How to Turn YAML into JSON on Mac
YAML is a config format designed for people to read and edit – Docker Compose, Kubernetes and GitHub Actions all use it – and it relies on indentation rather than brackets and quotes.. Paste it or drop the file below for tidy JSON right away – no Python, no terminal, and your data stays on your Mac.
Converted on your device. Your data never leaves your browser.
The steps: Turn YAML into JSON on Mac
- 1
Open this page in Safari, Chrome or Firefox on your Mac.
- 2
Paste your YAML into the box, or drag the file out of Finder onto the box above, or click the box to choose it.
- 3
The JSON shows up while you type, or as soon as the file has loaded.
- 4
Copy it, or click Download. You'll find the file in your Downloads folder (in Finder or on the Dock).
How your YAML is converted
- Indentation turns into nested JSON objects, lists into arrays, and comments are removed (JSON doesn't allow them).
- When the YAML contains a mistake, the error tells you the line so you can correct it.
YAML and JSON in brief
- YAML is a config format designed for people to read and edit – Docker Compose, Kubernetes and GitHub Actions all use it – and it relies on indentation rather than brackets and quotes.
- JSON is the data format behind web APIs and JavaScript apps: records made of named fields that can sit inside one another.
Mac tips
- It runs the same on Apple silicon and Intel Macs, with nothing to get from the App Store.
YAML vs JSON
| YAML | JSON | |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Plain text | Plain text |
| Ideal for | Config files edited by hand | APIs, apps and settings files |
| Works on | Most languages and DevOps tools | Every programming language |
Questions & answers
Do I have to code to turn YAML into JSON?
No. Paste or drop the file and the converted version appears instantly – no scripts, packages or command line.
What size of file can it cope with?
Files of several megabytes are converted in a moment. There's no set limit; only your device's memory matters.
Do my files get sent anywhere?
No. Your browser does the conversion with your device's own processor, so your files stay with you. Once the page has loaded you could even switch off your internet connection.
Need more options? Open the full YAML to JSON tool →