YAML (YAML Ain't Markup Language) is a human-readable data serialization format commonly used for configuration files, Kubernetes manifests, CI/CD pipelines, and API specifications. It's designed to be easy to write and read for humans while being easily parsed by machines. Unlike JSON, YAML supports comments, multi-line strings, anchors, aliases, and doesn't require quotes around most strings.

What is the difference between YAML and JSON?

YAML is more human-readable with minimal syntax (no brackets or commas), supports comments (#), anchors (&), aliases (*), and multi-line strings. JSON is more strict, widely supported in APIs, generally faster to parse, and is natively supported by all programming languages. They can represent the same data structures — this tool converts between them seamlessly.

How do I convert JSON to YAML?

Simply paste your JSON content in the left panel — the tool automatically detects the format and converts it to YAML. It handles nested objects, arrays, special characters, and complex structures. The conversion preserves data types (strings, numbers, booleans, null) and produces clean, properly indented YAML output ready for use in Docker Compose, Kubernetes, or any config file.

Does this tool support YAML anchors and aliases?

Yes! The tool uses js-yaml library which fully supports YAML 1.2 features including anchors (&), aliases (*), merge keys (<<: *), and custom tags. These are resolved before converting to JSON, so you'll see the expanded values in the output. For example, &defaults creates an anchor named 'defaults', and *defaults references it elsewhere.

Is my data sent to a server?

No. All YAML and JSON processing happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your data never leaves your device — we don't have servers to send it to. You can even disconnect from the internet after the page loads and it will still work. This makes it safe for converting sensitive configuration files like Docker Compose or Kubernetes manifests.

What YAML version is supported?

The tool supports YAML 1.2 (the latest standard). Most modern YAML files use YAML 1.2, including Kubernetes manifests, GitHub Actions workflows (.github/workflows/*.yml), Docker Compose files (docker-compose.yml), GitLab CI (.gitlab-ci.yml), Ansible playbooks, and OpenAPI/Swagger specs. If you have very old YAML 1.0 files, they should still work for basic structures.

Can I convert large YAML files?

Yes, there's no strict file size limit, but very large files (10MB+) may slow down your browser. For typical use cases — Docker Compose files, Kubernetes deployments, CI/CD configs — it handles them instantly. If you need to convert huge files (100MB+), consider using command-line tools like yq (jq for YAML) or Python's PyYAML library.

Why does my YAML show as invalid?

Common issues: incorrect indentation (YAML uses spaces, not tabs, and indentation matters), missing colons after keys, unquoted special characters (:, {}, [], &, *, #), trailing commas (not allowed in YAML), inconsistent indentation levels, mixing spaces and tabs. The validator shows the exact line and column where it fails — look for red highlighting in the line numbers. Tip: Use 2-space indentation consistently.

Does it work on mobile?

Yes, but the experience is better on desktop. On mobile, the input/output panels stack vertically, and you can still copy/download results. For best results, use landscape mode on tablets when editing large YAML files.

Completely free, no signup required, no ads that interfere with usage, no rate limits. We make money through non-intrusive display ads so you can focus on getting work done. Perfect for developers who need quick format conversions without installing tools.

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YAML to JSON Converter

YAML to JSON and JSON to YAML converter. Transform YAML configuration files (Docker Compose, Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines) to JSON format with real-time validation, syntax error detection, and precise line/column position. Supports YAML 1.2 features including anchors, aliases, merge keys, multi-line strings, and custom tags. Features include bidirectional conversion, customizable indentation (2/4 spaces), line numbers, drag-and-drop file upload (.yaml/.yml), one-click copy/download. All processing runs locally in your browser — no server uploads, perfect for sensitive config files.

Features

✓Bidirectional conversion — YAML to JSON and JSON to YAML with one click
✓Real-time validation with precise error location — highlights the exact line number in red when syntax is invalid
✓Supports complex nested structures including objects, arrays, and multi-level hierarchies
✓Handles YAML anchors (&), aliases (*), merge keys (<<: *), and custom tags
✓Preserves data types — numbers stay numbers, booleans stay booleans, null stays null
✓Line numbers displayed by default for easy reference when debugging or comparing diffs
✓Drag-and-drop file upload or click to browse — supports .yaml and .yml files
✓Download converted output as .json or .yml file with one click
✓Copy to clipboard with one click for easy sharing
✓Entirely client-side — zero data transmission, works offline after initial load
✓Perfect for Docker Compose, Kubernetes manifests, GitHub Actions, and CI/CD pipelines

How to Use

1Paste your YAML or JSON data into the left panel. It auto-detects the format and converts instantly as you type.
2When validation fails, the error line number turns red in the input panel — hover over it to see the error message.
3Drag a .yaml or .yml file onto the input area to load it instantly. No server upload required.
4Click Copy or Download on the right toolbar to save your converted result.

Frequently Asked Questions

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