What is the difference between JSON and YAML?

JSON uses braces {} and brackets [] with strict quotation requirements, while YAML uses indentation for structure. YAML is more human-readable and supports comments, making it preferred for configuration files. JSON is better for data interchange between applications due to its strict format.

Is this JSON to YAML converter free?

Yes, our JSON to YAML converter is completely free with no usage limits. There's no signup required, and your data is processed entirely in your browser without being sent to any server.

Can I convert YAML back to JSON?

Yes! Use our YAML to JSON converter at /yaml-to-json for reverse conversion. Both tools work instantly in your browser.

Does the converter preserve data types?

Yes, our converter accurately preserves all JSON data types including strings, numbers, booleans, null values, nested objects, and arrays in the YAML output.

Can I use this for OpenAPI/Swagger files?

Absolutely. Our converter handles OpenAPI 3.0 and Swagger 2.0 specification files, properly converting the entire API definition structure to YAML format.

Is my data secure when using this converter?

Yes. All conversion happens locally in your browser using JavaScript. Your JSON data is never sent to any server or stored anywhere. Your data remains completely private.

What if my JSON has errors?

The converter validates your JSON before conversion. You'll see a clear error message identifying the problem, such as missing commas, unmatched brackets, or invalid characters.

Can I convert large JSON files?

Yes. The converter runs in your browser and can handle files as large as your browser's memory allows. For extremely large files, consider using command-line tools like yq or jq.

Does the output preserve key order?

Yes. The converter maintains the same key order from your original JSON. Keys appear in the YAML output in the same sequence you provided them.

What indentation does the YAML output use?

The default output uses 2-space indentation, which is the most common YAML style. You can change this to 4 spaces if your project requires it.

Jobs · Workflows · Orbs

CircleCI JSON to YAML
Converter

Convert JSON into a .circleci/config.yml pipeline in seconds. Ideal for turning generated CI definitions into the YAML CircleCI expects. Free, instant, and browser-based.

JSON

YAML

How to Convert JSON to CircleCI YAML

Paste your config JSON

Drop in the JSON describing your version, jobs, and workflows.

Get config.yml

Valid CircleCI YAML appears instantly, with jobs and workflows correctly nested.

Save to .circleci/config.yml

Copy or download the file and commit it to .circleci/ to run your pipeline.

Why CircleCI Uses YAML

CircleCI pipelines are defined in a single YAML file at .circleci/config.yml. CircleCI reads it to determine the jobs to run, their steps, and how workflows orchestrate them.

When configs are generated by scripts or templates, they often start as JSON. Converting to YAML gives you a config.yml CircleCI can parse directly.

Benefits for CircleCI Pipelines

Config-Ready

Output is valid config.yml syntax. Commit it to .circleci/ and the next push runs your pipeline.

Readable Workflows

Job dependencies and step order are far clearer in YAML than in nested JSON during review.

Comment Your Steps

Document why a job needs a specific executor or filter. YAML supports # comments; JSON does not.

Private Processing

Configs reference contexts and tokens. Conversion is local to your browser, so nothing sensitive is uploaded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the YAML run as a CircleCI config?

Yes, provided your JSON follows CircleCI structure (version, jobs, workflows). Save it as .circleci/config.yml and CircleCI will run it.

Are orbs preserved?

Yes. The orbs key and its references convert verbatim, keeping your orb declarations intact in the YAML output.

How are job steps handled?

Steps convert as a YAML list, whether they are simple run strings or detailed mappings with name and command keys.

Why are some values quoted?

YAML quotes values that could be misinterpreted, such as version numbers or branch filters. CircleCI interprets quoted values correctly.

Is my config private?

Completely. Everything runs in your browser. Job definitions and context references never leave your machine.

Related Tools & Resources

JSON to YAML Converter
General-purpose JSON to YAML conversion.
YAML to JSON Converter
Reverse the conversion back to JSON.
All Converters
Browse every JSON-to-YAML use case.
CircleCI Configuration Reference
Official documentation.

CircleCI JSON to YAMLConverter