How to Convert YAML to JSON on Mac
YAML is a human-friendly config format – used by Docker Compose, Kubernetes and GitHub Actions – that uses indentation instead of brackets and quotes.. Paste it or drop the file below to get clean JSON instantly – no Python, no command line, and your data never leaves your Mac.
Converted on your device. Your data never leaves your browser.
Step by step: Convert YAML to 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 from Finder onto the box above, or click the box to choose it.
- 3
The JSON appears as you type or as soon as the file loads.
- 4
Copy it, or click Download. The file is saved to your Downloads folder (Finder › Downloads, or the dock).
How the YAML is converted
- Indentation becomes nested JSON objects, lists become arrays, and comments are dropped (JSON has no comments).
- If the YAML has a mistake, the error message shows the line so you can fix it.
About YAML and JSON
- YAML is a human-friendly config format – used by Docker Compose, Kubernetes and GitHub Actions – that uses indentation instead of brackets and quotes.
- JSON is the data format of web APIs and JavaScript apps: records with named fields, which can be nested inside each other.
Tips for Mac
- Works on Apple silicon and Intel Macs alike – nothing to download from the App Store.
YAML vs JSON
| YAML | JSON | |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Plain text | Plain text |
| Best for | Config files people edit by hand | APIs, apps and config files |
| Support | Most programming languages and DevOps tools | Every programming language |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to write code to convert YAML to JSON?
No. Paste or drop the file and the converted version appears straight away – no scripts, libraries or terminal.
How big a file can it handle?
Files of several megabytes convert in a moment. There's no fixed limit; the only constraint is your device's memory.
Is my data uploaded to a server?
No. The conversion runs in your browser using your device's own processor, so your data never leaves your device. You can even disconnect from the internet once the page has loaded.
Need more options? Open the full YAML to JSON tool →