How do I format JSON in VS Code?

Open a .json file in VS Code and press Shift+Alt+F on Windows/Linux or Shift+Option+F on Mac. VS Code formats the file using its built-in JSON language support.

Can I format JSON in VS Code without a plugin?

Yes. VS Code includes JSON formatting out of the box. No extensions are required. You can also right-click the editor and choose Format Document.

What if I don't have VS Code installed?

Use FixTools in any browser. Paste your JSON and click Format — no installation needed. It produces the same result as VS Code's formatter.

Does VS Code validate JSON as well as format it?

Yes, VS Code validates JSON in .json files by default and shows red underlines for syntax errors. For a quick check outside VS Code, use the FixTools JSON Validator.

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Format JSON in VS Code — and a Faster Alternative

VS Code has a built-in JSON formatter: open a .json file, press Shift+Alt+F (Windows/Linux) or Shift+Option+F (Mac) and the file is instantly formatted. But when you're outside VS Code — debugging an API response in a browser tab, reading a log snippet, or on a machine without your editor — FixTools gives you the same instant formatting without opening an IDE.

⚡ Use Tool Now How it works

Cost: Free forever
Sign-up: Not required
Processing: In your browser
Privacy: Files stay local

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Works without VS Code installed

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Instant formatting from any browser

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No file saved to disk

JSON Tool

JSON Formatter

All processing happens in your browser — your files are never uploaded to any server.

🚀Open JSON Formatter

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How to use this tool

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Paste the JSON snippet from your clipboard or API response and format it in one click — no need to create a .json file in VS Code.

How It Works

Step-by-step guide to format json in vs code — and a faster alternative:

1
Open the JSON Formatter
Open FixTools in your browser — no install, no IDE, no extension required.
2
Paste your JSON
Copy the JSON you want to format (from an API response, a log, or anywhere) and paste it in.
3
Format instantly
Click Format. FixTools formats the JSON just like VS Code's built-in formatter.