between ; and # for comments?
Both semicolon (;) and hash (#) can start comments in INI files. Semicolon is more traditional and widely supported. This tool uses semicolon for comments. Some parsers treat them identically, others only support one or the other.
Is my JSON data secure using this tool?
Your data is completely private - all conversion happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Nothing is sent to any server. The tool processes JSON locally and generates INI files client-side. However, remember INI files are plain text, so don't store sensitive data unencrypted.