JSON to YAML Converter
Convert JSON to YAML (YAML Ain't Markup Language) format. Perfect for Kubernetes configs, Docker Compose, CI/CD pipelines, and configuration files with human-readable indentation-based syntax.
Conversion Options
Block style is more readable
Wraps long lines
Recommended Settings
YAML Best Practices
- •Use 2-space indentation (YAML standard) - never tabs
- •Block style is more readable than flow style for configs
- •Quote strings only when necessary (contains :, #, -, etc.)
- •Use multi-line strings (|) for code blocks or formatted text
- •Add comments with # to make configs self-documenting
JSON vs YAML Trade-offs
- •YAML is human-friendly with comments and multi-line strings
- •JSON is machine-friendly and universally supported in APIs
- •YAML is indentation-sensitive - one space off breaks parsing
- •JSON has no comments - YAML supports # comments anywhere
- •Use YAML for configs, JSON for data exchange and APIs
Pro Tips
- •Kubernetes, Docker Compose, GitHub Actions, and most CI/CD tools use YAML
- •Flow style [1,2,3] is compact but harder to diff in version control
- •Document separator --- is optional for single documents, required for multiple
- •All conversion happens client-side - your data never leaves your browser
Most Popular
2-space indent with block style and auto quotes for maximum readability
When to Use This Tool
Convert JSON to YAML for Kubernetes deployments, services, and config maps. K8s exclusively uses YAML for manifests. Generate readable k8s configs from JSON APIs or generated code.
Create docker-compose.yaml from JSON service definitions. Docker Compose uses YAML to define multi-container applications with services, networks, and volumes in a human-readable format.
Generate YAML configs for GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, CircleCI, or Jenkins pipelines. Most modern CI/CD systems use YAML for pipeline definitions, making configs version-controllable and reviewable.
Convert JSON app configs to YAML for better readability and comments. YAML configs are easier to edit by humans, support comments for documentation, and work great for Rails, Symfony, and many frameworks.
Transform JSON data structures into Ansible playbook YAML. Ansible uses YAML for playbooks, roles, and inventory files to define infrastructure as code and automation workflows.
Convert OpenAPI JSON specs to YAML format. While both formats are valid for OpenAPI, YAML is preferred for its readability, comments support, and easier manual editing of API specifications.
How It Works
Parse and validate JSON input syntax
Analyze structure (objects, arrays, primitives, nesting)
Apply conversion options (indent, quotes, flow style)
Convert objects to YAML key: value mappings
Convert arrays to YAML sequences with - prefix
Handle multi-line strings with | literal block scalar
Add document separator --- if enabled
Format with indentation and line width limits
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's the difference between block and flow style?
Block style uses indentation and newlines (key:\n value), which is more readable and standard for config files. Flow style uses brackets/braces on one line ([1,2,3] or {a:1}), which is compact but harder to read and diff. Block style is recommended for most use cases.
When should I use the document separator (---)?
Use --- when you have multiple YAML documents in one file, or when your tooling requires it (some parsers expect it). It's optional for single documents. Kubernetes manifests often use --- to separate multiple resources in one file.
Why does YAML use spaces instead of tabs?
YAML specification requires spaces for indentation because tabs have ambiguous width (could be 2, 4, or 8 spaces). Mixing tabs and spaces causes parsing errors. Always use spaces - most editors can convert tab key to spaces.
What does 'no array indent' do?
By default, array items are indented under their parent key. With 'no array indent', the - aligns with the parent key, saving horizontal space. Example: 'items:\n- one' vs 'items:\n - one'. Some style guides prefer no indent.
How are multi-line strings handled?
JSON strings with \n newlines are automatically converted to YAML literal block scalars using | syntax. This preserves formatting for code snippets, scripts, or formatted text. The tool detects \n and applies block scalar notation.
What's the difference between quote styles?
Auto (minimal) only quotes strings when necessary (contains :, #, etc.). Single quotes treat everything literally (escape ' with ''). Double quotes support escape sequences (\n, \t). Use auto for clean output, double quotes when you need escapes.
Can I convert YAML back to JSON?
Yes, use a YAML to JSON converter (reverse operation). YAML is a superset of JSON, so most YAML converts cleanly. However, YAML-specific features like comments, anchors, and multi-line strings may be lost or transformed during conversion.
Is my data secure during conversion?
Absolutely! All conversion happens entirely in your browser using client-side JavaScript. Your JSON data never leaves your computer or gets sent to any server. The tool works completely offline after the page loads. No data is stored or transmitted.